GRAVENHURST — Two men and a woman from Gravenhurst face numerous drug charges after a police raid here yesterday. Provincial police say that on March 31 the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit of the Bracebridge and Huntsville executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in Gravenhurst, with the assistance of the Central Region […]

BRACEBRIDGE — The March Break continues into April — at least. Today, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health David William, Ontario announced that schools will remain closed until at least May to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of students and staff. Public schools […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA —  With worsening local health news, two restrictive COVID-19 assessment centres will open tomorrow, April 1, in Bracebridge and Huntsville — by appointment only. No walk-ins will be allowed. Organizers say patient access is by appointment only from Monday through Friday — and you must have a referral from a […]

‘EXPECT CASES TO RISE’ IN DAYS, WEEKS Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — With four more cases of the coronavirus confirmed today in Muskoka — and evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in the region — health officials are warning the pandemic is spreading in the community and as returning travellers get back their test […]

MUSKOKA — Municipalites in Muskoka have issued local orders to close parks facilities following Monday’s provincial announcement to do so. In Gravenhurst all of its parks and recreational amenities are now closed until further notice effective Tuesday, March 30. They say staff will be cordoning off outdoor recreational amenities through a combination of fencing and warning tape […]

ONTARIO — It’s still OK for most people to go outside for a walk, a bike ride — or the kids to play in the backyard — but community park facilities are now officially off limits as are dog parks. Public trails are still OK to use — but keep your distance. Premier Doug Ford […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Good news today for local COVID-19 preparedness. Muskoka’s two hospital “have just been able to procure four additional ventilators,” says Katherine Craine, of the Hunstville Hospital Foundation (HHF), which told officials to buy whatever equipment they need and could get their hands on and the foundation would cover the […]

QUEEN’S PARK — If you’re over age 70 — you’re in for a long haul. Today, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health recommended that everyone over 70 years of age or with a compromised immune system should self isolate as well. “Everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 – […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — The community response for emergency cash and supplies to combat COVID-19 has been enormous at the Bracebridge and Huntsville hospital foundations. In just 10 days since launching its Emergency Response Fund March 21, the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF) has been overwhelmed with donations. Foundation director Colin Miller said […]

BRACEBRIDGE — Spring flooding has begun following rain during the weekend. Bracebridge works officials said Monday that a section Germania Road — in east end of town — is closed between Waters Road and 1507 Germania Rd. They are also urging caution on Campbell’s Road.

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Concerns about cottagers coming north adding pressure to local health services are being met with a large donation by some of “neighbours.” In response to the hospitals’ call for cash and supplies for its Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund, a group of cottagers has donated $135,000 to the South Muskoka […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — The message clearly isn’t getting out in a bid to protect workers from the spread of the corona virus. A call last week by the District of Muskoka telling home and business owners to bag all their waste is being met with mixed results. Street curbs and roadsides are […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — One of Canada’s largest unions is calling on the federal government to ensure that Canadian media organizations survive the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide vital information to the public. “Almost every Canadian newspaper and television news outlet was teetering on the brink before the pandemic hit,” said Unifor national […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com GRAVENHURST — “We’re closed ….” But “We miss you” … “Be Safe.” The messages to customers are clear and heartfelt from the business community devastated by COVID-19. Core retailers here, forced to close, say it in signs posted on their front doors in professional and personal scripts. It’s their letters to […]

BARRIE — People who were swabbed at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) for COVID-19 are being asked not to call the hospital emergency department. In an urgent email this afternoon, RVH communications person Donna Danyluk asked the media to help us get this “important information out to the public.” She said many people are […]

MUSKOKA — With a wet weekend ahead, a spring flooding “water safety” advisory has been issued for Parry-Sound Muskoka. Just after noon Friday, March 27, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) sent out an update from its Bracebridge field office for its Parry Sound District. The means high flows, melting ice or other factors […]

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com BRACEBRIDGE — Is it OK to go out to give blood safe? Yes, according to the Town of Bracebridge that is working with the Canadian Blood Services to ensure the safety of donors and staff at a mobile blood donor clinic next Monday, March 30. The donor event will take place […]

HUNTSVILLE — Staying home to protect your property may be a good idea as thieves aren’t self-isolating. Provincial police at Huntsville say their Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a search warrant in Innisfil Thursday, recovering two snowmobiles and a trailer stolen from Deerhurst Resort three weeks ago. They say that on March 7 […]