Huntsville Road Improvements, New SPCA Manager, MAHC “misunderstood,” Save South Muskoka asks for rejection, LoB to hold public meeting, Watershed Conditions

Select Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including our own reporting, media releases, and a few notes contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

River Mill Park Washroom Opens

The Town of Huntsville announced last night that the new River Mill Park Washroom has been installed and landscaped, ready for public use.

The unit features two self-cleaning bathrooms that automatically sanitize using UV light after each use.

The project, funded by the Conner Family’s generous donation, will have a grand opening ceremony planned for a later date.

Road Improvements Underway in Huntsville

The Town of Huntsville’s Capital Construction Program for 2024 is underway and the town says  projects including Streetlight Replacement on Dara Howell Way.  The town says the existing lights have been removed and new units should be installed by the end of the month.  In the meantime, residents should exercise caution in the area.

The town says work begins July 12 on project including Silver Street to prepare for a new asphalt road surface and ditching, as well as on East Elliot St. with new asphalt road surface, catch basins, storm pipes, and ditching.

 Kitchen Road South will also get a new asphalt overlay to improve the surface temporarily, and By-lock Acres will have the road resurfaced and new storm water improvements.

New SPCA Manager

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society announced last week that Lindsey Bunn will be the new Muskoka Animal Centre manager.

A born and raised Muskokan, Bunn brings with her many years of management and customer care experience.

“I am very excited to be here to help our wonderful animals find their forever homes,” says Bunn. “Getting to know the community and matching people with the animals in our care is something I am very passionate about. You will never find a love like the bond you have with a special animal.”

Over the past 10 years, the Muskoka Animal Centre has found loving homes for over 2,300 animals. Bunn’s goal is help 600 animals get adopted this year.

To learn more about the Muskoka Animal Centre, and to view animals available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/muskoka

MAHC claims to be “misunderstood”

This week, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) sent out a media release claiming that their board’s motion stating they were moving forward with a final plan for Muskoka’s healthcare was “misunderstood.”

Apparently, according to the release, their recent board motion “does not mean that the organization is moving ahead with a final plan for the hospitals without further consultation.”

Rather, they are stating that the decision only means that consultants can start designing ideas regarding the two hospitals and that those designs will be flexible regarding future healthcare needs.

The release says, at least in regards to MAHC’s position, that where things stand are that they will keep working closely with Muskoka’s leaders and healthcare teams to ensure the consideration of everyone’s needs.

As well, MAHC states that there will not be a plan submitted until November as the plan is still being worked on; they will keep listening to feedback from the community and doctors. This input from stakeholders will be included in the submission to the Ministry in the fall.

Those wanting an opinion that doesn’t just fall into line with what MAHC wants can check out: Tim Withey on The Chris O Show, Show Us the Money, and MAHC Ignores Good Option.

Save South Muskoka Asks for Bracebridge Rejection

The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee asked Bracebridge Council to reject the new hospital model at a meeting this week.

With 120 members and 11,000 petitioners signed up, Save South Muskoka has been advocating for “equitable access to acute care services across the District” in all their messaging.

In a report to council, and media releases sent out, Save South Muskoka is encouraging development of a separate and additional facility for alternate level of care patients who they indicate occupy 20 to 25 per cent of the current 67 acute care beds in the south Muskoka hospital, increased consideration to transferring and transportation options for patients, and working with doctors for solutions to issues.

They asked Bracebridge Council to create a motion to reject the 36 beds proposed, in favour of at least 56 and a full-service hospital, and withdraw the $10 million of local share.

Bracebridge had already adopted a planning and development committee recommendation to invite MAHC to give a presentation on the new model, and to have staff look into conditions to be applied to the Town’s $10 million local share contribution.

Lake of Bays Public Meeting Notice

The Township of Lake of Bays will hold a hybrid public meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. The meeting will address amendments to the Community Planning Permit By-law 2021-111.

Key changes include removing pre-consultation requirements, updating provisions for existing lots and accessory dwellings, and adding permissions for structures like shipping containers. Details and participation via Zoom can be obtained from Helena Craymer, Planner. Visit the Township’s website for more information and the full Notice of Public Meeting.

Watershed Conditions Statement

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents and visitors that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook Bulletin is in effect for the district until Friday, July 19, 2024. A Flood Outlook is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as lake/river levels rise in response to received precipitation. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.

For more information, read the full Watershed Conditions Statement.