Accumulated news pieces concerning a variety of topics for those living in or visiting Muskoka.

Bi-weekly Collection Starts Soon

As autumn arrives, Muskoka is preparing for changes to curbside garbage collection with the return of bi-weekly collection. 

Starting the week of October 28, 2024, bi-weekly garbage collection will begin for the fall/winter season. Residents can access updated curbside collection schedules, limits, and stay informed about any changes at www.muskokawaste.ca. District crews and waste collection partners will continue monitoring road conditions as we enter the colder months. 

Residents are reminded that curbside leaf and yard waste collection for urban households is scheduled during the weeks of October 14 and October 28, 2024. Leaf and yard waste will be processed into nutrient-rich compost, which will be distributed back to the community, preventing waste from being sent to landfills. 

Some notes to remembers: only use paper yard waste bags or clearly marked containers that can be dumped and left behind; set out materials at the curb by 7 a.m. Monday and leave them out until collected; collection may occur any day during the week – not necessarily on your regular collection day.

If you live outside of the urban area, residential leaf and yard waste can be delivered to a Transfer Station at no charge. 

Learn more at: Fall Waste Collection Changes.

Richter Announces Green Party Candidacy

Matt Richter has announced he will once again run to be the Green Party of Ontario candidate in the upcoming provincial election.

The Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, Richter has long championed important causes throughout the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding and beyond. climate action, affordable housing, and healthcare equity, says he aims to continue his efforts in building a sustainable future for the region.

Check out my chat with Matt at: The Chris O Show with Guest Matt Richter.

A nomination contest to select the Green Party candidate for Parry Sound-Muskoka will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Katrine Community Centre.

All eligible Ontario Green Party members are encouraged to vote. Doors open at 1 p.m. with the contest running from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more details on voter eligibility and involvement, visit gpo.ca or www.psmgreenparty.ca.

Dyer Memorial Future

The Muskoka Conservancy hosted a public discussion this week about the historic Dyer Memorial property.

The Muskoka Conservancy was entrusted with the protection of the 155-acre property – specifically it’s natural and historic characteristics – in 2010.

Many people have voiced concerns about the condition of the road travelling into the property as well as the upkeep of the property itself. However, as this writer can confirm: the proeprty and the monuments are being kept well and even restored.

The Conservancy says it spends about $20,000 annually on memorial expenses and has planted native flowers. They are seeking a partner for management and recruiting volunteers to help remove invasive plants.

MAHC Board Approves Redevelopment Plan Submission

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) announced on Friday, October 11 that its board of directors approved the Stage 1.3 capital redevelopment plan submission to the Ministry of Health. MAHC’s press release regarding the approval states it will pave the way for the “development of the multi-site regional hospital.”

The plan includes the recommendation to add 10 new beds to the Bracebridge site, bringing the total number of beds to 46.

“Today’s vote is an important step toward the future of healthcare in Muskoka,” said Carla Ladd, Chair of the capital redevelopment steering committee and vice chair of the board, via press release. “The approval of the Stage 1.3 submission demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering sustainable healthcare solutions and ensuring that the needs of our community are met. At the end of the day, this is all about our patients. It’s great that we will renew these buildings, but more importantly, there will be more services and markedly better care at both hospitals.”

The formal submission to Ontario Health Central Region and the Ministry of Health is expected to be filed in early November and represents a pivotal step in the long-term vision for healthcare in the region.

A letter of support from 45 South Muskoka physicians, along with endorsements from M.P.P. Graydon Smith and other local politicians and community members, highlights the positive momentum behind the plan.

OSPCA has 36 Northern cats in need of homes

Ontario SPCA locations in Muskoka, Midland, and York region have received a total of 36 Northern cats from the Kenora Cat shelter and will be placed up for adoption.

Cats adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help them transition into their new home.

To help even more animals, the Ontario SPCA delivered 750 lbs. of cat food on this trip, which was generously donated by Mars Canada and will provide 3,000 meals to animals in the North.

A lack of access to basic animal wellness services, such as veterinarians and spay/neuter services, has contributed to an increase in animal populations across Northern Canada.

“There are more adoptable animals in the North than there are homes, which is why we are working together to bring these animals to areas of the province where there are families waiting to adopt,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Regional Manager, Northern Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society via press release. “These re-homing initiatives help ensure our partners in the North have the capacity to help animals in need during the cold winter months ahead.”

Visit the Ontario SPCA’s adoption page at ontariospca.ca/adopt to meet animals available for adoption. 

United Way Opens Applications to fund Projects Tackling Homelessness

Earlier this week, the United Way Simcoe Muskoka announced the availability of over $3.5 million for programs addressing the current housing crisis through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. The United Way is looking to fund programs for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness in rural and remote communities across Ontario.   

“Over 200,000 people experience homelessness each year in Canada,” said Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer at United Way Simcoe Muskoka in a press release. “There is a need for innovative programs and services to move people from poverty to possibility; by administering Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada Reaching Home funds, we can ensure that these programs exist in rural and remote Ontario to meet the unique needs of folks living in these communities.”  

 Of the over $3.5 million available, almost $2 million has been reserved for capital projects, while the balance is for individual supports/social services. Shelley added that within the funding, $798,395 has been allocated specifically for programs addressing the needs of Indigenous communities.  

All approved projects will be expected to launch in April 2025.  United Way have set the following timelines for applications:  applications for funding for non-capital initiatives open October 22, 2024, and close November 19, 2024, at 5 p.m.; applications for funding capital initiatives open November 19, 2024, and close December 17, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Information Sessions will be held throughout October and November; to register for a session or to learn more, visit https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca/rhinformationpage/      

LoB Approves Renovationn that is $1.7 million overbudget

Township of Lake of Bays Council approved the Dwight Library and Community Centre renovation award $1,762,520.00 overbudget at their meeting this week.

The winning bid from three proposals to the Township was awarded to Davicor Construction Incorporated, at a cost of $2,162,520.00. The Township’s 2024 budget only allocated $400,000 towards the project.

According to a staff report, they will be looking for funding opportunities to raise the $1,762,520 plus HST still needed. Staff told council that they will be exploring federal and provincial grant opportunities while the library is fundraising as well.

Mayor Terry Glover was concerned about that not being enough and staff explained in that case, they may have to borrow.

Due to compliance requirements under the Ontario Disabilities Act, the library renovations must occur as proposed.