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

Port Carling Pavilion and Docks Reconstruction

The District of Muskoka will begin the transformation of the Port Carling Pavilion and docks this winter.

This full reconstruction project will include upgrades to improve accessibility and safety, while keeping intact the charm that makes the location a cherished community landmark. 

Upgrades will include improving ramps and pathways will ensure the Pavilion is accessible for more community members to experience; reinforced structural supports and modern safety upgrades for a safer environment that is built to last; new docks that will have reinforced supports to improve safety and withstand heavy use; and dark-sky compliant lighting will be installed to improve nighttime visibility, while reducing light pollution.

The District scheduled construction in the winter to reduce inconveniences for boaters, avoid impacts on Lock operations, and minimize disruptions during the busy summer months. The Pavilion and docks are scheduled to reopen in Spring 2025.

Council again rejects 96-lot proposal

From our friends at www.MuskokaRadio.com: For the second time, a proposed 96-lot housing development at 206 Town Line Rd. W. in Huntsville has been turned down. During the October 16 planning committee meeting, concerns were raised about stormwater management and traffic safety, preventing the revised plan from moving forward.

Councillor Monty Clouthier expressed disappointment, noting that the developers had not made significant changes to address these issues. Planning consultant John P. Gallagher had argued that the project could provide more affordable housing options.

Despite staff recommendations to conditionally approve the draft, the council decided to postpone the application again, requiring the developers to submit a more detailed plan that addresses council’s concerns before it can be reconsidered.

District confirms Clear Bag Program to begin in March

Muskoka residents will have to use clear bags for curbside garbage collection beginning in March 2025.

As part of the District of Muskoka’s clear bag program, residents will be required to place garbage in clear plastic bags as opposed to black or green plastic bags. Residents will be allowed two small opaque privacy bags within the clear bag.

According to the official Clear Bag Program from the District, the benefits they hope to achieve through this program include better recycling practices, landfill conservation, worker safety (collectors will be able to see if dangerous objects are inside), and hazardous waste removal (again, collectors will be able to determine if hazardous waste is inside the bag).

“This is an important step forward in our efforts to protect Muskoka’s environment,” says District Chair Jeff Lehman via press release. “If we don’t divert more waste, our landfill will soon be full, resulting in massive costs to taxpayers. By adopting the Clear Bag Program, residents can take one last look to ensure they are making a positive impact through better waste sorting. This is a step to help our community stay sustainable for future generations.”

Current estimates indicate that the Rosewarne Landfill, located in Bracebridge, has less than 15 years left. Extending the life of the landfill will promote environmental sustainability while deferring the substantial costs associated with finding alternate disposal option. 

Over two million Canadian households have already been using clear bags. According to the District, those municipalities with clear bag programs have seen an 11 per cent increase in waste diversion.

“In Muskoka, over 50 per cent of what goes in the garbage at the curb belongs in the green bin, recycling, or hazardous waste stream,” says Renee Recoskie, the District Director of Waste Management and Environmental Services in a press release. “The clear garbage bag program encourages residents to sort compostable and recycling materials appropriately. We all have a part to play to make sure waste makes it to the right place.”

Find out more about the program at: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/clear-bags.aspx

Smile Cookie Campaign to benefit Legion

The 2024 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign is set to return from November 17 to 23, with proceeds benefiting the Huntsville Legion Branch 232.

All three Tim Hortons locations in Huntsville are seeking volunteers to help decorate the cookies. Decorating sessions will take place on November 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and from November 18 to 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.

If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to the legion at 705-388-4010.

District to increase Development Charges

The District Municipality of Muskoka is expected to experience an eight per cent growth in it’s permanent population base between 2021 to 2026 and another 7.4 per cent between 2026 to 2031.

That increased need for development and redevelopment, along with the expansion of services required to meet the needs of the growing population led the District to approve an increase in development charges.

There will be a 29 per cent increase in development charges for single detached units in urban areas.

The Bay Gives $5,000 to Muskoka Seniors

From our friends at www.MuskokaRadio.com: Recently, The Bay 88.7FM gave another $5,000 to Muskoka Seniors. The donation, bringing the total to $20,000, will be used to support Muskoka Seniors Meals on Wheels program.

Muskoka Seniors is a volunteer charitable organization working  to serve the seniors of Huntsville and surrounding area. The program involves volunteers delivering frozen meals right to seniors’ homes. The program also serves as an informal wellness check with their clients to ensure their safety.

Frozen meals are also available at Muskoka Seniors, available for purchase by the public.  Their frozen meals are prepared by Apetito-HFS offering a wide variety of menu options.

They are located on Centre Street North beside Festing Toyota.

MAHC Once Again Celebrated for Organ and Tissue Donation

For the second year in a row, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has been recognized by Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) for its efforts to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care.

MAHC was recognized this fall with the Hospital Achievement Award – Provincial Conversion Rate for reaching a conversion rate that meets or exceeds the target of 63 per cent set by Ontario Health (TGLN). Between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, MAHC achieved a 100 per cent conversion rate, which is the percentage of potential organ donors (patients who die in a hospital setting and are deemed medically suitable for donation) who went on to become actual donors, which led to saving a life. Additionally, there were seven tissue donors, enhancing the lives of many others.

“This achievement reflects not only interdisciplinary teams’ commitment to organ and tissue donation, but also the incredible generosity and spirit of those who choose to donate,” says MAHC President & CEO Cheryl Harrison via media release. “Each donor’s gift transforms lives, and we are deeply grateful to all the families who have embraced this profound act of kindness during difficult times. Your support helps us make a difference in saving lives.”

The Hospital Achievement Awards reflect the ongoing commitment Ontario Health (TGLN) and its hospital partners share in implementing leading donation practices, integrating donation as part of quality end-of-life care, and supporting a culture of donation in Ontario.

Today, there are nearly 1,400 people in Ontario waiting for life-saving organ transplant and thousands more in need of life-restoring tissue transplants. Every three days someone will die waiting for an organ, while those awaiting valuable tissue will continue to experience a lower quality of life.

One donor can save and enhance up to 80 lives through organ and tissue donation. Register to donate and speak with your family about your wishes. Visit http://www.beadonor.ca/mahc/ to find out more.

Drive Muskoka raises over $40K for local hospitals

The Huntsville Hospital Foundation and Drive Muskoka celebrated a successful tenth annual Drive For Your Hospital Tent Event, held throughout August. This year, the fundraiser raised $31,800 for lifesaving equipment at Huntsville Hospital.

In total, $40,600 will be distributed among the foundations, including $5,000 for South Muskoka and $3,800 for West Parry Sound. Muskoka Regional Manager Jef Green highlighted the event’s impact, saying, “We are thrilled to support local hospitals.”

Katherine Craine, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, commended the team’s enthusiasm and noted that the event has raised over $179,800 since 2015. Both organizations are eager to continue their partnership for community healthcare.