A curated collection of local news items from the past seven days to help you catch up.

GGW This Weekend In Huntsville

Girlfriends Getaway Weekend – affectionately known as Cougarfest to longtime locals – takes place this weekend throughout Huntsville.

The weekend features shopping, dining, drinking, more drinking, maybe a tad bit more drinking, and going to events at Deerhurst Resort, the Algonquin Theatre, On the Docks Pub, Riverside Public School (the annual arts and crafts sale), and more.

Find out what’s taking place at: https://www.huntsvillegirlfriendsgetaway.com/events

Aitchison Takes Stand on Development Charges

Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison took a stand against the 30 per cent increase in development charges approved by the District of Muskoka council recently.

As a former District councilor – both at large and as Mayor of Huntsville – Aitchison reminded everyone that when he was there, along with MPP Graydon Smith, and former Mayor of Huntsville Claude Doughty, they slashed the development charges in half.

Aitchison indicated that if he was going to call out obstacles to affordable and attainable housing across the nation, he had to do it at home as well.

In addition to explaining how increased development charges are then passed on to the consumer, Aitchison mentioned an “axe the federal sales tax on new homes under $1 million.”

See the whole video here . . .

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MAHC institutes masking requirements at hospitals

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has returned to mandatory masking requirements in most areas of the hospitals in anticipation of the increased spread of influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 over the fall and winter.

Effective November 5, patients and visitors are to wear a mask while receiving care, and in high-risk areas such as all inpatient units, Emergency Department, waiting areas and outpatient services. MAHC team members are wearing masks when interacting directly with patients.

“Safety is of the utmost importance, and masks are proven to help reduce the risk of becoming ill and protecting those closest to you,” says President and CEO Cheryl Harrison via press release. “Along with masking, other infection and prevention control measures like hand washing, and proper self-screening for symptoms of illness and staying home when unwell, will limit the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses to help keep everyone safe.”

At this time, masks remain optional, but encouraged, in areas such as hallways and administrative spaces. Surgical masks continue to be available at entrances to the hospitals and in various clinical areas.

Sandhill comes through for Hospice again!

Hospice Huntsville and Sandhill Nursery are thrilled to announce that this year’s Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival has raised an impressive $93,055 for the organization.

Once again, Sandhill Nursery generously selected Hospice Huntsville as the festival’s benefitting charity and Fall Festival guests responded with remarkable generosity.

Each year, the event not only raises vital funds for Hospice Huntsville but also helps to increase awareness about the organization.

The funds raised will be allocated to Hospice Huntsville’s ongoing operations, supporting the Day of Care/Month of Care fundraising campaign and contributing to the capital costs associated with the new hospice community program expansion.

This expansion will allow Hospice Huntsville to enhance its services and programs for the community, ensuring that individuals and families receive compassionate care during difficult times.

Currently, government funding covers only half of Hospice Huntsville’s annual operating costs, making fundraising events like Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival vital for meeting financial needs.

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Bracebridge approves $385K to replace bandshell

Bracebridge General Committee approved $385,000 to replace the Memorial Park Bandshell at this week’s meeting.

The project is in its final stages of design, and the cost has been approved in advance of the 2025 Capital Budget and Business Plan. The bandshell replacement is not a luxury, it is a necessity, council heard during a staff report.

Director of Public Works, Geoff Carleton, confirmed that the project will go to tender for procurement.

Green bin program expands

The District of Muskoka reports that the Muskoka’s curbside green bin program has been expanded to include more residents in Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Georgian Bay.

Nearly 8,000 bins have been delivered as part of the region’s largest expansion to date, and the District says the response has been overwhelming. Many residents are already taking part in this waste diversion effort, keeping food waste out of local landfills and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The District says that residents who are not yet part of the program, will see the green bins available on seasonal roads and at Common Collection Points starting in early 2025. In the meantime, organic waste can still be dropped off for free at any Muskoka transfer station.

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