On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., an officer from the Central Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 11 North when a vehicle was stopped for speeding.

During the investigation, the officer determined that two young children in the vehicle were not properly secured in approved child restraint systems. Further investigation led to the driver’s arrest for impaired driving.

As a result of the investigation, the accused, a 27-year old from Mississauga, has been charged with:

• Abandoning a Child – 2 counts
• Dangerous Operation
• Operation While Impaired
• Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

The name of the accused will not be released in order to protect the identity of the children.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia in August.

The OPP reminds motorists that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of criminal deaths on Canadian roadways. Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that all passengers, especially children, are properly secured in approved child restraint systems and seatbelts before operating a motor vehicle.

If you suspect a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 911 immediately. When reporting a suspected impaired driver, provide as much information as possible, including the vehicle description, licence plate number and direction of travel.

The post Orillia OPP Charge Driver With Impaired And Abandoning a Child appeared first on Muskoka411.

As a legacy project commemorating Bracebridge’s 150-year anniversary, the revitalized bandshell has been reimagined as a vibrant gathering space that will support community events, live performances, cultural celebrations, and civic ceremonies for generations to come.

The community is encouraged to bring a lawn chair, gather with family and friends, and help kick off a new era of entertainment in Memorial Park while launching the 2026 Bandshell Concert Series.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a ceremonial opening featuring:

• Remarks from Mayor Rick Maloney;
• Recognition of project sponsors and contributors;
• O Canada by local youth Sophie Mann;
• Performance by the Legion Pipe and Drum Band;
• Community celebration cake cutting; and more!

At 6:30 p.m., the celebration continues with the official kickoff of the Bandshell Concert Series as Luke Crans takes the stage for a free outdoor concert.

In addition to the entertainment, attendees can enjoy:

• A community barbecue hosted by the Bracebridge Lions Club (fee applies); and
• Outdoor yard games provided by the Downtown Bracebridge BIA.

The Memorial Park Bandshell project was made possible through the support and collaboration of numerous community partners, local businesses, contractors, donors, and volunteers. Their contributions have helped create a welcoming and accessible space that will serve as a lasting community legacy.

Bandshell Concert Series
Enjoy live music from the new bandshell in Memorial Park every Wednesday in July and August from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Music lovers of all ages are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of great entertainment under the open sky. Concerts are free to attend, and donations are encouraged to support the artists.

To learn more, visit bracebridge.ca/bandshell.

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Jermey was nominated by the family member of a former patient, who shared a heartfelt account of the compassion and personalized care she provided during their mother’s hospital stay.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award,” said Jermey. “Caring for patients and their families is at the heart of what we do every day. It means so much to be recognized in this way and to know that the care I provide makes a difference.”

Here is an excerpt from her nomination:

“Though everyone we encountered was incredible, the nurse caring for my mom was an actual angel. Darlene went above and beyond in every way—engaging my mother in meaningful conversation, ensuring her comfort, and even finding snacks when she noticed my mom wasn’t enjoying the hospital food.

My mother often feels dismissed because of her accent, but Darlene treated her with patience, dignity, and respect. Her professionalism, tact, and empathy were truly remarkable. In a world that can feel rushed and disconnected, Darlene reminded us that compassion still exists in the most powerful way.”

Jill Colin, OSMH Vice President, Patient Care & Chief Nursing Executive, presented the award to Jermey after the announcement was made during a special Nursing Week online town hall for all OSMH team members.

“Darlene exemplifies the compassion, dedication, and professionalism that define exceptional nursing,” said Colin. “Her ability to connect with patients and families on a deeply human level, while delivering outstanding clinical care, makes her an invaluable member of our team. We are incredibly proud to recognize Darlene as this year’s Nightingale Award recipient.”

The OSMH Nightingale Award recognizes a nurse whose work has had a profound and positive impact on the lives of patients and families. It is named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose legacy continues to inspire compassionate, patient-centered care.

In recognition of the important contributions nurses and care teams make every day, OSMH also celebrated its 2026 Peer Recognition Award winners:

2026 – OSMH Peer Recognition Award Winners

• Heart of Gold – Virginia McManus, RN
  A nurse who in the past year has demonstrated and exemplified compassion in all avenues with patients, families and peers.
• Coach of the Year – Mariah Kimball, RPN
  A supportive and resourceful nurse who in the past year has provided coaching and mentoring to their peers.
• Just for Laughs – Jennifer Wilkinson, RPN
  Laughter is the best medicine, a nurse who in the past year has demonstrated positivity & humor with patients, families and peers.
• Rookie of the Year – Brijit Bothman, RN
  A new hire or new grad who in the last year has demonstrated outstanding nursing skills or most improved during their first year.
• PSW of the Year – Christina McTavish, PSW
  A personal support worker, who in the last year has demonstrated outstanding skill, compassion, courage, trust and teamwork.

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The benefits that camps provide to kids in need are immense. They offer community connections, cultural engagement, and personal growth opportunities, and set them on a path to success in adulthood.

Registrations have already started and beyond the generosity of local camps they partner with, this program is not funded, and they need more funds so they can help more children create lasting memories and learn valuable life skills. Last year, 112 local kids received camp experiences and this year, we anticipate that number to grow!

Their goal is to fundraise at least $40K to cover registration fees for hundreds of children. Registration fees start at about $55 per child for one day at a local day camp and around $275 for a week. Specialized camps cost around $600 per week and overnight camps are around $1,100. Finally, a camp-in-a-box for one child costs about $100. You can donate to their program and help making a difference in a child’s life here: https://familyconnexions.ca/camp-program/?give=7XEWNRD8

“My child had a great time and enjoyed learning to dance. This was a great experience for her to have this opportunity to be in the community and playing with other children while learning new skills. She would not have been able to attend without this camp week being offered to her.” – Summer camp 2025 recipient

A list of the camps which are offering clients of their agency free spots and discounts can be viewed on their website. Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is deeply thankful to all the camp facilities making a difference in the lives of so many children.

For more information about Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions and how you can support their mission, please visit http://www.familyconnexions.ca/ or contact camp@familyconnexions.ca.

The post Give Local Kids The Best Summer Experience By Helping Them Attend Camp This Summer appeared first on Muskoka411.

Community members can currently call the CYMH Intake line at 705-645-4426 x 6270. An exciting and most needed update in early summer 2026 will allow community members to book an intake call through the SMFC website and 1door.ca. The intake call is the first step to accessing their CYMH services and is intended for non-urgent situations.

Along this new booking tool, SMFC created a new look for their CYMH services to include a logo that calls out specifically CYMH services in Muskoka. The selected green is often associated with mental health and will help differentiate it from Child Welfare’s usual purple.

‘We wanted to make it easier for our community to access and know what services are available to them. A lot of community members in Muskoka aren’t aware of what CYMH programs we offer, so this new booking tool and look are part of a larger strategy to better support our community.’ Nancy Forest – Bilingual Manager, CYMH

A CYMH Crisis line is also available 24/7, offered in partnership with Kids Help Phone (KHP). You can reach the CYMH crisis line at 1-844-287-9072, and if you are a youth, you can also contact KHP at 1-800-668-6868 or text KHP CONNECT to 686868. This will provide support to any mental health crisis with youth under the age of 18.

For more information about SMFC’s mental health programs, visit https://familyconnexions.ca/cymh/ or call the intake line above.

The post SMFC Launches Their New Online Booking System For Child & Youth Mental Health Services In Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

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Yesterday afternoon, members of the OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) conducted a traffic stop on Vasey Road after the accused departed from a residence in Tay Township. The individual was safely taken into custody without incident, the vehicle was searched under warrant, resulting in the seizure of cocaine and currency.

Following the arrest, CSCU officers executed authorized search warrants on the accused’s residence. During the search, investigators located and seized the following as offence-related property and proceeds of crime:

• approximately 1.39 kilograms of cocaine
• quantities of crack cocaine
• over $47,500 of Canadian and American currency
• jewelry, designer luggage and clothing, approximate value of $60,000
• a 2017 Honda Civic
• cellular devices and equipment consistent with drug trafficking

This investigation reflects the continued collaboration between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Anishinabek Police Service, working together to keep communities safe from dangerous and illegal substances.

As a result of the investigation, the accused was held for bail due to repetition of the offence and current matters before the courts.

CHANTAL CRUISE, 40 years, of Tay Township, has been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
• Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
• Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward.

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Every day, CBSA officers play a crucial role protecting communities. In 2025, the CBSA welcomed over 82 million travellers, intercepted over 83,200 kg of illegal drugs from entering our communities and kept more than 17,700 weapons and firearms off our streets.

As you prepare for your travels, knowing what you need to enter Canada will help ensure a smoother border crossing experience while also giving CBSA officers more time to focus on stopping dangerous goods and inadmissible people.

Here are some travel tips to help you plan for your trip:

• Have your travel documents readily available to present to an officer. This will speed up processing times at the border.
• Flying into Canada? Use Advance Declaration and make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada (at participating airports.)
• Driving into Canada? Check border wait times to plan your route.
  • Early mornings are the best time to cross the border to avoid wait times.
  • The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest.
  • Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.
  • Check the port of entry’s hours of operation on the official Directory of CBSA Offices and Services.
  • If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.
• When travelling with children who are not your own or for whom you don’t have legal custody, bring a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. CBSA is always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. While cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it  across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
• Smuggling drugs is illegal. Trafficking cannabis and other drugs across the border is a criminal offence. Beware of people who ask you to carry anything for them. Consequences are serious in Canada and abroad.
• Leave your firearms and weapons at home. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms. If you choose to do so, be sure to check the rules on importing firearms.
• Be prepared to declare. Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If arriving by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle.
  • Goods purchased abroad: If you are a resident of Canada, personal exemptions allow you to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. Make sure you know the value of goods you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts available for the officer.
  • Avoid importing raw poultry products or by-products: Be sure to review current restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.
• Know before you go: Review the restricted and prohibited goods to avoid the possibility of penalties, including fines, seizure or prosecution. Make sure you have the information you need before attempting to bring items into Canada.

CBSA encourages you to read and follow all of their travel tips before arriving at the border.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, you can call them at 1-800-461-9999.

The post Travelling To Canada For March Break? The CBSA Gives Tips To Plan Your Trip appeared first on Muskoka411.

The nationwide study reports that three in four Canadians (75 percent) are concerned tariffs will push vehicle prices higher in 2026. As a result, nearly one in three Canadians says they are less likely to purchase a vehicle due to the threat of tariffs. Since 2024, the share of Canadians planning to purchase a vehicle within the next three years has dropped by 15 percent, at a time when car ownership is already straining household budgets.

Trade tensions are also shaping purchasing preferences. Seven in ten Canadians (70 percent) say they would not buy an American-made vehicle until Canada-U.S. relations improve.

Other notable national findings from the study include:

Young Canadians are being priced out of ownership

While the percentage of Canadians across all age groups who own a car remains flat at 85 percent, the study shows a widening generational divide. Younger Canadians are facing the highest costs and showing the greatest resistance to traditional ownership.

• Gen Z drivers report the highest annual car expenses of any generation, averaging $5,820 per year
• 36 percent of Gen Z Canadians do not own a vehicle, compared to 15 percent across all age groups
• 9 percent decline in car owners aged 25 to 34 between 2025 and 2026

“Car ownership doesn’t make sense anymore,” says William Foran, a 25-year-old Toronto resident who does not own a car. “When you add up insurance, gas and payments, it feels like a mortgage. I’d rather just rent when I want to have a vehicle for a bit.”

Canadians are driving less to cope with rising costs

Despite average car ownership costs decreasing 9 percent to $4,999 per year, affordability pressures remain high for many Canadians. More than three in four Canadians (77 percent) say their monthly car expenses are more than they can afford, up 10 percent from last year.

As a result, more than half of Canadians (56 percent) report changing how they use their vehicles to cut costs:

• 32 percent say they are driving less to reduce expenses
• Canadians are expected to drive 409 hours in 2026, down from 414 hours in 2025
• The average Canadian vehicle now sits parked for 22.6 hours a day, unused nearly 95 percent of the time.

Long-term rentals are gaining traction

As frustrations with the cost of ownership grow, Canadians are increasingly questioning whether owning a car is the only way to access one. Long-term rentals are emerging as a flexible alternative for cost-conscious drivers who want access to a vehicle without a lengthy financial commitment.

• 54 percent of Canadians say they would prefer to save money by using a car only when needed rather than owning or leasing one
• 41 percent say they would consider renting a vehicle for an extended period, and nearly one in ten plan to do so within the next 12 months
• 42 percent cite the appeal of long-term rentals as avoiding the lengthy commitment of a traditional lease

“Uncertainty in the economy is forcing Canadians to rethink what it really means to ‘own’ a car,” said Bassem El-Rahimy, Head of Turo Canada. “From tariffs to cost-of-living pressures, flexibility matters more than ever for Canadians. We’re seeing growing interest from people navigating job changes and evolving life phases who want access to a vehicle without the financial strain or long-term commitment that comes with ownership.”

That interest is increasingly translating into real demand. Over the past 12 months, Turo has seen a 100 percent increase in long-term car rental bookings in Canada, based on thousands of trips lasting longer than a month.

The survey was hosted on the Angus Reid Forum for Turo and conducted among a representative sample of 1,509 English and/or French-speaking Canadians aged 25 or older.

Read the State of Car Ownership in Canada ’26 Study.

The post Tariff Uncertainty And Affordability Pressures Are Causing Canadians To Put The Brakes On Car Ownership appeared first on Muskoka411.

According to Statistics Canada, women-owned businesses represent almost one-fifth of private sector businesses in Canada. However, they continue to face heightened challenges in securing financing and scaling their companies. At the same time, women are a critical driver of Canada’s innovation engine; 30.5% of women-majority-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are classified as innovative enterprises, outpacing the innovation rate among male-majority-owned SMEs.

Funding plus future-focused mentorship and community

For Canadian women entrepreneurs navigating economic and market uncertainty, the Mastercard Small Business Fund offers a platform that provides resources for innovation including access to funding, community and networks.

“Small businesses fuel our economy and inspire innovation across the country, and we’re dedicated to providing them the tangible support they need to help them grow to their fullest potential,” said Nishant Raina, Vice President, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard, Canada. “Through the Mastercard Small Business Fund, we’re empowering entrepreneurs with community, mentorship and skills so they can transform obstacles into opportunities and build the future they’ve imagined.”

Empowering growth through connection and resources

The Fund’s impact can be seen through the success stories of past recipients who have overcome challenges, expanded their operations, and achieved milestones that were once beyond reach.

“Receiving funding from Mastercard was a game-changer for us–it gave us the momentum we needed to scale our operations and reach new audiences,” said Sheba Zaidi, Co-Founder of Mahara Mindfulness and a previous fund recipient. “As a small business owner, every day can feel like a new journey, but having access to new resources and networks has allowed us to uncover opportunities and feel more prepared for what’s ahead.”

In 2025, Mastercard further expanded its support for business owners by launching the Small Business Navigator, a suite of resources designed to address key areas of need for entrepreneurs. It offers access to free economic trend reports, educational cybersecurity resources and exclusive offers from Mastercard partners to help drive cost savings.

In addition, the Mastercard Small Business Community continues to empower small business owners by fostering connections within the sector and offering resources to drive  business growth and digital enablement. To join the Mastercard Small Business Community, click here.

Apply now for the Mastercard Small Business Fund

Beginning today until March 24, 2026, Canadian women small business owners can apply for the Mastercard Small Business Fund here. For the terms and conditions, see here.

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