The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding people to take simple steps to prevent tick bites and to know what to do if they find one.

You can reduce your risk of tick bites by taking a few precautions:

• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants and closed-toe shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks to help keep ticks off the skin and make them easier to spot.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin and follow label directions.
• Stay on marked trails when walking or biking in natural areas whenever possible.

After spending time outdoors, it is important to check for ticks:

• Do a full-body check on yourself, your children and your pets as soon as possible and again before bedtime.
• Use a mirror or ask for help to check hard-to-see areas.
• Remove ticks within 24 hours to help prevent infection.
• Shower within two hours of coming indoors to help wash away loose ticks.
• Kill ticks that might be on clothing by putting clothes into a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing.

If you find a tick, remove it promptly and check for others. Visit eTick.ca to identify the tick and get guidance. If a tick has been attached for 24 hours or more, speak with a health-care provider about whether preventive antibiotics are appropriate.

Lyme disease is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Early symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. Some people may also develop a red rash that expands within three to 30 days after a bite. When detected early, most cases can be treated successfully. If you are experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, seek immediate medical attention.

Avoiding bites, removing ticks quickly and recognizing symptoms early can help prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. While other illnesses including Powassan virus, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Borrelia miyamotoi disease can also spread through tick bites, the risk in Ontario remains low.

For more information, visit smdhu.org/ticks.

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A recent Royal LePage survey, conducted by Burson,¹ suggests a majority of Canadian couples are willing to skip an expensive wedding celebration to afford the purchase of a home… or wish they had.

Nationally, of those planning a wedding or who have someone in their life who is, 79 per cent of respondents say they would consider requesting money for a down payment on a home instead of a traditional wedding gift (37% say definitely, and 42% say maybe). Of those respondents who are already married, 57 per cent say they would have liked to request money for a down payment on a home instead of a wedding gift; 10 per cent say they did in fact request money for their wedding.

“Few milestones carry more weight than buying a home or getting married. As the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets across the country, more Canadians are finding themselves having to make difficult trade-offs between the two – and in many cases, it’s the wedding that gets scaled back,” said Anne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti, Vice President of Research and Communications, Royal LePage.

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question ‘rings or real estate?’. Every couple is different, and so are the circumstances under which they navigate these important life events. However, rising living costs – extending well beyond housing alone – are causing many Canadians to reassess how they prioritize major celebrations and long-term financial goals,” she noted. “In the past, tradition may have dictated first marriage, then mortgage. Today, many couples are having to balance their desire for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding celebration with the reality of building equity and securing their financial future. For some, that means prioritizing getting into the housing market before walking down the aisle. Many people are recognizing that while a wedding is a beautiful one- or two-day event, a home is a lifetime investment.”

When asked if they would forgo or significantly scale back a wedding to put money towards a down payment on a home, 46 per cent of respondents across Canada say definitely; 36 per cent say maybe. When thinking back to their own wedding, over half (55%) of married respondents say they would have forgone or significantly scaled back a wedding to put money towards a down payment on a home.

According to The Knot’s 2025 Global Wedding Report, the average wedding costs approximately $33,000 USD, before a honeymoon or wedding rings (more than $45,000 CAD).

“With weddings, couples have more options when it comes to lowering costs – trimming the guest list, choosing a more modest venue, or cutting back on extravagant extras. Housing offers less flexibility, without compromising on size or location. As a result, some couples are choosing to trade the champagne toasts for a sizable down payment because they know that while you can always throw a party later, you may not always be able to find your forever home at today’s prices.”

According to the survey, when asked an open-ended question about the biggest or most important purchase a person will make in their lifetime, an overwhelming majority of Canadians (83%) identified buying a home.

“The fear of being priced out of the housing market, especially in the most expensive markets across southern Ontario and British Columbia’s lower mainland, has become a more powerful motivator than the pressure to have a perfect wedding,” Cugliari Allegritti added.

“Both decisions are deeply personal, and it’s completely understandable if scaling back a wedding, or choosing to marry before you’re mortgage-ready, brings up complicated feelings. And, every couple navigates a unique set of circumstances, from cultural traditions and family support, to individual financial goals. But, there’s no universal rulebook for how life is supposed to unfold. Doing things in the order that makes the most financial sense for your individual circumstances is always the right call – because however you get there, the happily ever after is yours to define.”

Royal LePage 2026 Survey: Rings vs Real Estate – Data Chart: rlp.ca/table-2026-rings-vs-real-estate

ONTARIO

In Ontario, of those planning a wedding or who have someone in their life who is, 40 per cent of respondents say they would definitely request money for a down payment on a home instead of a traditional wedding gift; 44 per cent say maybe.

Of those respondents who are already married, 57 per cent say they would have liked to request money for a down payment on a home instead of a wedding gift; 13 per cent say they did in fact request money for their wedding.

“In Toronto, many couples are choosing to purchase a home before getting married. With the cost of entering the housing market among the highest in Canada, many buyers are prioritizing saving for a down payment over spending heavily on a large or luxury wedding. At the same time, moderating home prices have created more accessible opportunities for renters who have been waiting for the right moment to enter the market,” said Tom Storey, sales representative and head of The Storey Team, Royal LePage Signature Realty in Toronto.

Storey added that condos act as an important first step into home ownership for many first-time buyers, with plans to eventually move into a larger property as their needs evolve and they build equity over time.

“Whether or not couples are requesting money specifically towards a down payment, we’re certainly seeing wedding gifts increasingly take the form of cash contributions. This can provide meaningful support for furnishing, renovating or settling into a first home,” he said. “For couples balancing both a wedding and a home purchase, tools like the First Home Savings Account can be an effective way to build savings toward a future down payment while benefiting from tax advantages.”

When asked if they would forgo or significantly scale back a wedding to put money towards a down payment on a home, 46 per cent of respondents in Ontario say definitely; 40 per cent say maybe. When thinking back to their own wedding, 58 per cent of married respondents say they would have forgone or significantly scaled back a wedding to put money towards a down payment on a home.

“In 2026, homes are out of reach for many people, so putting them somewhat back in reach is a great idea.”

– Gen X survey respondent, Ontario

Royal LePage 2026 Survey: Rings vs Real Estate – Data Chart: rlp.ca/table-2026-rings-vs-real-estate

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On Saturday evening, May 23, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., emergency services were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at a residence on Champlain Road. Police attended the scene and observed the residence fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews from Tiny Township, Penetanguishene, and Midland were already on scene working to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control, and the residence sustained extensive damage.

The scene is being secured by emergency services and will remain under investigation. Members of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s (OFM) Office have been notified and will be attending to assist with determining the cause of the fire. The Southern Georgian Bay OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation.

No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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Police are attempting to locate 58-year-old Paul Whitney. He is described as 6’4″ tall, approximately 220 lbs, with short grey hair and a grey beard.

Investigators believe that Paul may have been walking in the area of Stockdale Road and Brennan Line in Severn Township sometime between Monday and today.

The Orillia OPP is asking residents and businesses in the area to check any available home surveillance, security camera, or dash camera footage for possible sightings of Paul.

If you live or work in the area, police are asking that you review any video footage that may assist investigators. Anyone with information regarding Paul’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and reference incident number E260688973.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online through Crime Stoppers Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka.

The Orillia OPP would also like to thank members of the public and media partners for their assistance in sharing this information.

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Recognized as one of the premier events in watersports, the Masters annually brings together many of the top waterski and wakeboard athletes from around the world. Since its inception in 1959, the tournament has become a longstanding tradition held each Memorial Day weekend at the iconic Robin Lake venue.

Canada will be represented by 10 athletes competing across both the Masters and Junior Masters divisions.

Representing Canada in the 33rd Junior Masters Tournament is Enzo Kristian (Saskatoon, SK), who will compete in Junior Men’s Jump. This will mark Kristian’s first time skiing on Robin Lake.

In the professional Masters divisions, Charlie Ross and Cole McCormick, both with ties to Ontario, will compete in Men’s Slalom. Jaimee Bull (North Bay, ON) and Neilly Ross, who also has ties to Ontario, will represent Canada in Women’s Slalom.

Dorien Llewellyn, who has ties to Innisfail, Alberta, will compete in both Men’s Trick and Men’s Jump, alongside Ryan Dodd (Olds, AB) in Men’s Jump.

Canada will also be represented in Women’s Trick by Hannah Stopnicki (Montreal, QC), Neilly Ross, and Paige Pigozzi, who has ties to Ontario. This will be Stopnicki’s first appearance competing in the Open division at the Masters after previously winning multiple Junior Women’s Trick titles at the Junior Masters.

Kate Pinsonneault (Penticton, BC) will make her first appearance competing in the Open division at the Masters in Women’s Jump.

An invitation to compete at the Masters is considered one of the sport’s highest honours, with qualification reserved for athletes performing at the top of their disciplines. The tournament is sanctioned by the International Waterski & Wake Federation (IWWF), USA Water Ski & Wake Sports, and the World Wake Association (WWA).

Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens features covered stadium seating, a judges’ tower, media facilities, and beachside viewing areas, creating one of the most recognized venues in watersports. The event attracts thousands of spectators annually and receives extensive media coverage throughout North America and internationally.

Competition begins tomorrow, May 22, and continues through May 24, 2026.

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Between May 11 to 16, the MPS Grade 7 and 8 Jazz and Concert Bands, led by Karen Lonsdale and organized by Nicole Veitch, travelled to Niagara Falls to participate in the MusicFest Canada Nationals. Both bands worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity after qualifying last year.

“I have seen their dedication towards music since Grade 3 and I was so excited to give them the opportunity in their graduating year,” said Lonsdale.

The Jazz Band, made up of 21 talented students, performed first and earned a gold standing. During their clinic, they had the opportunity to learn and work with adjudicator Colleen Allen.

Next up was the Concert Band. All 48 students performed flawlessly and also received a gold standing. During their clinic, they had the privilege of working and learning with adjudicator Dr. Gretchen McNamara. The Concert Band also won a gold standing for their sight reading during the clinic.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible: the Wescott family, Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Boyd and Cathy Smith, James Murphy, Amy Bridle, Theatre Muskoka, DPB Delivery, and Muskoka Steamships.

Congratulations to all of the students on this outstanding accomplishment!

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On Thursday, May 21, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., officers from Orillia OPP responded to reports of a monument being damaged in Couchiching Park in the City of Orillia. Officers arrived on scene and confirmed that a monument had been vandalized using spray paint.

As a result of the investigation, a 33-years-old female from Orillia has been charged with:

• Mischief – destroys or damages property

The name of the accused was not released.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Vandalism and property damage are criminal offences that impact community safety and well-being. The Orillia Detachment values the community’s role in helping keep neighbourhoods safe. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppers.ca.

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On Sunday, May 17, 2026, officers responded to reports that antisemitic materials had been distributed in the community. The OPP’s Hate/Extremism Unit has been engaged, and an active investigation has since been opened. Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or who has information to come forward.

Investigators are asking residents of Orillia to review any available video surveillance footage from the evening of Saturday, May 16 to midday on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Anyone with video that may assist in identifying a suspect, or who observed suspicious activity during that time, is asked to contact the OPP.

Police are also requesting that anyone who received a package containing antisemitic material contact investigators.

The OPP takes all reports of hate-motivated incidents and crimes very seriously. Acts that target individuals or communities based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics have no place in our communities and will not be tolerated.

The OPP is committed to thoroughly investigating these incidents, supporting affected individuals, and working with community partners to promote safety, inclusion, and respect. Reporting hate incidents helps police respond effectively and reinforces a shared commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all Ontarians.

The investigation is ongoing led by the Orillia OPP Major Crime Unit under the direction of the Hate/Extremism Unit. Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, reference #E260668976. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 10:45 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to reports from members of the public about a possible impaired driver near Bala Falls Road in Bala after the driver was turned away from a licensed establishment. Officers attended and located the vehicle a short distance away. Police arrested and charged 20-year-old Dylan Armstrong of Markham, ON with Operation while Impaired, Over 80 and Mischief.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 30, 2026 to answer to his charges.

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