The Ontario government is strengthening the rules for Ontario’s social assistance programs to ensure that only people who are living in Canada legally can receive financial assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. The new regulations, which take effect immediately, will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure Ontario’s social assistance programs are focused on supporting only families and individuals facing financial hardship who are legally authorized to live in Canada.

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Back On February 9, 2026, at 9:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Muskoka Paramedic Services, responded to a 9-1-1 call from an address on Bethune Drive South in Gravenhurst after a woman had suffered a gunshot wound. The involved woman was transported to hospital and then transferred to a Toronto area hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Officers recovered a firearm in the residence and the Muskoka Crime Unit began an investigation into the incident, which was detailed and time consuming and as a result, have charged two people.

On June 3, 2026, police arrested and charged 38-year-old Chantelle Conway-Penrose, of Gravenhurst, with the following:

• Careless Use of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of Loaded Prohibited Firearm
• Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking X 2
• Possession of Schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking

She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on August 25, 2026 to answer to her charges.

On August 12, 2026, police arrested and charged 31-year-old Angela Morgan, of Gravenhurst, with:

• Transfer Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon without Authority
• Carrying Concealed Weapon
• Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with ammo
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
• Careless Use of Firearm

She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on August 13, 2026 for a bail hearing, to answer to her charges.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com, reference incident number E260181084.

The post Two People Face Several Charges After February Shooting In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to reports of a possible impaired after two men became argumentative with families enjoying a baseball tournament at Gull Lake Park in Gravenhurst. The men were being inappropriate and potentially smoking in the park area near families with children and didn’t respond well when asked to move along. Eventually the pair left the area and police located the vehicle travelling on Muskoka Road 169 near Parkers Point Road.

As a result of their investigation, police have charged 59-year-old Joel Docherty of Port Carling, ON with Impaired Operation and Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 22, 2026 to answer to his charges.

Bracebridge OPP would like to remind park users that the Smoke Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking – which includes tobacco, cannabis and e-cigarettes- in many places, including (but not limited to) children’s parks and sporting areas, including the adjacent seating areas and parking lots. Smoking tobacco/cannabis or using an electronic cigarette in a prohibited place carries a fine of $250.00.

The post Argument At A Baseball Game Leads To Impaired Charge For Port Carling Man appeared first on Muskoka411.

The anniversary lands in the middle of a refurbishment. Gateway Casinos, which operates the property under contract, announced the project in partnership with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and Rama First Nation, covering hotel rooms, an expanded spa and fitness centre, the gaming floor and the common areas. The work comes with additional hiring.

Ontario’s Only First Nations Commercial Casino

Casino Rama is jointly owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and OLG, and it remains the only First Nations commercial casino in Ontario and the largest in Canada. It sits in Simcoe County about 30 minutes north of Barrie, which puts it inside a realistic commute for households across southern Muskoka and the Severn corridor.

The property also runs a 5,000-seat Entertainment Centre, one of the few rooms of that size between Toronto and Sudbury. For a regional economy that loses most of its visitor spending between Thanksgiving and Victoria Day, a venue that books through the winter is not a small thing.

The ownership structure is the part most people get wrong. OLG is a provincial Crown agency, so a share of what the floor produces returns to the province, while Rama First Nation holds an ownership position in the property itself rather than simply hosting it. Gateway runs the day-to-day operation under contract. Three parties, three different reasons to care whether the building works.

The Market Around It Has Changed

Thirty years is long enough for the business the building is in to have been rebuilt around it. Ontario opened a regulated online gambling market in April 2022, and it has grown quickly. In the 2024-25 fiscal year players in the province wagered more than $82.7 billion and produced $2.9 billion in gaming revenue, up 32 and 31 per cent respectively on the previous year, across 49 operators running 84 gaming sites. Online casino games accounted for $2.40 billion of that revenue, a 36 per cent annual increase.

Ontario is the exception in this country rather than the standard. Most provinces have no equivalent framework, and online casinos available in the rest of Canada are licensed offshore, generally by Malta or by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Quebec, and are assessed by independent comparison services rather than by any provincial regulator. Those operators state plainly that they are not open to Ontario residents. Anyone playing legally from this province is doing so on a site registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and operating under an agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Channelization, And Why The Province Watches It

The province tracks how much Ontario play stays inside the regulated market, a figure it calls the channelization rate. iGaming Ontario reported that rate at 83.7 per cent, with a target of 85 per cent for 2025-26. In plain terms, roughly one dollar in six of Ontario’s online play is still happening outside the system the province built, on the same offshore sites the rest of the country uses by default.

That gap is the whole argument for the regulated market’s existence, and closing it is slower work than the headline growth figures suggest.

What A Building Still Does That An App Does Not

None of the online growth shows up as employment in Simcoe County. An offshore operator has no hotel to staff, no kitchen, no maintenance contract, no local suppliers, and no revenue-sharing arrangement with a First Nation. The 1,100 jobs at Rama, the payroll that lands in Ramara, Orillia and the townships south of Gravenhurst, and the revenue that flows to Rama First Nation exist because the business still occupies a building that people physically drive to.

The Entertainment Centre works on the same principle. A show night puts several thousand people on the roads around Rama and Orillia in the off season, and the room is one of the few of its size operating between Toronto and Sudbury. How much of that reaches surrounding businesses is not something anyone publishes, but it is the reason regional councils treat a destination property differently from an employer of the same size.

That is the real significance of the refurbishment. Spending on hotel rooms and a gaming floor in 2026 is a statement that the operators expect people to keep showing up in person, at a point when the provincial numbers are pointing the other way. Whether that holds for another 30 years is the open question, and in this region it is an employment question before it is anything else.

The legal age for casino gambling in Ontario is 19. Anyone concerned about their own gambling or someone else’s can reach ConnexOntario, the province’s free and confidential referral service, at 1-866-531-2600.

The post Casino Rama Turns 30 With 1,100 Jobs And A Gaming Market That Keeps Moving Online appeared first on Muskoka411.

Join us for an exciting weekend celebrating award-winning BBQ, live entertainment, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and community spirit in the heart of Muskoka. As one of the region’s premier summer festivals, Huntsville Ribfest X brings together residents, visitors, businesses, and community organizations for a memorable weekend of food, music, and fun.

📅 Saturday, August 15
5:30 PM – Welcoming Ceremonies
Join local elected officials, community leaders, sponsors, media, and special guests as we officially welcome Huntsville Ribfest X to the community and celebrate another exciting stop on the Ontario Ribfest X Tour.

📅 Sunday, August 16
2:00 PM – Blind Judging Competition
Experience the excitement as our panel of guest judges samples and evaluates award-winning BBQ, with participating rib teams competing for top honours in Best Ribs, Best BBQ Sauce, and Best Beef Brisket.

4:30 PM – Closing Ceremonies & Awards Presentation
Help us recognize this year’s Rib Team champions and celebrate another successful weekend before the festival concludes.

Throughout the weekend, guests will enjoy:

• Award-winning North American Rib Teams
• Live entertainment and tribute performances
• Ontario Youth Battle of the Bands
• Marketplace vendors and artisans
• Kids Zone and family activities
• Licensed beer garden
• Delicious festival food and sweet treats
• Free parking
• Pet-friendly grounds

We hope you will join us in celebrating another exciting weekend of community, entertainment, and great food while supporting one of Muskoka’s signature summer events.

We look forward to welcoming you to Huntsville Ribfest X!

*This Article Is Sponsored By: Ontario Festival Group and the Ribfest X Tour

The post Lets Go To Huntsville Ribfest August 14–16, 2026 appeared first on Muskoka411.

On August 10th, 2026, at approximately 10:28 p.m., officers responded to reports of a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner. Police located the vehicle on Raymond Road in the Town of Bracebridge.

As a result of the investigation, Joshua Wilson, 42-years-old of Huntsville, has been charged with:

·       Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·       Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·       Dangerous operation

·       Having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available

Wilson was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026.

In addition, a 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a 7-day vehicle impoundment were imposed.

If you suspect someone is operating a vehicle of any kind while impaired, call 9-1-1. To report suspicious or unlawful activity, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

The post Huntsville Resident Charged With Impaired And Dangerous Operation appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Muskoka Paramedic Services, responded to a crash notification from a vehicle that had left the roadway and rolled over on West Lionshead Road in Gravenhurst. Initial information was that the driver was trapped, however attending paramedics and officers were able to assist her in exiting the vehicle. Fortunately, the driver was uninjured.

Police have charged 50-year-old Christine Spencer of Toronto, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. She will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on September 22, 2026 to answer to her charges.

Impaired driving has a significant impact on the safety of Muskoka roads, if you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, please call police. The immediate consequences for driving while impaired are significant and include a 90-day drivers licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.

The post Driver Charged With Impaired After Collision In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle in the ditch on Highway 60 in Huntsville. Prior to police arrival, the driver was able to remove the vehicle from the ditch and continued eastbound on Highway 60. A short time later, officers located the vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and determined that the driver was impaired.

As a result, Madelyn Smith, 27 years old of Waterloo, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

On Friday August 7, 2026 at approximately 9:30 pm, officers were responding to a disturbance on Bear Cave Road in Huntsville when they encountered a motor vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver officers suspected the driver to be impaired and subsequently led officers to an impaired driving investigation.

As a result, Victoria Degroot, 30 years old of Parry Sound, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

Additionally, on Saturday August 8, 2026 at approximately 10:10 pm, officers conducted a traffic stop on Greer Road in Huntsville. As a result of observations made during the stop, officers entered into an impaired driving investigation.

As a result, Jennifer Botting, 28 years old of Huntsville, was charged with:

• Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

All accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge in September.

Huntsville OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead if they choose to consume alcohol or drugs. Consider using a designated driver, taxi, public transit, or staying overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

If you suspect someone is operating a vehicle of any kind while impaired, call 9-1-1. To report suspicious or unlawful activity, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

The post Huntsville OPP Has Charged Three Drivers With Impaired Operation appeared first on Muskoka411.

Hospitals across Simcoe Muskoka and Grey Bruce have launched the Central Ontario Research Ethics Board (CO-REB), a shared partnership that will help hospitals and healthcare providers advance research and innovation closer to home.

Research plays an important role in improving care, testing new ideas, and giving patients access to opportunities that may not otherwise be available through standard care. From clinical studies and innovative technologies to new approaches for delivering care, this work helps continually improve the quality of care provided today while shaping the future of healthcare for years to come.

CO-REB provides formal oversight for research involving human participants, helping ensure studies are carried out safely and in line with the highest ethical standards. This oversight protects participants and builds public trust by upholding people’s rights, dignity, and well-being.

Through CO-REB’s shared model, participating hospitals have access to a shared ethics review process for studies across participating hospitals, saving time and cost while supporting consistent research oversight.

The initiative builds on the existing Research Ethics Board at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), expanding it into a regional model supported by shared governance and participation across the founding hospitals, including Brightshores Health System, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, and RVH.

“This is an exciting step forward for hospitals, researchers, and communities across our region,” says Dr. Nancy Trimble, retired family doctor and CO-REB Chair. “When hospitals work together, we can create sustainable pathways for patients to access research opportunities closer to where they receive care.”

CO-REB was created to support research in community hospitals, where more than 65 per cent of the province’s hospitalized patients receive care, but where access to formal research systems has often been limited. While health research has traditionally been concentrated in large academic centres, community hospitals are playing an increasingly important role in clinical trials, frontline and bedside research, and real-world innovation. By establishing a single, shared REB across partner hospitals, CO-REB helps advance locally relevant studies across Central Ontario.

“Community hospitals are essential to expanding Ontario’s clinical trials ecosystem, but they need practical infrastructure that helps them participate efficiently and consistently,” says Susan Marlin, President of Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO), an organization established by the Province of Ontario in 2012 to make Ontario a preferred location for global clinical trials. “By supporting shared ethics review across community hospitals, CO-REB helps make more sites trial-ready, reduces duplication, improves study start-up, and maintains strong protections for research participants.”

The CO-REB framework has been designed to grow over time to support other hospitals and healthcare teams. As additional partners join, CO-REB will help build a more connected regional research ecosystem and create stronger pathways for rural and smaller communities to shape research that reflects what matters most locally.

The post Central Ontario Hospitals Launch Shared Research Ethics Board To Advance Research Close To Home appeared first on Muskoka411.

The family-friendly event featured a vibrant Main Street parade, the beloved Bathtub Races, waterski show, food vendors, and children’s activities along the Muskoka River, bringing residents and visitors together for a day of fun with a purpose.

“This was an extraordinary example of what can happen when a community comes together,” said Katherine Craine, CEO, Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Huntsville, to NyDock, the volunteers, event sponsors, bathtub participants, and everyone who attended DockFest. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to building a new Huntsville Hospital that will serve our community for generations to come.”

“Spending the day volunteering at the Rotary NyDock DockFest was a wonderful reminder of what makes Muskoka such a special place,” said Mike Harrower, Raise Muskoka Campaign Co-Chair. “The energy, generosity, and community spirit on display were incredible. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event. Together, we’re building the new Huntsville Hospital for everyone who lives, works, and visits Muskoka.”

The success of DockFest was made possible through the dedication of dozens of volunteers, generous local sponsors, enthusiastic bathtub race teams, and the unwavering support of the community.

“This event is about more than just a great day downtown. It’s about investing in the future of healthcare in Muskoka,” said Jamie Thompson DockFest Chair & Rotary Club of Huntsville Member. “We are proud to partner with Huntsville Hospital Foundation and thank everyone who helped make this year’s DockFest such an incredible success.”

Funds raised through DockFest will support the Raise Muskoka Campaign, a historic fundraising effort to help build the future Huntsville Hospital and ensure local residents and visitors continue to have access to exceptional healthcare right here in Muskoka.

Jan Nyquist, owner of NyDock explained: NyDock has always believed in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years. We’re proud to be the presenting sponsor of DockFest and partner with the Huntsville Rotary Club to help raise funds in this initiative for the Raise Muskoka Campaign. A new hospital will benefit all of us, and it’s an honour to be part of building a healthier future for Muskoka.”

Huntsville Hospital Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Huntsville, NyDock, event sponsors, volunteers, vendors, entertainers, participants, and everyone who came out to support this outstanding community event.

Healthcare for Life. Here.

The Huntsville Hospital Foundation raises funds and inspires donors in support of Huntsville Hospital and healthcare throughout Muskoka. Your Foundation is focused on raising funds in support of everyday needs at Huntsville Hospital, and the Muskoka hospital redevelopment through the Raise Muskoka Campaign.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is a multi-site health care organization that provides acute care services at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge. Find out more about Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare by visiting www.mahc.ca.

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