This message applies district‑wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds.

The locations of greatest concern at this time, due to ongoing high water impacts, include:
• Lake Muskoka
• Lake Rosseau & Lake Joseph
• Moon River including Bala Reach
• Gull River watershed including community of Minden
• French River & Pickerel River

Several areas are experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, levels
are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure
impacts and flooding.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to stabilize
over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.

Municipalities hold primary responsibility for emergency response to flood events, including
protecting residents and property, undertaking first response actions, and coordinating
recovery.

Go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods and your local municipality for more information.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be
impassable.

Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions,
regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and
streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 5°C to 11°C and overnight lows
between -2°C and 6°C with up to 30 mm of rainfall.
Some areas remain vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.

River levels and flows within areas of the district remain elevated and are expected to
persist across many locations.
Although water levels on several lakes have declined toward more normal operating
ranges, some lakes remain well above normal levels.
Remaining snowpack is limited and is expected to have minimal impact on runoff.

The post MNR Adds More Locations And Extends Flood Warning Until Wednesday May 6th appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday April 28, 2026 at 8:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report from a member of the public that people were trespassing on the former Muskoka Centre property located at the end of Muskoka Road North in Gravenhurst. This property is fenced and there are several ‘No Trespassing’ signs posted, furthermore, the buildings that are still standing on the property are not considered safe to enter.

Officers attended and searched the property and a located a nearby involved vehicle. Police subsequently arrested and charged 58-year-old William Bridgman of Vaughan, ON with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Break In Instruments
• Break, Enter a place with intent to commit indictable offence
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

Police also charged 38-year-old Dale Mcrea of Haliburton, ON with:

• Break, Enter a place with intent to commit indictable offence
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Break In Instruments.

Both accused parties will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on July 21, 2026 to answer to their charges.

The post Two People Charged With Break And Enter In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Monday April 27, 2026 at 6:45 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were alerted by a member of the public to a possibly impaired driver who was operating a large commercial vehicle in Gravenhurst. Officers located the vehicle on Muskoka Road North and subsequently arrested and charged 54-year-old Kenneth Jobin of Bracebridge, ON with Impaired Operation – Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on June 2, 2026 to answer to his charge.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

The post Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator From Bracebridge Charged With Impaired Driving appeared first on Muskoka411.

The post Muskoka Conservancy Bursary 2026 – Now Accepting Applications appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka, ON – The District of Muskoka is reconstructing King William Street from Scott Street to Highway 60. The project is scheduled to start as early as late spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.  

To stay informed, residents are encouraged to visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/king-william to sign up for project updates straight to their inbox.   

The project is part of the District’s investment in essential systems that make housing possible and will increase capacity to support 3,200 new homes in the Town of Huntsville. 

Replacement and upgrades to aging water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure will boost housing and the economy locally and support the long-term health of Muskoka’s lakes, rivers and communities. 

“Building homes starts long before the construction of actual houses. The King William Street reconstruction project is an excellent example of this,” said Jeff Lehman, District of Muskoka Chair. “By replacing the old road surface and underground pipes, we are ensuring the services we need today keep working, while also making intersections safer, improving access for everyone, and preparing the area for future homes and new development.” 

Work will include removing and replacing: 

• Aboveground: road, traffic signals  
• Underground: sanitary and storm sewers, watermains 
• Streetscape: curbs, sidewalks, boulevards 

What the Community Needs to Know   

Traffic Impacts  

• To allow this work to be completed safely and efficiently, parts of King William Street will be partially closed and limited to one-way traffic. 

Access Maintained 

• Access to all businesses will be maintained during construction. 
• A dedicated lane will be maintained for all emergency vehicles. 
• Pedestrian crossings at Rogers Cove Drive and the Huntsville Place Mall entrance will remain open. 

Updates and Scheduling 

• Municipal 511 will be updated to help keep Google Maps and Waze current. 
• Delays may occur due to unforeseen conditions. The District will provide advance notice where possible.  
• Residents can visit  www.engagemuskoka.ca/king-william to sign up for project updates or submit comments or questions.   

Construction Café 

• Residents are invited to attend the project’s first Construction Café on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Henrietta’s Pine Bakery at 92 King William Street in Huntsville. 
• Residents can drop in to this relaxed, casual session any time between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy a free coffee with the project team, while discussing reconstruction updates and asking questions. 

The District recognizes construction can be disruptive for residents, motorists, and businesses, and thanks residents for their patience during this important project.  

The post King William Street Being Reconstructed From Scott Street To Hwy. 60 In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

On April 28, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers responded after receiving information regarding a suspected impaired driver observed leaving a convenience store on Main Street in Penetanguishene. The vehicle was further observed being operated in a reckless manner at a high rate of speed.

Police located the involved vehicle at a residence on Edward Street in Penetanguishene. Officers spoke with the driver, who displayed signs of alcohol impairment. The driver was arrested at the scene. Breath testing later confirmed impairment by alcohol.

As a result of the investigation, Todd MARKHAM, 46 years, of Penetanguishene, has been charged with:

• Operation Over 80 Milligrams of Alcohol

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

In a separate incident yesterday afternoon, officers were conducting traffic enforcement on Vasey Road in Tay Township when a vehicle was observed travelling at a speed of 156 km/h in a posted 80 km/h zone (see photo). The vehicle was stopped by police.

As a result of the investigation, the driver was charged with stunt driving. The vehicle was impounded for 14 days, and the driver’s licence was suspended.

The OPP reminds motorists that impaired and aggressive driving behaviours place everyone at risk and remain leading contributors to serious injuries and fatalities on Ontario roadways. Members of the public are encouraged to call 911 if they observe dangerous or impaired driving.

The post Driver Charged For Going 156 km/h In A 80 km/h Zone On Vasey Road appeared first on Muskoka411.

The annual, peer-nominated awards recognize staff and teams who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional patient care, demonstrate outstanding leadership, and embody MAHC’s values in meaningful and impactful ways. From everyday acts of compassion to innovative approaches that strengthen care delivery, the awards shine a light on the people who make a difference across the organization.

This year marked an exciting evolution of the program, with the introduction of three new individual awards including the Staff Leadership Award and the Credentialed Staff Clinical Excellence Award, as well as two new team categories: the Extraordinary Caring Team Award and the Collaborative Team Award. These additions reflect MAHC’s continued commitment to recognizing excellence across all areas of care and teamwork.

“These awards are about more than recognition—they are about celebrating the extraordinary dedication and compassion our teams bring to patient care every single day,” said Dave Uffelmann, Chair of the MAHC Board of Directors. “They provide an opportunity for staff to recognize one another and highlight the incredible moments of leadership, collaboration, innovation, and kindness in supporting patients, families, and our communities. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and award recipients.”

The winners of the 2026 Board of Excellence awards are:

• Staff Excellence Awards –
  • The late Georgina (Ginny) Metcalf, Unit Aide
  • Laura Weston, RN, ICU
  • Steven Lui, Charge Respiratory Therapist

• Credentialed Staff Clinical Excellence Award – Dr. Nick Biasutti, Chief Medical Information Officer

• Staff Leadership Award – Anthony Caradonna, Clinical Leader, Emergency Department
• Credentialed Staff Leadership Award – Dr. Carmen Baker, Physician, Rehab/Stroke
• Extraordinary Caring Team Award – ICU Team
• Collaborative Team Award – Mammography Team

A particularly heartfelt moment of the evening was the recognition of award recipient Ginny Metcalfe, whose impact continues to be deeply felt across South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. Ginny, who passed away earlier this year, was remembered as a bright light known for her enthusiasm, kindness, and unwavering compassion for both patients and colleagues. Whether bringing joy as Mrs. Claus or offering support in everyday moments, she had a remarkable ability to make people smile. Ginny received three separate nominations in recognition of the difference she made.

MAHC is also proud to recognize all nominees for their dedication to delivering exceptional care and contributing to a positive, supportive culture across the organization.

Individual Nominations

• Aaron Hammond, Maintenance

• Aimee Brodie, Senior Imaging Technologist
• Alyson Frausel, Human Resources Business Partner
• Carter Veitch, Ward Clerk
• Bert Fazackerley, Environmental Services Aide
• Dr. Luke Wu, Physician, ICU
• Emily Staughton, RN, Obstetrics
• Fiorella Ceglie, Environmental Services Aide
• Grant Waymouth, Central Patient Scheduling & Registration Clerk
• Jenna Fiorini, RN, Emergency Department
• Jenny Pidlubney, Team Leader, Emergency Department
• Jonathan Clarke, Respiratory Therapist
• Kali Robinson, Team Leader, ICU
• Kelly Dawson, Team Leader, Surgical Services
• Kim Bauer, RN, Emergency Department.
• Leanne Gray, Director, Human Resources
• Lee-Anne Murphy, RN, Med/Surg
• Lindsay Bishop, Manager, Surgical Services & MDRD
• Lorrie McManus, Nurse & Technician, OR
• Marilyne Gagnon, Lead Hand, Environmental Services
• Miranda Ralph, Activation Coordinator
• Pauline Pearsall, Senior Lab Technologist
• Sheila Quinton, RN, Emergency Department
• Tristin Sutherland, Med-Surgery

Team Nominations

• Infection Prevention and Control Unit
• OPSEU Paramedical Bargaining Team
• Ontario Telemedicine Network Team
• Transitional Care Unit
• Emergency Department, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital

Past recipients are also posted on the MAHC website.

The post Outstanding Patient-Care Celebrated At Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Board Awards Of Excellence appeared first on Muskoka411.

Secondary Collision, Additional Information on Sergeant Malcolm

(COBOURG, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a secondary collision involving two police vehicles in connection with the on-duty death of an OPP officer in Cobourg.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m., members of the Northumberland OPP responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 eastbound near Burnham Street North. OPP Sergeant Brandon Malcolm was pronounced deceased at the scene.

While officers were responding to the initial incident, two OPP cruisers were involved in a secondary collision with a stopped passenger vehicle on Highway 401 westbound near the primary collision scene. Three OPP officers were transported to a local hospital as a precaution and have since been released. No other injuries were reported.

Highway 401 was closed in both directions between County Road 28 and Burnham Street for the initial investigation and has since reopened.

The investigation continues into the secondary collision and the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, which is being investigated in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by the OPP Traffic Management and Enforcement Team, as well as OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with any information or video footage in relation to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

ABOUT SERGEANT BRANDON MALCOLM

OPP Sergeant Brandon Malcolm joined the OPP in June 2020 and served his entire career with the Northumberland Detachment. The 33-year-old was an accomplished and proud member of the OPP Golden Helmets. He was highly respected and trusted as a leader who fostered a supportive environment. His quiet confidence, professionalism and strong work ethic made him an integral part of the OPP.

The OPP is assisting Sergeant Malcolm’s family as they deal with this tragedy. We acknowledge the impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders and community members for the compassion and support you have demonstrated to the OPP during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements are still in the early stages. More information will be released as it becomes available

– – –

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is releasing the identity of the officer who died in the line of duty in Cobourg Monday afternoon.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, shortly after 5:30 p.m., members of the Northumberland OPP responded to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 near Burnham Street North. A member of the OPP was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The officer has been identified as Sergeant Brandon Malcolm, who joined the OPP in June 2020 and served his entire career with the Northumberland Detachment.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is being provided by the OPP Traffic Management and Enforcement Team, as well as OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Highway 401 remains closed in both directions between County Road 28 and Burnham Street in Cobourg.

Anyone with any information or video footage in relation to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

A video recording of OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique’s statements from this evening from Northumberland Detachment are available on OPP Central Region’s X and Facebook pages. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

The post Officer Identified After Fatal Collision, Witnesses Sought As Investigation Continues appeared first on Muskoka411.

As seen in CFIB’s Canada’s Entrepreneurial Drought, Part 1: The Shrinking Business Landscape report, business exits in Canada have outpaced new business entries since early 2024, and the problem seems to be getting worse. In the second quarter of 2025, exit rates reached 5.6%, while entry rates fell to 4.8% in Q4 2025, marking some of the highest closure rates and weakest startup activity outside the pandemic.

Today, CFIB is releasing Part 2 of the report series, Canada’s Entrepreneurial Drought, Part 2: Fixing Canada’s Shrinking Business Landscape, which outlines practical reforms to reverse the drought and improve Canada’s business environment.

“Tomorrow’s federal spring economic statement is an opportunity for the federal government to address Canada’s entrepreneurial drought and restore small business confidence,” said Michelle Auger, CFIB director of trade and marketplace competitiveness. “Governments have spent years prioritizing big business needs, while small firms have been largely ignored. Canada cannot afford to keep losing more businesses than it gains, it’s time for all governments to put small businesses first and reverse the entrepreneurial drought.”

CFIB identified three priority areas of action to fix Canada’s entrepreneurial drought: reducing the cost of doing business, cutting red tape, and responding to the ongoing transformation of Canada’s labour market.

Some key reforms for governments include:

Reducing the costs of doing business:

• Reduce the federal small business corporate tax rate (SBCTR) from 9% to 6%; and
  • Provincial governments should permanently lower their SBCTRs to 0% by 2030.
  • Federal and provincial governments should raise SBCTR thresholds to at least $700,000 and index it to inflation.
• Make financing more accessible and affordable.
• Create a level playing field and ensure government programs and procurement processes are accessible to small firms.

Cutting red tape and reducing internal trade barriers:

• Measure and publicly report the regulatory burden.
• Eliminate two regulations for every new one introduced (a “2 for 1” rule) to cut red tape.
• Streamline internal trade by expanding mutual recognition beyond its current scope to include food and alcohol and ensure the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement and provincial legislation are applied consistently and transparently, with minimal carve-outs.

Addressing labour market challenges and improving business succession:

• Improve workforce quality through training incentives and stronger partnerships with educational institutions.
• Keep, protect and defend the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and consult the business community in advance of future reform.
• Increase awareness, particularly among young entrepreneurs, about the opportunities and advantages of purchasing an existing business.
• Allow small corporations to defer the tax on capital gains from the transfer of a business to the owner’s children.

“The entrepreneurial drought won’t fix itself. Canada needs to give businesses clear reasons to start, stay and invest, yet current government policies are failing to inspire confidence among entrepreneurs,” said Brianna Solberg, CFIB director for the Prairies and the North. “If governments are serious about Canada’s economic strength, competitiveness, and productivity growth, they need to start reflecting this in their policies.”

Visit cfib.ca/drought for more information.

The post Canada Is Losing Businesses At An Alarming Rate: Here’s How We Fix The Country’s Entrepreneurial Drought: CFIB appeared first on Muskoka411.

‘But Why Bump Off Barnaby?’ is a murder mystery farce at its most hilarious directed by Emma Phillips. When an eccentric family gathers at Marlgate Manor, the evening takes a sinister turn indeed! The race is on to find the killer. The only problem? The clues and motives make absolutely no sense to anyone. While the bizarre group frantically tries to unmask the murderer, people are implicated, stories are questioned and pure mayhem follows. To find out who committed the crime, you’ll just have to come and see the show for yourself!

“This is an exceptionally silly play, fun and fast paced. It is the perfect piece to just sit back and let yourself be immersed in laughter,” says director Emma Phillips, “We have gathered some of the best local actors and crafted a stunning backdrop and beautiful period costumes. It took 20 years to bring this play to the stage, and we’re thrilled to bring this theatrical experience to the community”.

The cast of local performers includes Earl Sacrey, James Currie, Beth Bussotti, Rachel Thompson, Allen Hutchings, Fritz Ruttan, Nancy Jamieson, Shaman Johann, Rachel Walker-Brown and Lauren Rodrigues.

‘But Why Bump Off Barnaby?’ will take place at the Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre (100 Clearbrook Trail, Bracebridge) from May 6^th-9^th at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee also on May 9th. Tickets are $30 for general audience, with a discount for groups of 10+ and HTC members. They can be purchased at theatremuskoka.ca.

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