On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report of a break, enter and theft that occurred at a toy store located on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge that occurred sometime during the night prior.

Unknown suspects smashed a window to gain entry and stole a cash register containing several hundred dollars in cash.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you remain wish to remain anonymous, you may reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Incident number for reference is E261379830.

The post Several Hundred Dollars In Cash Stolen From A Bracebridge Toy Store appeared first on Muskoka411.

The upgrades, developed over several years and supported through significant community and provincial funding, have focused on improving accessibility throughout the facility while enhancing the experience for all members and visitors.

The completed improvements include accessible access to the ice surface, an accessibility lift, automatic doors, fully accessible washrooms and locker rooms, and other facility upgrades designed to make the HCC easier for everyone to enjoy.

“This marks an important milestone for the Huntsville Curling Club,” said HCC President Ron Kreutzer. “We are incredibly proud of what our curlers, volunteers, community partners and supporters have accomplished. This project is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about making sure that curling is a sport that is welcoming and accessible to everyone.”

One of the most exciting outcomes of the project is the introduction of wheelchair curling in Huntsville.

Anyone who uses a wheelchair or has a mobility impairment and has wondered what wheelchair curling is all about now has the opportunity to try the sport in a fun, welcoming and safe environment.

On Saturday, November 21, the Huntsville Curling Club will host a Wheelchair Curling Try-It event, where experienced instructors will introduce participants to the sport and help them get started. No prior curling experience is required, all curling equipment will be provided, and participation is completely free of charge. Experienced instructors will be on-site to guide participants through the basics and help them get started on the ice.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we envisioned when we began this project,” said Kreutzer. “We want people with mobility challenges to know that they are welcome at the HCC and that wheelchair curling is now an option right here in our community.”

To register for the Wheelchair Curling Try-It clinic, or to learn more about upcoming leagues and programs at the Huntsville Curling Club, please visit huntsvillecurlingclub.ca

The post Huntsville Curling Club Celebrates Completion Of Major Facility Modernization And Launch Of Wheelchair Curling appeared first on Muskoka411.

 On Sunday, September 6, 2026, officers received a report of a suspicious incident involving a 17-year-old female from Oro-Medonte.

The youth reported that on an unknown date in mid-to-late August, between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., while in the area of Old Barrie Road near 4th Line North, she was approached from behind by an unknown male who attempted to restrain and remove her from the area. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the youth was able to get away safely. Prior to the incident, the youth reported observing a suspicious vehicle in the area on multiple occasions throughout July and August

The involved vehicle is described as an older-model black four-door sedan with long rectangular taillights, a loud engine or exhaust, and cloth interior seats.

The driver of the involved vehicle is described as a tall male with a muscular build, dark straight hair, and wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a chain necklace.

Police are reminding residents to remain vigilant, trust their instincts, and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity to police immediately.

The investigation remains ongoing lead by the OPP Orillia Crime Unit. Anyone with information or video surveillance of the described vehicle or suspect are encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122, referencing incident number E261293426. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com

The post OPP Looking For Tips After Attempted Abduction In Oro-Medonte appeared first on Muskoka411.

A respected physician leader, educator, researcher and healthcare advocate, Dr. Whynot brings extensive clinical, administrative, quality and governance experience to the role. Having served communities across Muskoka through MAHC since 2018, he has developed a deep understanding of the region’s healthcare needs and the opportunities facing rural healthcare organizations.

Dr. Whynot’s clinical experience spans family medicine, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, long-term care, palliative care and surgical services. He also serves as Medical Director at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf and leads various research initiatives through the South Muskoka Local Education Group.

“Dr. Whynot has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence, quality improvement and collaborative leadership throughout his career,” said Carla Clarkson-Ladd, Chair of the MAHC Board of Directors. “His broad experience across healthcare settings, combined with his passion for innovation and patient-centred care, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our professional staff and support the organization’s strategic priorities.”

Dr. Whynot currently serves as Quality Lead Physician at the MAHC South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site in Bracebridge, where he provides medical leadership across several governance and quality tables, including the Medical Advisory Committee, Medical Quality Assurance, Quality of Care, Clinical Ethics, and Quality and Patient Safety.

“I am honoured to serve as Chief of Staff for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare,” said Dr. Whynot. “Having worked alongside dedicated physicians, staff, volunteers and leaders across MAHC for the past eight years, I have seen firsthand the incredible care provided to our communities. I look forward to working collaboratively with our medical staff, leadership team, Board of Directors and community partners to strengthen quality, advance innovation and ensure exceptional care for patients and families across Muskoka and East Parry Sound.”

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Whynot will provide medical leadership to MAHC’s professional staff, support quality and patient safety initiatives, foster physician engagement and work closely with hospital leadership and the Board to advance the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

In addition to his clinical and leadership responsibilities, Dr. Whynot is an Assistant Professor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and an Adjunct Professor at Laurentian

University. He is actively involved in research, physician education and leadership development, helping to strengthen healthcare capacity across Northern and rural Ontario.

He also serves as an Investigating Coroner for the Province of Ontario and has conducted more than 1,100 investigations involving sudden, unexpected, or non-natural deaths, bringing valuable experience in systems analysis, risk management and evidence-based decision-making.

Currently pursuing a Master of Laws (Health Law) at Osgoode Hall Law School, Dr. Whynot is developing specialized expertise in healthcare governance, legislation, regulatory compliance and emerging issues related to healthcare innovation and artificial intelligence.

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On Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:40 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting proactive patrols in the town of Gravenhurst and located a vehicle that had been the subject of an earlier traffic complaint. Officers conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 29-year-old Mitchell Casserly of Torrance, ON with Impaired Operation, Over 80 and Operation while Prohibited.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 27, 2026 to answer to his charges.

The post Torrance Resident Charged With Impaired Driving appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 1:40 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a theft complaint that occurred at two retail locations in Gravenhurst near Muskoka Road South and Edward Street. The suspect, described as a female wearing a black hat, black sweatshirt with an Adidas logo, black pants carrying a large bag, attended the stores and stole multiple items, valued at approximately $450.00, before taking off on Talisman Drive.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you remain wish to remain anonymous, you may reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Incident number for reference is E261379830.

The post Person To Identify After Theft From Two Gravenhurst Stores appeared first on Muskoka411.

On September 17^th, 2026, at approximately 6:18 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner on Wilmott Street in the Town of Huntsville. Officers attended and located the vehicle. As a result, Paul Degazio, a 32-year-old of Huntsville was charged with:

·      Assault a Peace Officer

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Dangerous operation

·      Drive motor vehicle – no license

·      Drive motor vehicle, no permit

·      Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance

·      Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

On September 18th, 2026, at approximately 9:13 p.m., officers responded to a report of a possible impaired driver. As a result, officers located the vehicle on Highway 11, in the Town of Huntsville. Tyler Corless, a 33-year-old of Huntsville was charged with:

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

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

The above-named accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge at a later date.

Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol continue to pose a significant threat on Ontario roads. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 911. In doing so, you may save a life.

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Officers were responding to a request for a wellness check at a residence on Queen Street when information was received regarding a vehicle that had reportedly been associated with the residence.

An officer subsequently located the vehicle in a parking lot with the driver inside and the keys in the ignition. While officers were speaking with the occupants, suspected controlled substances were observed in plain view in the centre console area.

As a result of the investigation, Corbin Rubinski, a 44 year old male from Hillsdale has been charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Mathamphetamine
• Have care or control of a vehicle with cannabis readily available
• Possess more than one licence

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date to answer to the charges.

If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1. To report non-emergency information, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

The post Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Trafficking Charges In Midland appeared first on Muskoka411.

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ — Over one in five small businesses (22%) are in weak or critical condition, according to new research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Just 18% would advise someone to start a business right now, while half (50%) would not. With Parliament back in session today, the federal government must act quickly to address Canada’s entrepreneurial drought.

Among those that say now is not a good time to start a business, 88% cite the high cost of doing business, 86% cite economic uncertainty, 65% say the tax burden is too high, and 53% point to the heavy government regulatory burden.

“Small business owners have spent years navigating rising costs, and now the tariff war with the U.S. is piling fresh uncertainty and additional costs on top of already weak consumer demand and low small business confidence. It’s no surprise small business owners are pressing pause on hiring, investment and expansion as they wait and see what comes next,” said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB executive vice-president. “Canada is a country of small businesses and government priorities need to reflect that. The government took positive steps towards strengthening Canada’s economy by making immediate expensing permanent and expanding the deduction to more assets. We strongly encourage them to build on that momentum and boost Main Street by lowering the small business tax rate from 9% to 6% in the upcoming session.”

CFIB is calling on the federal government to introduce concrete measures that would lower costs and improve small business competitiveness, including:

• Reducing the federal small business tax rate from 9% to 6% and increasing the small business deduction threshold to $700,000;
• Introducing a lower capital gains inclusion rate for small firms of 33% on the next $2-million of gains beyond the LGCE.
• Exempting taxes from capital gains incurred following the sale of a business (shares and assets) when the proceeds are reinvested in a Canadian CCPC within the next three years (rollover policy).
• Increasing the GST/HST threshold from $30,000 to at least $60,000 and indexing it to inflation going forward;
• Bringing in a two-for-one rule for federal regulations to jumpstart regulatory modernization; and,
• Returning counter-tariff revenues to businesses directly affected by the U.S.-Canada trade war.

“Small businesses are being squeezed from multiple directions. The best way for the government to help is to focus on what it can control,” said Jasmin Guénette. “That means delivering on tax reduction, cutting red tape, and ensuring Canada has the best environment possible to start, run and grow a business.”

The post 1 In 5 Small Business Owners Describe Their Business As “Weak” Or “Critical” As Parliament Returns appeared first on Muskoka411.

The highway was closed briefly to safely remove the aircraft from the roadway and re-opened without incident. The OPP would like to thank motorists for their patience and cooperation during the brief road closure.

The post Police Provide Update To Plane Landing On Hwy. 11 In Perry Township appeared first on Muskoka411.