October 2, 2026 (Muskoka, ON) – The District Municipality of Muskoka has opened two funding opportunities through the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP) to help increase the supply of affordable housing across Muskoka. Those with eligible projects are encouraged to apply now for 2027 funding. Applications close Friday, January 8, 2027. 

“This program helps property owners and developers build new affordable rental housing or add a rental unit to their home or property. Helping more residents find housing in Muskoka supports the District’s commitment to help build a community where everyone has a place to call home,” said Arfona Zwiers, Commissioner of Community and Planning Services. “Each new unit created through this program represents a meaningful step toward helping more residents and families find safe, attainable housing right here in Muskoka.”  

About the Two Funding Streams 

MAHIP Capital Incentive Program: Multi-Residential Rental Units 

• Up to $100,000 per unit for developers and builders to create affordable multi-unit rental housing. Funding in this stream supports new construction or conversions of existing buildings such as schools, churches, or retail spaces. 

MAHIP Capital Incentive Program: Additional Residential Units 

• Up to $50,000 per unit is available for property owners to build additional residential units (also known as secondary suites). Examples include basement apartments or garden suites, offering flexible housing options and rental income. 

Visit www.muskoka.on.ca/mahip for details and eligibility information. 

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Cellphone Service Provider Fraud

Fraudsters pose as representatives of a victim’s cellphone service provider, offering discounts, upgraded plans, or new devices. During the call, victims are directed to log in to their legitimate cellphone account and provide account information, security codes, or personal details such as a driver’s licence number or Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Victims may then be instructed to order a smartphone that is delivered to their home. Once the device arrives, the fraudster claims the wrong phone was shipped and directs the victim to send it to another address. Victims are ultimately left responsible for the cost of the device and any associated financial losses.

Warning Signs

• You receive an unsolicited phone call, text message, or email offering a discount, upgraded plan, or new device.
• The caller pressures you to act immediately or claims the offer is only available for a limited time.
• You are asked to log in to your cellphone account while the caller remains on the line.
• You are asked to provide your account password, security code, PIN, or multi-factor authentication code.
• You are asked to provide a driver’s licence, Social Insurance Number, or other identification.
• You are encouraged to open an account with a different service provider.
• You receive a cellphone or tablet and are instructed to send it to an address provided by the caller.
• The address provided does not match the verified address of the service provider.

Online Classified Fraud

Fraudsters are targeting individuals selling heavy equipment, trailers, vehicles, and recreational equipment through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace. They often initiate contact through the platform before moving the conversation to email or text messaging. The fraudster agrees to purchase the item without viewing it and claims to be out of town, arranging for a towing company or third-party carrier to collect the equipment.

To appear legitimate, the fraudster may provide a photograph of a driver’s licence or other identification. The seller then receives a fraudulent payment, often in the form of a counterfeit cheque, money order, or bank draft delivered by the individual picking up the equipment. By the time the payment is identified as fraudulent, the equipment has already been removed.

Warning Signs

• The buyer is located out of town and is willing to purchase the item without seeing it in person.
• The buyer arranges for a tow truck or third party to pick up the item.
• Payment is provided through a tow truck operator or other third party.
• Payment is made using a cheque, money order, or bank draft rather than a verified electronic transfer.
• The buyer is unwilling to meet in person or complete the transaction through secure, verifiable methods.

The Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative (IFARI) is an OPP East Region pilot program launched in 2025, led by a Detective Sergeant and supported by Provincial Constables from across east region. The team enhances frontline fraud investigations by reviewing fraud and Cyber-Enabled fraud reports, providing investigative guidance, resources, and expert contacts to officers. IFARI members are assigned fraud investigations in collaboration with detachment leadership.

To learn more about Merchandise fraud and other types of (Frauds by A-Z index) visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

If you suspect fraud or have been a victim of fraud, report it to your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online via the Fraud Reporting System or at 1-888-495-8501.

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Through the summer, Orillia CSCU commenced a drug trafficking investigation at two addresses on West Street in the City of Orillia. As a result of their investigation, a warrant was issued.

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, just after 5:30 p.m., with the assistance of Orillia General Law Enforcement Officers (GLE), and Muskoka CSCU, the warrant was executed, and three people were taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation three individuals were charged:

Lincoln Zaremba, 19-years old from Orillia, is facing the following charges:

– Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of Trafficking

– Possession of cocaine for the purpose of Trafficking

– Possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of Trafficking

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose – 2 counts

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm – 2 counts

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon – 2 counts

– Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm

– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

Cohen Hamilton, 36-years of Orillia, is facing the following charges:

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon

– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

Annette Hamilton, 60-years of Orillia, is facing the following charges:

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon

– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

All three accused were held in custody to appear for a bail hearing on Thursday, October 1, 2026, before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.

Additionally, a quantity of suspected cocaine, fentanyl, hydromorphone tablets, as well as over $20,000 in Canadian currency, and two handguns were seized.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court, and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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“Joining our team as a volunteer firefighter is a true act of service to your community, and we encourage anyone who is interested to come to the information session to find out more,” said Paul Calleja, Deputy Fire Chief. “Whether you are new to the area, or have lived here for years, as a volunteer firefighter, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. It’s also a great way to build lasting friendships and strengthen your connection to the community and your neighbours.”

Information session:
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fire Station 1, Huntsville (1 Payne Drive)

The session will feature a presentation, an opportunity to connect with fire staff, details about the application process and training requirements, and what to expect as a member of the team.

Why join?
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is deeply rewarding and there are many perks to serving your community including:

• • A strong team and family-oriented environment
  • A sense of accomplishment and giving back to the community
  • Professional development through Provincial Firefighter Certification
  • Advancement opportunities including rank, apparatus driver, and instructor
  • An hourly wage and compensation for all training, emergency responses, meetings, and activities
  • A Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit

To be considered for this year’s round of recruits, interested individuals can submit their application at huntsvillefire.ca/joinfire by October 31. While the Huntsville Fire Department accepts applications for volunteer firefighters year-round, we actively recruit and review applications once a year.

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For the first time since the program began, the Huntsville Fire Department will be shifting from its usual door-to-door collection to special community donation events at Fire Station 1 in Huntsville and Fire Station 5 in Port Sydney on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. These special donation events will include visits and photos with Santa and other activities, in the spirit of welcoming the community and having fun while supporting local families in need.

“Project Porchlight has always been about residents generously supporting the needs of our community, and we know this year will be no different. We are committed to keeping the food drive going strong as Huntsville continues to grow, and we appreciate the community’s support each year,” said Huntsville Fire Chief, Gary Monahan. “However, over the last few years we have faced challenges with door-to-door collection because of having fewer volunteers to cover a larger number of neighbourhoods, risky weather conditions, and a decreasing number of donations. This new format will allow us to continue to keep the food drive going strong but in a way that is safer for our volunteers and more engaging for families. We are confident that giving residents and families a chance to take part in the food drive in a fun way will become a new tradition that will increase our ability to support families in need within our community.”

In addition to the two main Fire Station events, donations will continue to be accepted at local grocery stores. The period for dropping off non-perishable food items at these locations will be extended, and firefighters will be on hand on certain days to accept any food drive items and personally thank the community for their generous support. Dates, times and locations will be announced closer to the start of the food drive – stay tuned for all the details!

Huntsville is a special place where neighbours take care of one another and always show up to help those in need. The Huntsville Fire Department is tremendously grateful for the community’s long-standing support and looks forward to another successful year of helping local families.

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Officers observed an off-road vehicle being operated on a roadway without a licence plate. When Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to comply by evading police at a high rate of speed. As a result of the investigation, the driver was quickly identified and located.

As a result, a 16-year-old from McMurrich-Monteith Township has been charged with:

· Dangerous Operation

· Flight from Peace Officer

· Fail to Stop for Police

· Drive Motor Vehicle, No Plates

· Owner Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance

For incidents where an off-road vehicle is being operated illegally or in an unsafe manner please contact the Almaguin Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

The OPP reminds the public that off-road vehicles must be operated in accordance with Ontario laws and regulations. Riders are encouraged to educate themselves where off-road vehicles may be legally operated and to do so safely and responsibly. For information regarding off-road vehicle rules and regulations, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/off-road-vehicles-snowmobiles

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As of today, Ontario is increasing its minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, benefiting more than 700,000 workers across the province. This annual increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.9 per cent and marks the second-highest rate among provinces. A worker earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728. This balanced approach puts more money into workers’ pockets while helping businesses plan for the future, delivering on the government’s plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more competitive economy that can withstand global economic uncertainty.

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On Thursday, September 24, 2026, members from the Southern Georgian Bay CSCU with assistance from Muskoka CSCU, the Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET), and SGB Uniform patrol executed Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants at residences in Penetanguishene and Midland, as well as a downtown Midland business.

As a result of the investigation, Trenton Duff, 31 years of age of Penetanguishene, has been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of illicit cannabis for the purpose of distribution
• Possession of illicit cannabis for the purpose of selling
• Cultivation of more than four cannabis plants in a dwelling-house
• Failure to comply with an undertaking

The accused was held for a bail hearing due to current charges before the courts, and released with a future court date of Thursday, October 22, 2026.

A 26 year old female was also charged with two offences under the Cannabis Act and released with a future court date.

The OPP remains committed to addressing illicit drug activity and enhancing community safety. Police encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity occurring within their neighborhoods.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is asked to contact the Southern Georgian Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may provide information through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

The post Penetanguishene Resident Faces Drug Charges appeared first on Muskoka411.

During the current election period, Central Region OPP detachments have received reports of election signs being removed, relocated, damaged, discarded, and stolen. The OPP encourages respectful participation in the democratic process and reminds the public that disagreements with candidates, policies, or campaign messaging should never result in damage to property or interference with election materials.

Election signs are the property of candidates and their campaigns. Tampering with or removing these signs without authorization may result in criminal or provincial charges, depending on the circumstances.

Examples of election sign interference include:

• Stealing election signs
• Removing signs from authorized locations
• Damaging or vandalizing signs
• Relocating signs without permission
• Disposing of signs in ditches, parks, or other public or private locations

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity involving election signs is encouraged to contact police. If it is safe to do so, members of the public are asked to note suspect descriptions, vehicle information, or obtain video footage that may assist investigators.

Anyone with information regarding election sign interference is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The OPP remains committed to supporting a safe, fair, and respectful election process for all candidates and residents.

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Through the summer, Orillia CSCU commenced a drug trafficking investigation at an address on Albert Street near Barrie Road in the City of Orillia. As a result of their investigation, a warrant was issued.

On Friday, September 25, 2026, just before 5:30 a.m., with the assistance of Orillia General Law Enforcement Officers (GLE), Orillia Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), Nottawasaga CSCU, and Caledon CSCU, the warrant was executed, and one person was taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Triston John, 37-years old from Orillia, is facing the following charges:

–      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine,

–      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid – two counts

–      Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

–      Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

–      Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000

–      Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition – two counts

The accused was held in custody to appear for a bail hearing on Friday, September 25, 2026 before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.

Additionally, a quantity of suspected cocaine, crack-cocaine, methamphetamine, hydromorphone tablets, oxycodone tablets, as well as over $10,000 in Canadian currency, 29 grams of gold bar, and prohibited weapons were seized.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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