The Wind Phone has now been built and completed, offering a peaceful place where people can pause, remember loved ones they have lost, and express the words they may still wish they could say.

The project began when Rotary People of Action Huntsville reached out to Hospice Huntsville to ask how its members could provide practical, hands-on support to the organization. As a boots on-the-ground service club, People of Action focuses on rolling up its sleeves and completing projects that make a tangible difference in the community.
The Wind Phone became an opportunity to create something lasting and meaningful for Hospice residents, their families and others experiencing grief.

A Wind Phone is an old-fashioned telephone that is not connected to a telephone line. Instead, it provides a symbolic way for people to speak to someone who has died, share memories, express feelings or simply say the things left unsaid.

The concept originated in Japan following the 2011 tsunami, when a man created a telephone booth in his garden as a way to symbolically communicate with his deceased cousin. Since then, Wind Phones have been created in communities around the world as places for remembrance, reflection and connection.

“We reached out to Hospice Huntsville because we wanted to find a way our members could help through hands-on service,” said Jennifer Jerrett of Rotary People of Action Huntsville. “The Wind Phone is a simple idea, but it carries so much meaning. We hope it will provide a quiet place for people to remember someone special, share their thoughts and feel connected to the people they have lost. We’re proud to have been able to bring this project to life with the support of our community partners.”

Hospice Huntsville played an important role in the project, offering design ideas, plaquing and helping ensure the Wind Phone would be a meaningful addition to its grounds and the support it provides to individuals and families.

“We are so grateful to Rotary People of Action for reaching out and asking how they could
support Hospice Huntsville,” said Rebecca Ellerson, Executive Director of Hospice Huntsville.
“Grief is deeply personal, and having a quiet space where people can reflect, remember and speak to someone they miss can be incredibly meaningful. We are delighted to have the Wind Phone here and hope it brings comfort to the many people who will use it.”
Brittany Evans led the project and played a key role in bringing the Wind Phone from an idea to a finished structure, enlisting the help of her father, Paul Evans, and her partner, Mitch Quathamer, to help make it a reality.

“It was really important to me to see this project come to fruition and create something that could bring comfort to people in our community,” said Brittany Evans, project lead. “I was fortunate to have my dad, Paul, and my partner, Mitch, step in and help make it happen. Having them involved made this project even more special, and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to create together. I hope the Wind Phone becomes a place where people feel comfortable taking a moment to remember, reflect and say whatever is in their hearts.”

This project wouldn’t have been possible without Rolston’s Home Building Centre who
supported the project with materials and assistance, while members of Rotary People of Action Huntsville and the Rotary Club of Huntsville contributed their time and skills to bring the structure together.

The completed Wind Phone provides a welcoming place to sit quietly, surrounded by nature, and take a moment for remembrance. There is no right or wrong way to use it. Visitors are welcome to pick up the receiver and speak freely, whether they want to share a memory, express their feelings or simply say hello.

This project reflects the spirit of Service Above Self and demonstrates how local organizations can make a difference by sharing their time, resources and skills to support the needs of their community.

The Wind Phone is now complete and located on the grounds of Hospice Huntsville, where it will serve as a lasting place for reflection, remembrance and connection.

The post Rotary People Of Action Brings Wind Phone To Hospice Huntsville With Support From Local Partners appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 11:50 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a concern from a member of the public about a vehicle that was driving unsafely in a parking lot on Muskoka Road 118 in Bracebridge. Officers located the vehicle and subsequently arrested and charged 21-year-old Christian Novakovich, of Hamilton, ON, with Impaired Operation, Failure or Refusal to comply with demand and Drive motor vehicle- Perform stunt.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on December 8, 2026 to answer to his charges.

The post OPP Find Impaired Driver On Muskoka Road 118 In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:30 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were conducting proactive patrols in the town of Gravenhurst and conducted a traffic stop on Muskoka Road South. The investigation revealed further concerns with the driver and police subsequently arrested and charged 41-year-old Kevin Buker of Gravenhurst with Operation while Prohibited, Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance and Having care or control of a motor vehicle with liquor readily available.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on January 26, 2027 to answer to his charges.

Two People From Gravenhurst Face Several Drug Charges

Gravenhurst Resident Charged After Fail To Remain Collision

The post Gravenhurst Man Charged Again, This Time With Four Charges During A Traffic Stop appeared first on Muskoka411.

The 11th annual Gravenhurst Fire Department Toy Drive kicks off today. 

The post 2026 Gravenhurst Fire Department Toy Drive Underway appeared first on Muskoka411.

During the early morning hours today, November 1, 2026, at 2:45 a.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to a report of a theft a motor vehicle in progress at an address on Sarah Street North near George Street in Gravenhurst. Officers were on scene within minutes, located the vehicle and the suspect fled on foot. Witnesses described the suspect as a male party in their early 20’s wearing a blue hoodie.

The OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the OPP K-9 unit assisted with a search of the area and have not yet located the suspect.

Police are asking residents in the areas near Sarah Street North, Winewood Ave, Austin Street and George Street who have home surveillance cameras to check for footage between 2:30 – 3:30 a.m. for any possible evidence.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Reference incident number E261580468.

The post Suspect Wanted In Connection To Stolen Vehicle In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Friday, October 30, 2026, at approximately 3:09 p.m., members of the West Parry Sound OPP, the Parry Sound District Paramedic Service, and McDougall Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 124 west of Bell Lake Road.

One person was taken to hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.

Members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario are assisting with the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The post Fatal Collision On Highway 124 On Friday appeared first on Muskoka411.

Even with cooler fall temperatures, leaves and vegetation can ignite quickly when conditions are dry. Lake of Bays Fire Rescue and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry continue to monitor conditions and the Fire Danger Rating, which indicates the risk of a wildland fire starting and spreading. Conditions can change quickly, and a fire ban may be put in place when outdoor burning becomes unsafe.

IF YOU BURN, BURN SAFELY

Residents are reminded to follow outdoor burning rules and practise fire safety year-round to help protect our forests, properties and community:

• Keep your fire at least 20 ft away from buildings, trees, brush and anything else that can burn.
• Keep recreational fires small, no bigger than 2 ft x 2 ft.
• Burn only clean, dry wood, charcoal or briquettes. Do not burn yard waste, garbage or hazardous materials.
• Have water or another way to put the fire out nearby.
• Stay with your fire. Never leave it unattended.
• Put your fire out completely before you leave. Make sure there are no flames, smoke or hot embers remaining.

Before burning, check the current Fire Danger Rating and weather conditions. For outdoor burning information and the current Fire Danger Rating, visit the Township’s Fire and Emergency Services webpage.

The post Burn Safely This Fall As Daytime Burning Restrictions End appeared first on Muskoka411.

With the colder weather setting in, the use of fuel-burning heating sources Ontarians use to stay warm increases, and with it the risk of CO in the home, making CO exposure a deadly mix of timing and circumstance.

“Protecting Ontario starts at home. During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, I encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “A working carbon monoxide alarm is the best way to detect this invisible threat and provide an early warning that can save lives. Working together, we can help prevent tragedies and keep Ontario families and communities safe.”

Whether you live in a house, condo, own, or rent, “Every Home Needs a Voice.”

By law you must have a working CO alarm on every storey and adjacent to each sleeping area of the home if you have:

• a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood)
• a fireplace
• an attached garage
• direct heat by forced-air from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home

CO is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that is detected with a working CO alarm. Exposure to CO can lead to serious health risks – including death – making it critical for families to take action. “Because the threat is impossible to detect without an alarm, preventative measures are critical to minimize the risks of CO exposure,” says Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg.

CO poisoning may present as flu-like symptoms and can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness which can escalate to unconsciousness or death if left unchecked.

Testing your CO alarms monthly ensures they are functional and ready to alert you in the event of CO exposure. “Only a working CO alarm can detect a CO leak which is why it’s so important to minimize exposure to this deadly gas. Test CO alarms monthly, change the batteries yearly, and replace the unit every 10 years,” Pegg added.

When the CO alarm sounds, it’s important for all occupants of the home to exit, seek fresh air, and call 9-1-1.

Protect yourself and your family by following these steps to stay safe from CO exposure:

1. Ensure CO alarms have a CSA (Canadian Standards Association), ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada), or ETL (Intertek) mark of certification
2. Know the sound of your CO alarm
3. Check your CO alarm’s “replace by” date
4. Call a licensed TSSA-registered Fuels Contractor to maintain, repair, and inspect gas-fueled appliances

For more information visit Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide and follow the OFM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for safety tips and reminders to keep Ontarians informed and protected.

Quick Facts:

• Ontario fire departments responded to an annual average of 4,070 calls where CO was present between 2020 and 2024
• CO alarms are legally required on all storeys and adjacent to each sleeping area in any residence with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, and attached garages
• CO is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be fatal, often referred to as “The Silent Killer”
• Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness
• An activated CO alarm sounds different from a smoke alarm, emitting four beeps in quick succession

The post Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Is November 1 through 7 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Since the campaign began in 2006, more than $52,000 in donations has been provided to local charitable organizations, helping brighten the holidays for children and families in our community.

How it works

Anyone who receives an eligible parking ticket in the City of Orillia between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, 2026, can choose to donate a new children’s toy valued at least as much as the parking fine instead of paying the fine. Accessible parking violations are not eligible.

To participate, bring the following items to Customer Service on the first floor of Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.):

• Your parking ticket
• A new children’s toy in its original packaging (not gift-wrapped)
• Proof of purchase showing the toy’s value (donation must meet or exceed the amount owing on the parking fine)

Alternatively, parking ticket recipients can donate the fine amount to the campaign instead of purchasing a toy by visiting Customer Service at Orillia City Centre to pay by cash, debit or cheque.

Donation deadline: Dec. 1, 2026
Drop-off hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

Supporting local families

All toys collected through the campaign will be donated to local charitable organizations:

• Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District
• The Salvation Army

For more information on parking in Orillia, visit orillia.ca/parking or call 705-325-1311.

The post Orillia Toys For Tickets Campaign Returns Nov. 1 to Dec. 1 appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, members from Central Region Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), the Southern Georgian Bay OPP CSCU, and the Huronia West OPP CSCU, attended an address in Midland to apprehend an individual wanted on an outstanding warrant.

During the search police located a loaded firearm, approximately 935 grams of suspected cocaine, 489.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 63 grams of cannabis concentrate (commonly known as shatter), and 31.2 grams of individually packaged tobacco.

The total estimated street value of these drugs is $100,190.

As a result of the investigation, Alexander Youmans, 22 years old of Henvey Inlet First Nation, was charged with:

• Unauthorized possession of prohibited firearm

• Possession of loaded prohibited firearm

• Possession of schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts

• Possession of firearm/ammunition contrary to prohibition order

• Careless storage of firearm

The above accused remains in custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Additionally, Matthew Bowman, 42 years old of Midland, was charged with:

• Unauthorized possession of prohibited firearm

• Possession of loaded prohibited firearm

• Possession of schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts

• Careless storage of firearm

The above accused remains in custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Additionally, Brody Leclair, 27 years old of no fixed address, was charged with:

• Unauthorized possession of prohibited firearm

• Possession of loaded prohibited firearm

• Possession of schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – two counts

• Possession of firearm/ammunition contrary to prohibition order

• Careless storage of firearm

• Fail to comply with probation order

• Possess cannabis with the intention to sell/distribute

The above accused remains in custody and is to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The OPP remains committed to disrupting the distribution of illegal drugs and enhancing community safety. Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact Southern Georgian Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The post Three Charged In Midland After $100K Of Drugs And Loaded Firearm Seized appeared first on Muskoka411.