“The hospital has replaced its 12‑year‑old mammography machine and added a second, fully equipped mammography suite. Together, these upgrades double CGMH’s mammography capacity and introduce advanced diagnostic capabilities that extend well beyond traditional screening,” says Michael Lacroix, CGMH President and CEO. The second suite will focus on in‑depth assessments and will offer contrast‑enhanced mammography – an important tool for improved cancer detection, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue.

With this addition, CGMH will be among a select group of hospitals in Ontario offering contrast‑enhanced mammography, expected to be fully implemented by Fall 2026.

Key enhancements for patients and the community include:

• 3D‑guided (stereotactic) biopsies for greater precision in targeting abnormalities

• Contrast‑enhanced mammography to highlight potential cancers by tracking contrast dye within breast tissue (beginning Fall 2026)

These advancements are especially valuable for identifying cancers that may be hidden within dense breast tissue and not visible on ultrasound. At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful goal: to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, supporting less invasive surgery and more effective treatment options.

“The expansion also allows one mammography unit to focus primarily on screening mammograms, helping reduce the growing waitlist and increasing access to breast‑screening services through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). In the past fiscal year alone, CGMH performed 7,645 mammograms, including 5,670 for OBSP patients,” says Jamey Gilroy, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and Echocardiography.

CGMH extends its sincere thanks to the generous leadership of the late Teri Yamada and her husband Doug Moxon, who matched donations up to $375,000 through the 2024 Tree of Life campaign. Additional thanks go to 100+ Women Who Care, South Georgian Triangle, for their $25,500 contribution, and to every community member whose support helped bring this innovative technology to our hospital.

“This milestone reflects what is possible when our community comes together to invest in better health care today and into the future, as we work to bring Tomorrow’s Hospital for South Georgian Bay to fruition,” says Sandra Taylor, CGMH Foundation President and CEO.

The post CGMH Doubles Mammography Capacity With Second Suite And Two New State‑Of‑The‑Art Machines appeared first on Muskoka411.

Following a coordinated and successful transition period, the two fire service departments will officially function separately as of July 1, 2026, and Town of Huntsville fire services will now operate as Huntsville Fire Department.

“The Fire Department Administration Services Agreement marked a strong and successful partnership between the Township of Lake of Bays and the Town of Huntsville for almost 14 years, reflecting the shared values and close relationship between our communities,” says Town of Huntsville Chief Administrative Officer, Denise Corry. “This realignment will allow each organization to better meet the tailored needs of our communities, streamline internal processes, and reduce duplication of administrative requirements.”

While the new service structure will change some internal administrative processes within the Fire Department, it will not change the way the public normally contacts emergency services or the response levels they currently receive.

“I want to strongly reassure residents that this change will not impact the Department’s ability to serve our community. Residents can expect the same high level of service and emergency response they rely on every day,” says Gary Monahan, Fire Chief, Huntsville Fire Department. “The changes are largely administrative in nature – focused on improving efficiency and addressing individual department needs. Mutual aid support will continue to be in place, along with coordination with local municipal and regional fire departments. The Huntsville Fire Department is made up of dedicated, highly skilled first responders, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to public safety.”

Over the past several months, the Huntsville Fire Department has been strategically working on a new brand, as well as planning an exciting community launch event in the Fall. The community will begin to see brand updates and changes to the website and social media channels in the coming weeks.

The Town of Huntsville will provide more details on the Huntsville Fire Department brand and community event later this summer on huntsville.ca.

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Families in rural and remote communities across Muskoka are benefiting from expanded access to licensed child care, early learning opportunities, and family supports through ongoing collaboration between the District of Muskoka, local school boards, child care operators, area municipalities, and community partners. 

Access to early learning and child care plays an important role in supporting healthy child development, family well-being, and workforce participation. In rural communities, these services are also essential to attracting and retaining families, supporting local employers, and helping communities grow and thrive. 

Recent initiatives have expanded access to licensed child care, home child care, and EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming in communities including Glen Orchard, Honey Harbour, MacTier, Severn Bridge, Utterson, Bala, Port Carling, Baysville, Dwight, and Port Sydney. 

“Every child and family in Muskoka deserves access to quality early learning opportunities, regardless of where they live,” said Jeff Lehman, Chair of the District of Muskoka. “Through strong partnerships and creative approaches to service delivery, Muskoka is expanding access to child care, early learning opportunities, and family supports in rural communities so that children get the best possible start in life while helping parents pursue employment, education, and training opportunities.” 

Recent milestones include: 

In partnership with Trillium Lakelands District School Board: 

• Expansion of Muskoka Lakes Preschool in Glen Orchard, adding 36 new licensed child care spaces 
• Launch of a new licensed before-and-after-school program at Honey Harbour Public School in partnership with Friends Forever Child Care 

In partnership with the Near North District School Board and Forever Friends Child Care: 

• Opening of a licensed after-school program at MacTier Public School 
• Plans to open a new licensed family-age child care program at MacTier Public School in September 2026 

As well as: 

• Introduction of a licensed summer child care program in MacTier beginning in summer 2026 
• Expansion of licensed home child care services in communities including MacTier, Severn Bridge, and Utterson 
• More than 1,200 hours of EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming delivered in rural communities in 2025, helping connect families with early learning opportunities, professional support, and community resources close to home 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres also play an important role in supporting children and families in rural communities. Through weekly programs offered across Muskoka’s towns and townships, families can access early learning opportunities, connect with other parents and caregivers, and receive support from qualified professionals close to home. 

Partnerships key to expanded child care and early learning opportunities for rural and remote families 

“When families can access the supports they need in their own communities, children are better able to succeed,” said Jennifer Clark, Associate Superintendent, Trillium Lakelands DSB.“Working alongside child care operators, municipalities, and community partners, we can create more opportunities for families to access quality early learning and child care programs close to home.” 

“Strong partnerships are essential to ensuring children and families have access to the supports they need to thrive,” said Emily Samuel, Principal of Safe Schools, Early Years and Leadership Development, Near North District School Board. “Expanding child care and early years services within school communities helps make programs more accessible for families while creating welcoming spaces where children can learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for future success.” 

“When the opportunity arose to partner with the District and local school board to expand access to licensed child care in MacTier, we knew it was something we wanted to be part of,” said Melanie Ross, Director Friends Forever Child Care. “Our after-school program and new full-day licensed summer camp help address important gaps in care options experienced by many families in rural communities. These programs provide children with opportunities to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment while helping parents and caregivers pursue employment, education, and training opportunities.” 

“The new preschool room at Glen OrchardPublic School is helping us respond to a growing need for licensed child care spaces in Muskoka Lakes,” said Linda LaForge, Director, Muskoka Lakes Preschool. “By expanding our program within a local school setting, we are able to provide more children with access to quality early learning experiences while giving families a reliable child care option close to home.” 

The District continues to work with school boards, licensed child care operators, area municipalities, and community organizations to identify service gaps and support future expansion opportunities in underserved communities. 

Learn more about early learning, child care and family supports available in Muskoka by visiting: www.muskoka.on.ca/en/children-and-seniors/children-s-programs-and-services.aspx 

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Taking place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the project will bring together artists, DJs, dancers, and community members in downtown Huntsville for a uniquely Canadian artistic experience.

The Canoe Mural Project transforms real canoes into striking public artworks inspired by the iconic landscape paintings of Tom Thomson. Throughout the day, seven artists will paint live interpretations of Thomson’s celebrated works directly onto the bottoms of canoes, creating three-dimensional murals that reimagine Canada’s artistic legacy through a contemporary street art lens.

Members of the public will have a front-row seat to the creative process as the artworks come to life during Huntsville’s Canada Day festivities.

“Combining the timeless imagery of Tom Thomson with the energy and creativity of street art allows us to celebrate both our artistic heritage and the diverse voices shaping contemporary Canadian culture,” said Dan Watson, Artistic Director of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. “The Canoe Mural Project has become a beloved community tradition, and this year’s Street Art Edition brings an exciting new perspective to the experience.”

Following an open call earlier this spring, HfA received 45 submissions from artists across the Province. After a highly competitive selection process, seven artists have been chosen to participate in the 2026 project:

• Shalak – Sunset Clouds
• Bruno Smoky – Piece to be announced
• Anthony Haley – In The Northland
• Mique Michelle – Chill November
• Miguel Albino – Decorative Panel (III)
• Dominic Laporte – Poplars by the Lake (1916)
• Ray Vidal – Red Leaves (1914)

Adding to the atmosphere will be a full day of hip hop culture programming. Dawid “LiftiD” Kujidaj will serve as host and emcee, providing performances and audience engagement throughout the event.

Music will be provided by:

• DJ Shane “LS” Dennis (morning set)
• DJ Marius “DJ M4RS” Pleniceanu (afternoon set)

Representing Mississauga’s Ground Illusionz crew, Marcel “Frost Flow” DaCosta and Jerome “Fresh FX” Villa will present pop-up dance cyphers, breakin’ basics workshops, and hip hop knowledge-sharing sessions throughout the day.

Once completed, the canoe murals will be installed throughout River Mill Park for a summer-long exhibition, allowing residents and visitors to experience the works while exploring downtown Huntsville. The project celebrates creativity, local identity, and Canada’s enduring canoe heritage.

The Canoe Mural Project: Street Art Edition is a free public event and will run alongside the Town of Huntsville’s Canada Day celebrations, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and community programming in River Mill Park.

The project is made possible through the generous support of Algonquin Outfitters through its bi-annual Paddle Art Auction, as well as funding from the Province of Ontario’s Experience Ontario Program.

For more information and a complete event schedule, visit:
www.huntsvillefestival.ca/canoe-mural-project

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“I am deeply honoured to have earned the confidence of my fellow Board members in being named Chair,” said Ms. McKinnon. “This role carries a significant responsibility, and I am committed to serving the organization in line with our values of integrity, humility, and accountability, while building on the culture of teamwork and trust at the Board table.”

First elected to the Board in June 2023, and having served as 1^st Vice Chair for the past two years, Ms. McKinnon was elected to a second 3-year term at Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting which will carry through until June 2029.  She succeeds Lawrence Pietras who served as Board Chair for the past two years and will remain on the Board for one additional year.

Ms. McKinnon brings extensive experience in healthcare governance, finance, and audit. Over the course of her career, she has worked with numerous hospital clients, leading external audits and developing deep expertise in hospital funding models and the broader healthcare system.

“This is an exciting and pivotal time in the history of OSMH as we plan for a new hospital.  I look forward to working closely with the Board and hospital leadership to navigate this critically important next chapter, always guided by our Mission to provide high-quality compassionate care to the communities we serve,” said McKinnon. 

McKinnon was one of four current Board members re-elected to new terms at Tuesday’s AGM.   Ryan Spurgeon, who will fill the role of 1^st Vice-Chair, was elected to a 3-year term along with Ian Gordon, who joined the Board in 2025.  Sheila Clark was elected to a 1-year term to complete her final year of eligible service, while the Board welcomed Diane Flanagan for an initial term of two-years.

The Board also took time to acknowledge the service of Ken Brownlee who provided more than ten years of expertise and volunteerism to the Boards of the Hospital and Foundation.

Click here to view the 2025-26 OSMH Annual Report.  

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To celebrate Canada Day and encourage more people to enjoy Ontario’s world-class outdoors, Canadian residents can fish for free across the province from June 27 to July 5 without purchasing a fishing licence or Outdoors Card.

The post Celebrate Canada Day Week With Free Fishing appeared first on Muskoka411.

The extended schedule for up to 16 hours per day is designed to improve access to diagnostic imaging, reduce wait times, and support better patient outcomes across the Muskoka region. This expansion has been made possible in part through the Government of Ontario’s continued investment in healthcare, including $1 million in funding from the Ministry of Health for 2025/2026.

“This is an important step forward for healthcare in our communities,” said Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. “By expanding MRI availability, we can serve more patients, sooner, helping accelerate diagnosis and treatment planning closer to home.”

From July 2025 through May 2026, the MRI program has already demonstrated strong impact, completing 2,890 scans. With extended hours now in place, MAHC expects to further increase capacity and better meet growing demand.

Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, welcomed the expansion as a positive development for local healthcare access. “Our government has been working hard to expand access to essential healthcare services across Ontario, and I’m very pleased to see this investment supporting increased MRI capacity right here in Muskoka,” said Smith. “This is great news for patients and families in our region who will benefit from faster access to important diagnostic care closer to home.”

Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider about MRI referrals.

To learn more about MRI services in Muskoka, including how to access imaging and what to expect, visit: https://www.mahc.ca/areas-of-care/diagnostic-imaging/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/

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Throughout the summer, more than 75 public beaches across Simcoe Muskoka are routinely monitored and tested for E. coli bacteria. Elevated levels of E. coli can increase the risk of illness and infection for swimmers. When bacteria levels exceed Ontario’s recreational water quality guidelines, a swimming advisory is issued and remains in effect until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe for swimming. In rare cases where a significant health or safety risk exists, a beach may be closed.

Because beach water quality can change quickly due to weather and environmental conditions, recent test results may not always reflect conditions at the time of your visit.

“We’re really encouraging people to check in before they get in,” said Karen Kivilahti, program manager, Safe Water. “While our testing provides important information, beachgoers should always assess current conditions and make informed decisions before entering the water.”

Heavy rainfall can wash bacteria and other contaminants, including animal waste and garbage, into lakes and along shorelines. To reduce the risk of illness, SMDHU recommends avoiding swimming for 24 to 48 hours following significant rainfall. If you do enter the water, avoid submerging your head and never swallow lake water.

Strong winds and large numbers of swimmers can also affect water quality by stirring up sand and sediment, which may increase bacteria levels. A simple rule of thumb is: if you cannot see your feet while standing in waist-deep water, bacteria levels may be higher than usual.

Warm, shallow water and wet sand can create conditions that allow bacteria such as E. coli to multiply more easily. Beach visitors are encouraged to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer regularly, especially before eating.

In addition to bacterial testing, beaches are monitored for environmental conditions that may affect public health, including blue-green algae blooms, floating debris, excessive weed growth and cloudy water.

Before heading to the beach, check the latest advisories and beach water quality information on the SMDHU website at smdhu.org/beaches. For more information about beach water safety, contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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A recent collaboration between Gravenhurst High School (GHS) and Gravenhurst Public School (GPS) has allowed students to form relationships and build confidence, all while learning about science in an engaging, hands-on environment.

The initiative, otherwise known as Science Buddies, has been running all year and sees students meeting monthly to learn about biology, chemistry, and health sciences through interactive workshops.

To date, six different high school classes have been involved, working with 35 students in Grades 1 and 2, alternating between schools each month.

“Engagement and excitement have been high throughout the project, with students from both schools eagerly anticipating their time together,” said GHS vice-principal, Clare McLean-Wilson.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to the high school leaders – they have worked really hard to set up engaging stations for our Grade 1 and 2 students, covering topics related to the human body, light and shadows, solids, liquids, and so much more!” said GPS Grade 2 teacher, Kaitlin Brown. “The hands-on stations, like observing a cow eye, looking through microscopes at cells, and putting together the internal parts of a human body model have been a highlight for our students.”

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Cars can heat up quickly, putting animals in danger within minutes – even on mild days. By pledging to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, you’ll help spread an important message and will also be entered for a chance to win a YETI prize pack.

The Ontario SPCA is encouraging everyone to help keep the message going strong this summer. Animal lovers can:

• Take the pledge at nohotpets.ca and encourage friends and family to do the same

• Share the No Hot Pets message on social media using downloadable graphics and resources

• Encourage pet-friendly businesses to help spread awareness
• Access free digital tools, care tips, and resources at nohotpets.ca 

If you see an animal in distress due to the heat, act quickly. Call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

This summer, take the No Hot Pets pledge, spread the word, and help keep pets cool and safe across Ontario. Visit nohotpets.ca

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