The new system provides families with a secure livestream of their baby and enables care teams to share updates, helping parents stay connected during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

For families and caregivers with a baby in the NICU, separation can be unavoidable. Whether recovering from childbirth, caring for other children, balancing work responsibilities, or navigating transportation, financial or other challenges, being away from your newborn can be incredibly difficult.

AngelEye helps bridge that gap by providing secure access to a baby’s bedside, supporting parent-infant bonding, reducing stress and anxiety, and strengthening family connections. It also helps mothers feel connected during feeding and pumping routines, supporting breastfeeding and maternal well-being during a critical time for both parent and baby.

The inspiration for bringing AngelEye to RVH began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when visiting restrictions prompted NICU staff to find new ways to keep families connected to their babies through video technology.

“What started as a way to support new parents and caregivers during a difficult period made us realize just how valuable that connection is, regardless of visitor restrictions,” said Natalie Sherrit, Manager, NICU and Paediatrics at RVH. “They told us how meaningful it was to see their baby when they couldn’t be there. Now, bringing AngelEye to RVH builds on that experience by giving families and their support systems secure, reliable access to their newborn around the clock and helping them feel more involved and engaged in their baby’s care journey. It also helps mothers in their post-natal recovery and supports breastfeeding and milk production while their baby is receiving specialized care.”

RVH’s NICU cares for some of the region’s smallest and most vulnerable patients, admitting nearly 400 newborns each year. While the unit’s physical space is constrained and in need of future expansion, the team continually seeks innovative ways to enhance the experience of patients and families.

“Our team is incredibly committed to making every family’s experience as positive and supportive as possible,” said Sherrit. “While we’re mindful of the great need for expansion in our small and aging space, that has never stopped our staff from finding new ways to innovate, improve care and create exceptional experiences for families when they need us most.”

When their daughter Soleil arrived unexpectedly at 33 weeks and one day, first-time parents Brieanna and Rainier Croft found themselves navigating the uncertainty of a NICU stay. As the first family at RVH to use the AngelEye system, they experienced firsthand how the technology can provide comfort, reassurance, and connection during a difficult time.

“It’s so hard being separated from your baby,” said Brieanna. “Being able to see Soleil and know she was okay and receiving the best care possible was truly amazing. As first-time parents, it helped lessen so much of the anxiety that comes with having your baby in the NICU.”

For dad, Rainier, the technology helped the entire family feel connected.

“There’s a sense of closeness that comes from being able to pull up your phone and see your baby whenever you need to,” he said. “It’s incredible for parents, but also for grandparents and family members who may not be able to make the trip to the hospital. It helps everyone feel connected and involved during a very important time.”

The introduction of AngelEye is another example of RVH’s commitment to delivering an exceptional patient, family and caregiver experience while embracing innovative solutions that improve care and strengthen connections.

“We know that family presence is an important part of a baby’s development, building those early bonds and supporting the well-being of everyone involved in their care,” said Sherrit. “While technology can never replace being at the bedside, AngelEye helps families, caregivers and loved ones remain connected when circumstances don’t allow it.”

By reducing barriers to participation and supporting bonding, breastfeeding and family engagement in neonatal care, RVH is helping create a more compassionate and equitable experience for when families need it most.

The post RVH Becomes The First Hospital In Canada To Introduce AngelEye Technology In Its NICU 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.

The post Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Appoints Dr. Scott Whynot As Chief Of Staff appeared first on Muskoka411.

The reminder follows reports of a human case of West Nile virus in Simcoe County, along with five birds and one horse that tested positive for the virus. These findings indicate West Nile virus is circulating in the community. The health unit notes that more infections likely occur than are reported because many people contract the virus do not become ill or seek medical attention.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. People can become infected if bitten by a mosquito that has first bitten an infected bird.

The health unit recommends following these steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent approved for use in Canada and follow label instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover exposed skin with long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat when mosquitoes are present.
• Remove standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to help keep mosquitoes out.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but some can become seriously ill. Symptoms can include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and sensitivity to light. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical care.

The health unit monitors mosquitoes across Simcoe Muskoka through trapping, testing and larval checks during the summer. Local surveillance data is available on the health unit’s HealthSTATS Infectious Diseases and Insect and Animal Surveillance dashboards.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit smdhu.org/WNv.

The post West Nile Virus Still A Risk Into Fall, Health Unit Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

Hosted by John and Margaret Leonardo at their Cedar Ridge home on July 25, the annual Cedar Ridge BBQ raised more than $213,397 in support of the GBGH Foundation’s We See You: Inside and Out campaign, helping prepare for the addition of 24 acute mental health beds at the Midland hospital.

A highlight of the evening came when community supporters Marc Wayne and Julie Coleman announced their family foundation would match donations made during the event, up to $100,000. Their generosity inspired guests to give enthusiastically, helping drive the event’s remarkable fundraising success.

“The Cedar Ridge BBQ is a wonderful example of what happens when community leaders bring people together around a cause they care deeply about,” says Robyn Kaczanowski, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “John and Margaret have created something truly special through this event, and Marc and Julie’s matching gift inspired an incredible outpouring of generosity. Together, they helped turn a summer gathering into a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community.”

The Cedar Ridge BBQ has become a much-anticipated summer tradition, bringing neighbours, friends and supporters together in support of GBGH. Through ticket sales, donations, auctions and matching contributions, attendees demonstrated the power of community-led philanthropy and the impact individuals can make when they come together for a common cause.

Mental health remains one of the most significant health care challenges facing North Simcoe. Last year, more than 1,000 people came to GBGH’s Emergency Department seeking mental health care, yet the hospital is not funded to provide acute mental health services. GBGH has submitted a plan to the Ministry of Health to build a 40,000-square-foot addition that would include 24 mental health beds, helping expand access to care and relieve pressure on the Emergency Department.

“The need for expanded mental health services in North Simcoe is urgent,” says Matthew Lawson, president & CEO, Georgian Bay General Hospital. “Too many individuals in crisis face long waits because there aren’t enough acute mental health beds available in our region. GBGH has a plan to change that, and we are ready to move forward as soon as approvals are secured. We’re incredibly grateful to the Cedar Ridge community, and everyone who supported this event, for helping us prepare for the future of accessible mental health care for everyone who needs it.”

“Every gift made at the Cedar Ridge BBQ sends a powerful message that mental health matters,” adds Kaczanowski. “This community continues to show up for local health care in remarkable ways, and we’re grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, donor and attendee who helped make this event such a success.”

To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: https://weseeyougbgh.ca/.

The post Community BBQ Raises More Than $213K For Mental Health Care At Georgian Bay General Hospital appeared first on Muskoka411.

What began a few years ago with a handful of enthusiastic cottagers has grown into a
thriving Padel community of over 200 members. Longtime Muskoka residents Rob and
Kate Wharton spent a decade living in Spain where Padel is deeply embedded in the
culture followed by several years in Dubai, another major hub for the popular sport.

Drawing on that international experience, they founded Bounce Padel Courts and helped to
fuel Padel’s rapid growth throughout Muskoka. Today, Bounce is the leading North
American manufacturer of premium super-panoramic Padel courts. In Muskoka alone, that
momentum has resulted in more than 35 courts and counting.

This past Labour Day Long Weekend, the Muskoka Padel community turned its passion
for the sport into an opportunity to give back, participating in a tournament played across
twelve courts in support of local health care.

“The Muskoka Padel community has tremendous appreciation for the hard work and
dedication of the team at our local Bracebridge hospital, and we were proud to show our
support through the group’s philanthropic efforts,” said Andrew Sheiner, a local cottager
who brought the community together and spearheaded the fundraiser.
The remarkable growth from $38,841 raised in 2025 to $138,250 in 2026 reflects the
generosity of Muskoka’s growing Padel community and its commitment to strengthening
local health care.

“We are truly grateful to the Muskoka Padel community for choosing to turn something
they love into something that gives back” said Tammy Selkirk, Community Giving
Coordinator at South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. “Their generosity is a beautiful
reminder of the heart of Muskoka neighbours coming together, supporting one another, and
helping ensure exceptional care is available close to home. It’s this incredible spirit of
community that makes Muskoka so special.”

The post Muskoka Padel Community Served Up $138,250 Supporting South Muskoka Memorial Hospital appeared first on Muskoka411.

For David Crook, giving back has always been about taking care of the place that helped shape him.

“I’m a Barrie boy all the way,” he says. “There’s not a day that goes by when I’m not grateful to be from here.”

That connection to his community was at the heart of his transformational $1-million gift to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s (RVH) Cardiac Care Unit, celebrated alongside long-time friends and leaders from RVH and RVH Foundation.

For David, philanthropy and the responsibility to support your community started at home.

His father, Leslie, served as a pilot with both the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War and was shot down in 1941. While recovering in hospital, he met Gertrude Bertram, whom he would later marry. Growing up, David watched his parents make giving back a part of their lives. His father became deeply involved in the Masonic Lodge, and together his parents instilled in David a belief that supporting your community wasn’t something you did only when the opportunity arose. It was something you planned for.

“My parents taught me that giving back to your community was the right thing to do,” David says. “It should be part of your budget.”

It’s a lesson David has carried with him throughout his life.

He has supported RVH in various ways since 1985. In 2015, he made his first $1-million gift to help establish advanced cardiac care at RVH—care that thousands of patients from across the region have relied on since.

Now, as Simcoe Muskoka continues to grow, David is stepping forward again.

RVH’s two existing cardiac catheterization labs (cath labs) are operating at capacity as demand for advanced cardiac care continues to rise. When the program opened in 2018, space was set aside for a future third cath lab, anticipating the region’s growth and future cardiac care needs. That need is now here.

These specialized labs allow cardiac teams to perform minimally invasive, life-saving procedures, including rapidly locating and opening a blocked artery during a heart attack.

“Without another cath lab, patients will face longer waits and longer drives for care,” says Gail Hunt, President and CEO of RVH. “We’re incredibly grateful to David for seeing the need and stepping up for his community. His generosity brings us one step closer to ensuring more patients can receive this critical, life-saving care right here at home, when every minute matters.”

For David, right here at home carries particular meaning.

Years ago, while travelling in the United States, David suffered a heart attack. Far from Barrie, he went through treatment and the early stages of recovery without the family and friends he would normally have turned to for support.

“I know what it’s like to need cardiac care away from home,” he says. “I had to go through treatment and recovery alone. I never want anyone to experience what I did. Having your family and friends near you is so important to recovery.”

That experience shaped the way David thinks about access to healthcare. Advanced care close to home isn’t simply about avoiding a long drive. It means being surrounded by family, friends and community at a time when their presence can matter most.

“David understands something that is at the heart of what we’re working to build at RVH: people shouldn’t have to leave their community to access the advanced care they need,” says Pamela Ross, CEO of RVH Foundation. “His generosity means more patients can face some of the most difficult moments of their lives with their families, their friends, and their community close by. That is an extraordinary gift to this region.”

For someone who has spent a lifetime believing in the importance of community, David sees his latest gift as another way to take care of his.

“There’s a saying when you’ve had a heart attack: time is muscle,” he says. “If this gift means people don’t have to travel south for care and these services can continue to be offered locally, my gift will have done its job.” 

For this Barrie boy, that’s what giving back is all about.

The post From The Heart: David Crook Gives $1M To Advance Cardiac Care At RVH appeared first on Muskoka411.

“To address the illegal drug and overdose crisis effectively, Canadians should have access to a range of supports. That is exactly what the City of Orillia is offering. Through its new Community Connection Hub, people who use opioids and struggle with complex mental health and addiction challenges can access the care and services they need and deserve under one roof,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health.

“Health Canada’s investment has enabled the creation of a shared community space that brings services together and makes them easier to access,” said Pamela Hillier, Executive Director of Community Connection. “The Community Connection Hub strengthens collaboration among service providers and helps ensure community members can access support more seamlessly.”

The project was made possible through a successful grant application developed by City of Orillia staff, following opportunities identified several years ago by the City’s Addictions and Overdose Crisis Working Group. Community Connection serves as the project lead, overseeing the development and operation of the Hub on behalf of the City of Orillia.

The Hub is located in a shared, co-located space where partner organizations can meet with clients, deliver services, and collaborate in real time. It offers in-person, low-barrier access through a no-wrong-door approach—no appointments or referrals required—and provides warm handoffs to partner services. The Hub will also pilot digital tools with partner organizations to better share client information and coordinate care.

No single organization can address the complex needs of vulnerable individuals alone. While our community benefits from a broad network of services and program-specific navigators, the system remains fragmented. Program-specific navigators often work independently, with limited mechanisms for securely sharing information, coordinating support, or reducing duplication of effort.

For many people facing multiple and interconnected challenges, navigating these services can be overwhelming. When several organizations are involved, individuals are often left to coordinate their own care and retell their stories multiple times. The challenge is not a lack of navigation services, but a lack of connected navigation. The Community Connection Hub was created to bridge that gap by bringing organizations together around the needs of the people they serve.

The Community Connection Hub reflects a collaborative effort among local service providers, Community Connection, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, CMHA Simcoe County, the City of Orillia and Health Canada to improve access to community-based supports for residents.

Located at 250 West Street North, Unit 11, the Hub is now open. Visit https://communityconnection.ca/orillia-cc-hub/ for current hours and details.

The post Community Connection Opens New Community Connection Hub In Orillia Through Health Canada Funding appeared first on Muskoka411.

The event marked a significant milestone, bringing the tournament’s total contribution to the GBGH Foundation to more than $1.5 million since 2016. This year’s fundraising supports a renovation of the Pharmacy at GBGH, modernizing one of the hospital’s most important clinical support areas, creating a more efficient workspace for staff while strengthening the safe delivery of medications and pharmaceutical care.

“The Glenn Howard Charity Golf Classic has become one of the most successful and inspiring community fundraising events in our region,” says Robyn Kaczanowski, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “For nine years, Glenn and an incredible committee of volunteers have brought people together to invest in our hospital. Reaching $1.5-million raised is an extraordinary milestone, and it’s a testament to the generosity of everyone who has supported this event along the way.”

Since its inception in 2016, the Glenn Howard Charity Golf Classic has become a powerful force for local health care fundraising, supporting priorities like the MRI, Mammography, surgical services and more. Through the generosity of sponsors, golfers, volunteers and donors, the tournament has continually evolved to meet the hospital’s greatest needs while helping advance the GBGH Foundation’s mission.

“What started as a golf tournament has become so much more,” says Glenn Howard, tournament chair. “Every year, we’re blown away by the generosity of our community. Seeing everyone rally behind our hospital is incredibly rewarding, and we’re grateful to every person who has helped us reach this milestone.”

While the 2026 event marked an important milestone, organizers are already looking ahead to an even bigger celebration. The 10th annual tournament in 2027 will be the final event held under the Glenn Howard Charity Golf Classic banner, with an ambitious goal of raising $500,000 on July 16. Achieving that target would bring the tournament’s lifetime contribution to $2-million for GBGH.

“The bar has been raised once again,” adds Kaczanowski. “With one tournament left to play, we’re excited to see our community take one more swing at making history for local health care.”

For more information about the We See You: Inside and Out campaign, visit: https://weseeyougbgh.ca/.

The post Glenn Howard Charity Golf Classic Tees Up $1.5M For Georgian Bay General Hospital appeared first on Muskoka411.

Recognizing the need for greater awareness and community conversation, the three Rotary Clubs serving Huntsville— Rotary Club of Huntsville, Rotary People of Action Huntsville and Rotary Club of North Muskoka — are joining together to host a free public awareness event focused on dementia and home care.

“Dementia Can’t Wait: A Community Conversation on Dementia Home Care” will take place on September 17, 2026, at Trinity United Church in Huntsville. The evening will feature a screening of the documentary No More Silent Battles, followed by a panel discussion with experts who will explore the realities of dementia care and the challenges
families face when trying to access support at home.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the film beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The documentary follows the deeply personal journeys of four families as they navigate a bureaucratic and confusing home care system. It exposes the often-unseen battles caregivers face while trying to secure appropriate care and support for their loved ones.
At the same time, No More Silent Battles highlights possibilities for change, illustrating the profound impact that specialized support, community involvement and unwavering family love can have.

“Dementia doesn’t affect only the person who receives the diagnosis. It affects spouses, children, grandchildren, caregivers and entire families,” said Gord Mitchell, one of the event organizers. “As Rotary Clubs, we believe in bringing people together to identify important issues in our community and create opportunities for meaningful conversation. This event is about raising awareness, giving families a voice and helping our community better
understand the realities of dementia home care.”

A Conversation Beyond the Film

Following the screening, attendees will hear from a panel featuring Dr. Jenny Ingram, Geriatric Specialist and Director, and Bill Lockington, Founding Partner of LIF Lawyers LLP and Chairperson of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland & Haliburton.

The discussion will explore the realities of dementia care, the challenges of navigating home care and the importance of ensuring individuals and families have access to compassionate, appropriate support.

The organizers hope the evening will encourage people to ask questions, share experiences and consider how the Huntsville community can better support people living with dementia and the families who care for them.

Dementia Can’t Wait: A Community Conversation on Dementia Home Care
Rotary Club of Huntsville • Rotary People of Action Huntsville • Rotary Club of North Muskoka
No More Silent Battles
September 17, 2026
Dementia Can’t Wait • September 17, 2026 • Huntsville, Ontario

ROTARY CLUB OF HUNTSVILLE
SERVICE • COMMUNITY • AWARENESS
ROTARY PEOPLE OF ACTION HUNTSVILLE
HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO
ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH MUSKOKA
WORKING TOGETHER

Trinity United Church, 33 Main Street East, Huntsville, Ontario
Free Admission — Registration Required

This is a free public awareness event, but advance registration is mandatory. Space is limited, and community members are encouraged to register in advance.

Registration is available at www.NoMoreSilentBattles.com (scroll to the bottom to register).

Those who are unable to attend but would like more information can contact info@nomoresilentbattles.ca

The post Dementia Can’t Wait: Three Huntsville Rotary Clubs Bring Community Together For Dementia Home Care Conversation appeared first on Muskoka411.

Maple Leaf Marinas is proud to announce that its seventh annual Fuel Your Hospital fundraiser raised more than $36,000 for six local hospitals across Ontario, bringing the campaign’s cumulative donations to more than $192,000 since its inception in 2020.

Held over the August long weekend at all 21 Maple Leaf Marinas locations, Fuel Your Hospital sees up to 20 cents from every litre of fuel pumped donated to the hospital serving each marina community.

While less-than-ideal boating weather throughout the long weekend impacted fuel volumes and kept this year’s campaign from reaching its ambitious $45,000 fundraising goal, boaters across Central Ontario still came out to support the initiative and helped generate another significant contribution to local healthcare.

“We continue to be incredibly proud of how our boaters, fuel partners and marina teams rally behind Fuel Your Hospital each year,” said Derek Lubert, President of Maple Leaf Marinas. “Weather is always something we can’t control in the boating industry, but even with challenging conditions this year, our communities helped raise more than $36,000 for six hospitals. To know that this program has now generated more than $192,000 for local healthcare is something everyone involved can be proud of.”

Funds raised through this year’s campaign will support Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation, Huntsville Hospital Foundation, West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation, South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Foundation and Brightshores Health System Foundation.

Fuel Your Hospital was created in 2020 as a way for Maple Leaf Marinas to give back to the communities its marinas call home. What began as a grassroots initiative has continued to grow, with boaters, employees and fuel partners coming together each year to support healthcare close to home.

With more than $192,000 now raised over seven years, the campaign is approaching another major milestone: $200,000 in cumulative donations to local hospitals.
“Supporting the communities where we live, work and boat has always been at the heart of this initiative,” added Lubert. “We’re extremely grateful to everyone who fueled up, helped spread the word or supported the campaign this year, as well as our fuel partners whose contributions help make Fuel Your Hospital possible. We look forward to
continuing to grow the program and reaching that next milestone.”

The post Maple Leaf Marinas’ Fuel Your Hospital Fundraiser Raises More Than $36,000 For Local Hospitals appeared first on Muskoka411.