For more than a century, the Coldwater Fall Fair has brought together residents and visitors from across the region to celebrate agriculture, rural traditions, community and family. This year’s theme, “Country Life,” pays tribute to the farmers, producers and rural families who continue to play an important role in sustaining and shaping our communities.

The three-day event will feature a full lineup of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy midway rides and games, live entertainment, livestock displays and
competitions, agricultural exhibits and a variety of hands-on experiences celebrating rural life.

Returning favourites include an exciting Midway, the Friday night Demolition Derby and the
Saturday night Truck and Tractor Pulls.

Inside the arena, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore vendors and hundreds
of competition entries showcasing local talent, creativity and tradition. Competitions are held for baking, flowers, photography, fine art, crafts, antiques, produce and various homecrafts.

Fair Information
Dates: September 25, 26, 27, 2026
Location: Coldwater Fairgrounds, 11 Michael Anne Drive, Coldwater, Ontario

Admission

Friday & Saturday
• Adults & Youth: $15
• Seniors: $10
• Children: $5
Sunday: Family Day
• Adults & Youth: $10
• Seniors: $5
• Children: FREE
Children four years of age and under: FREE all weekend.

For 2026, visitors can once again purchase admission tickets, midway passes, and weekend
passes online, offering a convenient way to prepare for their visit. Of note, midway passes are online only this year, and weekend passes are only available online and can be purchased until 9 pm on Friday, September 25. Digital tickets are delivered directly to your mobile device and can be scanned at the gate.

The Fair is also pleased to continue its partnership with Mount St. Louis Moonstone,
providing ample parking and complimentary shuttle bus service throughout the weekend. Shuttle buses will operate several times each hour between the ski resort and the fairgrounds, giving visitors a convenient alternative to on-site parking. Also, NEW THIS YEAR, fair admission tickets can be purchased and scanned in the parking lot at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, allowing you to avoid the lineups at the Fairground Gates!

Whether you’re attending for the agricultural competitions, family entertainment, midway,
exhibits or simply to reconnect with friends and neighbours, the 133rd Coldwater Fall
Fair promises a weekend filled with excitement, tradition and community spirit.

The Coldwater & District Agricultural Society remains committed to preserving and promoting agriculture through education, exhibitions, competitions and entertainment. The Society invites residents and visitors from across Simcoe County and beyond to experience one of the region’s longest running and most celebrated agricultural fairs.

For more information, visit www.coldwaterfallfair.com.

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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/.

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The award recognizes the Township’s exceptional emergency response, and community support efforts, during the significant ice storm that impacted Oro-Medonte and surrounding communities in late March/early April 2025. The storm has been identified as one of Ontario’s most severe ice storms.

The EMESA is a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement and service across
Canada in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies
and disasters. A partnership between Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments,
the award honours recipients who have demonstrated excellence in their respective
fields.

The ice storm presented significant challenges to the community, including widespread
prolonged power outages, major telecommunications failures adversely impacting
critical infrastructure, hazardous road conditions with many Township roads impassable
at the onset of the storm, downed trees and power lines, significant debris on Township
roads and in parks, and damage to residential and commercial properties.

In response, the Township quickly activated its Emergency Operations Centre, declared
a State of Emergency, and worked around the clock to protect residents, maintain
critical services, protect critical infrastructure, communicate information, establish
resources for residents including the Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program and a
dedicated 24/7 telephone hotline, and support the community through a coordinated
response to the devastating storm.

Mayor Randy Greenlaw commented that “this award is a tremendous honour for the
entire Oro-Medonte community. It recognizes not just the work of Township staff, but
the product of an extraordinary, collaborative, and coordinated effort by emergency
responders, volunteers, utility crews and partners, contractors, businesses, upper tiers
of government, neighbouring municipalities, community organizations, and residents,
who came together during an extremely difficult time. While we are proud of this
recognition, our greatest achievement was seeing our community come together. On
behalf of Council and Staff, thank you to everyone who played a role in keeping
residents safe, and helping our beautiful community recover through remarkable
resilience, compassion, and teamwork.”

The Township will be presented an EMESA Award Medallion at a ceremony in early
November 2026, with the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers responsible for
emergency management.

The post Oro-Medonte Awarded Emergency Management Service Award From Public Safety Canada For Response To 2025 Ice Storm appeared first on Muskoka411.

The contractor has been awarded the contract for the interior renovation of the former Bracebridge Library with the total project value approved up to $2.5 million. The renovated building will bring several municipal and business-focused services together in one central downtown location.

The space will accommodate the Town’s Planning and Development Department and establish a Bracebridge Business Development Centre, bringing together the Muskoka Small Business Centre, Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre. The Business Development Centre will create opportunities for greater collaboration among organizations that support the local business community and make it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to access economic development, business support, visitor information and downtown resources in one central location.

Built in 1906, the Carnegie Library is an important [/explore/community-history/heritage-properties/#CarnegieBuilding]heritage building in downtown Bracebridge. The Downtown Master Plan, which included extensive public consultation, identified strong public preference for the building to remain in the Town’s possession to preserve its heritage character and public role in the downtown. Following the relocation of the Bracebridge Library to the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in 2024, the Town began exploring opportunities to give the building a new purpose while maintaining its public role downtown.

The project also represents an adaptive reuse of an existing municipal heritage asset. A heritage consultant has been involved in the design process to ensure protected heritage features are appropriately considered and preserved as the building is renovated for its new use.

Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2026 and with completion in the spring of 2027. Occupancy of the renovated space is anticipated to follow later in 2027, allowing time for the installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment, completion of information technology (IT) requirements, and the transition of staff into the building. The Town will work with the contractor, project architects and partner organizations throughout construction and will provide information about anticipated impacts to traffic, parking and access as work progresses.

For more information about the Carnegie Library Reuse Transition project, visit bracebridge.ca/carnegie.

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This September, Explorers’ Edge joins the Wiigwaasi Jiimaanke birchbark canoe build in Huntsville and the Unite For Good Gathering in Parry Sound, two community-led initiatives anchoring the region’s ongoing journey with truth and reconciliation.

As Canada marks its National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Explorers’ Edge (Regional Tourism Organization 12) is standing alongside two community-led Indigenous initiatives taking place across the region this fall: Wiigwaasi Jiimaanke, a traditional Anishinaabe birchbark canoe build in partnership with Hope Arises Project Inc., and the inaugural Unite For Good Gathering in Parry Sound, hosted by the Rotary Revival Club of Parry Sound. Wiigwaasi Jiimaanke is taking place at River Mill Park in downtown Huntsville from September 28 through October 9, 2026, and will culminate in a public birthing and naming ceremony and the ceremonial launch of the completed canoe on the Muskoka River.

Led by Algonquin master canoe builder and Knowledge Keeper Chuck Commanda, supported by an apprentice and assistants, the 10-day project will be free and open to the public, creating an immersive, living classroom in the heart of Huntsville. Visitors and community members will have the opportunity to witness and engage with teachings drawn from the Medicine Wheel, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Anishinaabe Creation stories, language and ceremony, as well as the concept of “two-eyed seeing,” which brings together Indigenous and western knowledge systems.

As part of the initiative, two special Day Package experiences will be offered October 1 & 2, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage more deeply with the stories, teachings and cultural significance surrounding the canoe build.

The first experience takes participants on a guided journey through the Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibition at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, exploring the region’s Indigenous history, culture and connection to the land and waterways.

The second experience, hosted at River Mill Park in Huntsville, begins with a drum circle led by Joyce Jonathan Crone, Founder and President of Hope Arises Project Inc., followed by an opportunity to spend time alongside Chuck Commanda as the Wiigwaasi Jiimaan takes shape and to learn more about the traditional knowledge, materials and techniques involved in creating a birchbark canoe by hand.

The Day Package experiences are offered by donation, with advance registration required and limited spaces available. Details and registration are available through the Great Canadian Wilderness:

https://thegreatcanadianwilderness.com/packages/wiigwaasi-jiimaanke-birchbark-canoe-build-2026/

The canoe build also coincides with Huntsville’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering on September 30, organized by Hope Arises Project Inc. The event will include a ceremonial opening with Land Acknowledgement, smudging and drum circle, a commemorative walk-through downtown Huntsville, and a return gathering featuring Indigenous speakers, cultural performances and the distribution of orange ribbons.

That same evening in Parry Sound, the Rotary Revival Club of Parry Sound will host the inaugural Unite For Good Gathering at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts and Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. The gathering will bring together Anishinaabek Knowledge Sharing, oral storytelling, cultural teachings, song, dance and drumming,  presented through an Indigenous lens by knowledge carriers Chief Warren Tabobondung, Chief Adam Pawis of Shawanaga First Nation, and Chief Dean Sayers. Explorers’ Edge is a partner of the event, joining Rotary District 7010, the Wilder Institute and the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce; proceeds support youth programming across West Parry Sound and Muskoka, including Georgian Bay 7Gens Swimming, Indigenous youth singing, dance and drumming opportunities, and the Rosseau Lake College Seven Generations Program.

“Reconciliation is a shared responsibility carried by individual Canadians. It begins with meaningful action and an honest willingness to better understand Canada’s history while rebuilding respectful relationships rooted in renewed trust, peaceful coexistence, sensitivity, healing and learning. Truth and Reconciliation calls upon genuine friends of Indigenous Peoples’ to stand together, unite in recognition of Indigenous sovereignty, inherent rights and the Treaties signed long before Canada became a country, creating a stronger, more respectful future for all Canadian’s, inclusive of all peoples’ and for those yet to walk upon Mother Earth.” said the Chairman of the Rotary Revival Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Tim Clayden.

“This is not a one-time commitment. This is a relationship we are building with intention and care, and it’s one we’re showing up for across the whole region,” said James Murphy, CEO of Explorers’ Edge. “The Wiigwaasi Jiimaan is more than a canoe. It is a teacher. Our team will be at River Mill Park for the build and at the Unite For Good Gathering in Parry Sound,  both are part of the same journey. We are honoured to stand alongside Hope Arises Project Inc., the Rotary Revival Club of Parry Sound, and the broader Indigenous community in supporting this work, and we are here to learn.”

“Truth and Reconciliation is not a moment but a movement”, said Joyce Jonathan Crone, Hope Arises Project Inc. A reclamation of identity, culture and ways of being, knowing and doing. We all have a part to play as we join hands to heal for our future generations.”

The Birchbark Canoe Project will use locally sourced materials wherever possible, including White Birch bark from the Explorers’ Edge region. Upon completion, the canoe will serve as a lasting educational legacy and cultural artifact for the Huntsville community and for visitors from across Ontario and beyond.

For Explorers’ Edge, these partnerships reflect an organizational commitment to Truth and Reconciliation that goes beyond a single day or a single event. As the Regional Tourism Organization for Muskoka, Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Algonquin and South Algonquin, territories with deep Indigenous roots, Explorers’ Edge is working to ensure that tourism in this region celebrates authentic Indigenous-led storytelling, builds genuine community relationships, and creates experiences that carry real meaning for visitors and residents alike.

ABOUT THE WIIGWAASI JIIMAANKE DAY PACKAGE:

Explorers’ Edge, through The Great Canadian Wilderness, is offering a limited two-day learning experience on October 1 and 2, 2026, connected to the Wiigwaasi Jiimaanke birchbark canoe build. The experience includes a guided visit to the Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibition at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, followed by a drum circle with Hope Arises Project Inc. founder Joyce Jonathan Crone and time alongside master canoe builder Chuck Commanda at River Mill Park in Huntsville. Space is limited to 15 participants, advance registration is required, and the experience is offered by donation.

Details and registration: https://thegreatcanadianwilderness.com/packages/wiigwaasi-jiimaanke-birchbark-canoe-build-2026/

ABOUT HOPE ARISES PROJECT INC.:

Working alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, Hope Arises Project Inc. fosters cultural understanding, builds meaningful reciprocal relationships, and promotes healing through Indigenous-led education, dialogue, and collaboration. Our work creates space for mutual respect and shared responsibility across generations while centering Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and ways of being.

https://www.hopearises.ca/

ABOUT UNITE FOR GOOD GATHERING:

The Unite For Good Gathering is an initiative of the Rotary Revival Club of Parry Sound, presented in partnership with Rotary District 7010.

https://uniteforgood.ca/

ABOUT EXPLORERS’ EDGE:

Explorers’ Edge is Ontario Regional Tourism Organization 12 and supports destination development and tourism growth across The Great Canadian Wilderness, including Muskoka, West Parry Sound, the Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, South Algonquin and Algonquin Park. Through its TICO-licensed travel service, the organization is developing new approaches to connecting transportation, accommodations and visitor experiences.

www.explorersedge.ca

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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.”

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When something happens, knowing which number to call can help connect you with the right response while keeping 911 available for emergencies where every second counts.

The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is helping residents and visitors understand the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency, including an important number to save: 705-909-0001.

The Fire Department’s non-emergency number can be used when Fire Department assistance is required, but there is no immediate threat to life, health or property.

Emergency? Call 911

Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, health or property, including:

• A fire or suspected fire;
• A serious medical emergency;
• A motor vehicle collision involving injuries;
• A crime in progress;
• An immediate threat to personal safety; or
• Any situation requiring an immediate response from police, fire or paramedics.

If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, call 911.

Need the Fire Department, but it’s not an emergency? Call 705-909-0001

Call 705-909-0001 for situations that require attention from fire personnel but is not an immediate emergency.

This could include situations such as:

• A fire-related concern that may warrant Fire Department attention but does not require an emergency response;
• Reporting a previous fire incident that is no longer active, but feel the Fire Department should be aware of it or assess the situation;
• Assistance with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms;
• Reporting an illegal burning situation, such as burning without a permit or during a fire ban;
• Other situations where someone believes the Fire Department should attend or follow up, but there is no immediate risk to people or property.

Save These Numbers

911 | Emergency

When there is an immediate threat to life, health or property, or an immediate response is required.

705-909-0001 | Fire Non-Emergency

When Fire Department assistance is required, but there is no immediate danger or need for an emergency response.

705-765-3156 | Fire Administration

For general inquiries, fire prevention information, burn permits, and other administrative matters.

The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department encourages residents, seasonal residents and visitors to save 705-909-0001 in their phones and share the number with family members, friends and neighbours in the area.

For more information on fire and emergency services in Muskoka Lakes, visit: Fire and Emergency Services

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LEGACY FOR ALEX KERSWELL is named after the son of Leanna and Shawn Kerswell who died by suicide at the age of 17 in 2019. This Annual Event is dedicated to raising funds for grassroots charities committed to initiatives that help youth who are struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness.

The money raised at this fun event will be presented by The Kerswells at the following times:

• Wednesday, September 16 at 12pm:  $7,500 to Mind-Aid and the $7,500 Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka at Alex’s Place 49B Pine Street, Bracebridge

• Wednesday, September 23 at 4:30pm:  $1,000 for the Legacy for Alex GHS Bursary Fund at Gravenhurst High School at 325 Mary Street South, Gravenhurst.

A very special Thank you to our Dinner sponsor The Oar and Chef Bob Bourdeau, our Community Businesses who generously donated silent auction items and to everyone who came out to support the charity and to those who have made donations.  And to our guardian angel, Diane Bradley, who continues to make this event so special and full of love.  We couldn’t do this without you all!

Alex’s Place Alex’s Place opened in 2022 and is a 12-unit transitional housing program for youth aged 16–24 who are experiencing homelessness. Named in memory of Alex Kerswell, a local youth whose story continues to inspire change, this program reflects our commitment to providing young people with a safe, supportive environment to rebuild and move forward.

“At Alex’s Place, we believe every young person deserves a safe space to heal, grow, and build a future. Thanks to the generous support of Legacy for Alex, we’re able to provide not just housing, but stability, community, and hope for the youth who walk through our doors. This partnership makes it possible for us to meet young people where they are — and help them get to where they want to be.  We are deeply grateful for your investment in our community’s future.” Ali Medeiros, Manager of Muskoka Programs, Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka

MiND-AID   “We are honoured to once again receive much needed funds from the Legacy for Alex fundraising dinner…The dollars will be used to help keep our Mobile Hub Team on the road, reaching youth in the community who may be struggling and do not know where to turn.  Funds will support our Navigation Service, which walks alongside young people and families to ensure they get the best care possible, despite the many barriers that can stand in the way.  This funding will also help cover the cost of therapy sessions not otherwise available to young people who cannot access the specialized care they need through free local

mental health services in Muskoka.”  Jody North, Executive Director, Mind-Aid

GRAVENHURST HIGH SCHOOL “The bursary fund supports GHS graduates to pursue and realize their post-secondary goals. This award is presented to students who have shown determination and strength in overcoming adversity throughout their years at GHS. We are grateful to the Kerswell family for

their ongoing support of this bursary, in memory of their son Alex.“  Clare McLean-Wilson, VP GHS.

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Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola and other smartphones users are all welcome!

The six-week program is designed for beginners or anyone who could use a refresher. Each week, participants will have two hours to learn, practice and ask questions at their own pace.

Topics will include:

• Downloading and using apps
• Taking photos
• Using smartphone assistants
• Social media basics
• Staying safe and secure online
• Tips to make your phone easier and more comfortable to use

SmartStart was developed with help from an older adult volunteer advisory group and the  Literacy Society of South Muskoka. The program was made possible thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Province of Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant.

Join a SmartStart Session

Raymond Community Centre
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon
September 30 to November 4

Village Square, Vankoughnet
Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
October 1 to November 5

To learn more or to register call 705-645-2100 Ext. 4199 or email seniorsprograms@muskoka.on.ca.

More sessions are planned for Torrance, Baysville and Severn Bridge in late 2026 and early 2027.

No advanced smartphone skills are needed. Just bring your phone and your questions, and come ready to learn!

Visit our website to learn more about the program, and other older adult programming.

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