Funds raised through this year’s event will help replace an aging fetal health and maternal monitoring system at GBGH—an important tool that provides continuous monitoring during delivery to ensure a safe birth experience and quick response if concerns arise.

Throughout the day, a portion of proceeds from all menu items, along with the sale of McHappy Day hearts, hats and socks, contributed to the funds raised locally, as the community once again showed its strong support for both RMHC and GBGH.

“Seeing our community come together for McHappy Day has been incredibly meaningful for us as the new owners of these restaurants,” said George and Marian Khalil, owner/operators of the Midland and Elmvale McDonald’s locations. “We are truly grateful for the generosity, kindness, and support shown by our guests, crew, and local partners. Every visit, donation, and smile helped make a real difference for families who need it most. Midland and Elmvale have welcomed us with open arms, and we are proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about helping others. Thank you for making our first McHappy Day together so special.”

Local volunteers and community partners helped bring the event to life, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in each restaurant. Their participation reflects the strong community spirit that continues to make McHappy Day a success year after year.

“McHappy Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when a community comes together,” said Robyn Kaczanowski, community giving officer, GBGH Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to George and Marian, their team, and everyone who contributed to this year’s success. These funds will help purchase critical monitoring technology for our tiniest patients at GBGH.”

The post McHappy Day raised $40,000 For Ronald McDonald House Charities And Georgian Bay General Hospital appeared first on Muskoka411.

• Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Pickerel River
• Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect for the Severn River,
including Sparrow Lake

These messages will remain in effect until Friday May 29, 2026 at 11:59pm
This message applies to the areas identified above within the MNR Bracebridge–Minden
Parry Sound District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka,
and County of Haliburton.

Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent
high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety
features.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease
in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many may have been damaged by seasonal conditions, including washouts. These roads
may be impassable.

Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents and visitors are reminded to keep a close watch on weather
conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers
and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 13°C to 24°C and overnight lows
between 8°C and 13°C with up to 25 mm of rainfall.
Some areas remain vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.
Description of Current Conditions

It is anticipated that water levels on the Severn River, French River, and portions of the
Pickerel River will remain elevated. In some locations, levels are comparable to those
observed in 2019 and may result in localized effects.

Water levels and river flows in many locations are continuing to trend toward more normal
conditions, though some areas remain elevated.

The post High Water Levels May Have Affected Safety Booms, Signage, Barriers: MNR Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka Paramedic Services is the first paramedic service, in partnership with HAAS Safety Cloud and ACETECH Global to deploy a new digital notification system designed to help make roads safer for paramedics, patients, and the public.

With ambulances responding to thousands of calls every year across Muskoka, the system helps notify nearby drivers when paramedics are responding to an emergency. Alerts are delivered through compatible 2018 or newer Stellantis in-vehicle infotainment systems and the Waze navigation App.

Creating safer roads through earlier awareness

Traditionally, drivers may only have a few seconds to react once they see or hear an ambulance approaching. The new digital alert system can provide drivers with approximately 30 to 60 seconds of advance notice by sending visual or audible alerts, helping them move safely aside for approaching emergency vehicles.

The system can also notify drivers when ambulances are stationary at emergency scenes, encouraging safer driving around roadside incidents and emergency responders.

How the system works

The alert system uses ACETECH hardware already installed in Muskoka Paramedic Services ambulances. When paramedics respond to an emergency call, alerts are automatically sent to nearby smartphones and compatible in-vehicle navigation systems.

Drivers do not need to sign up for the service. Alerts will appear automatically through compatible systems already in use.

Benefits of the digital alert system include:

• Earlier awareness of approaching emergency vehicles
• Improved safety for paramedics, patients, and drivers
• Improved Paramedic response times
• Reduced sudden braking and unpredictable driver reactions
• Better awareness around roadside emergency scenes

Leading innovation in emergency response

Launching the system during Paramedic Services Week recognizes the important work paramedics do every day to keep communities safe and connected to care.

As the first paramedic service to implement this technology, Muskoka Paramedic Services continues to explore innovative ways to improve patient care, staff safety, and community well-being.

Drivers are reminded to continue following Ontario’s Move Over laws and remain alert for emergency vehicles at all times.

For more information about Muskoka Paramedic Services, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/paramedic-services

The post New Digital Alert System Helps Improve Safety For Muskoka Drivers And Paramedics appeared first on Muskoka411.

Recent confirmation from the Township’s engineering team has allowed this progress to move forward. As part of this review, the maintenance room that was originally impacted by the incident has been deemed accessible to staff, allowing for the restoration of essential utilities, including hydro.

What’s Open

• Community Centre (second floor)
• Lake of Bays Public Library
• Power restored through hydro
• Public access via Carol Street

The arena floor remains closed to the public while engineers complete further assessment of the east wall, located adjacent to the maintenance room that was originally affected. A portion of the parking lot also remains fenced off.

Public safety remains the Township’s top priority. The Township will continue working closely with engineering experts, and further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

The post Community Centre Reopens In Baysville; Arena Floor Remains Closed | May 20 Update appeared first on Muskoka411.

Mayor Rick Maloney today officially announced his campaign for re-election as Mayor of Bracebridge, pledging to continue building a strong, prosperous, and connected community for residents, families, businesses, and future generations.

“Bracebridge is a community with tremendous momentum,” said Maloney. “Over the past term, we have worked together to strengthen our local economy, invest in community well-being, protect our environment, and build relationships that position Bracebridge for long-term success. I am proud of what we have accomplished and excited about what lies ahead.”

Since first being elected Mayor, Maloney has focused on priorities that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. Under his leadership, the Town has continued to support initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents of all ages through investments in parks, recreation, waterfront access, trails, and community infrastructure, while also supporting partnerships that strengthen healthcare services and community wellness throughout the region.

Bracebridge has also experienced continued economic growth through strategic investment, downtown revitalization efforts, tourism development, and support for local business. The Town has promoted responsible residential and commercial development while working to attract new investment and employment opportunities that strengthen the local economy year-round.

“Bracebridge continues to be recognized as one of Ontario’s most desirable communities to live, work, visit, and invest in,” said Maloney. “We have created momentum that benefits residents, entrepreneurs, workers, and families alike.”

Under Maloney’s leadership, Bracebridge also advanced its Climate Action Plan, establishing a long-term framework to reduce emissions, strengthen environmental resiliency, and promote sustainable municipal practices.

“Protecting our environment is essential to protecting our quality of life and our economic future,” said Maloney. “Bracebridge’s Climate Action Plan reflects our commitment to responsible leadership and ensuring our community remains strong and sustainable for future generations.”

Maloney’s administration has also focused on maintaining strong municipal finances while continuing to deliver critical services and infrastructure investments. Through careful budgeting and long-term planning, the Town has worked to ensure taxpayers receive value while preparing Bracebridge for future growth and economic challenges.

The Mayor also emphasized the importance working closely with local businesses, community organizations, regional partners, healthcare leaders, tourism stakeholders, and residents to advance shared priorities and support long-term success for the community.

“Strong communities are built through partnerships,” Maloney said. “By working collaboratively with stakeholders across our region, Bracebridge has been able to achieve meaningful progress and position itself for a strong future.”

Looking ahead, Maloney said his campaign will focus on managing growth responsibly, improving infrastructure, supporting attainable housing solutions, strengthening local healthcare advocacy, enhancing economic opportunities, and protecting the unique character and natural environment of Bracebridge.

“I believe in Bracebridge,” Maloney said. “This community succeeds when we work together with optimism, respect, and a shared vision for the future. I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Bracebridge and earning their support once again.”

The post Rick Maloney Announces Re-Election Campaign For Mayor Of Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

An event your nervous system will thank you for. *This Article Is Sponsored By The Advertiser 

The post Check Out The Muskoka Holistic Healing Fair On Sunday In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

The call was received at approximately 7:46 p.m., with the first crews arriving on scene at approximately 7:58 p.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered large volumes of thick black smoke with no visible flame. Crews from Station 30 (Hillside) and Station 20 (Port Cunnington) responded, with approximately 20 firefighters on scene.

Firefighters conducted a rapid assessment of the structure. Crews ventilated the building to remove smoke and completed overhaul operations to ensure no remaining hotspots.

One individual was transported to hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalation. Tragically, one occupant of the home was located deceased. Next of kin notification has been completed.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified and remains on scene, working with Lake of Bays Fire Rescue and partner agencies to determine the origin and cause.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones affected,” said Jeremy Alldred-Hughes, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services. “This is a very difficult loss for our community and for our responding crews.”

The post House Fire In Dwight Claims The Life Of One Person appeared first on Muskoka411.

An email sent out to parents on March 31 explained that the initiative is aimed at getting 75 per cent of students to attend school 90 per cent of the time. According to the school, weekly attendance has been hovering between 68 per cent and 71 per cent throughout the current school year.

“The principal has initiated a school-wide challenge as an effort to elevate school spirit and bring awareness to the benefits of regularly attending school,” said Carolynne Bull, Manager of Communications Services for Trillium Lakelands District School Board. “This challenge is intended to be a fun-filled way for everyone to get involved.”

According to Bull, the school board has been sharing information directly with families about the positive impact regularly attending school has on student well-being over the last two years. She said that an initiative like this is not uncommon, and schools can choose whether or not they will do something similar to what Macaulay has established.

Based on a survey of the other public schools in the area, Macaulay Public School is the only one that has initiated an attendance-based challenge for this school year. 

Brytnie Minns, whose children attend Macaulay, said that she and other parents are concerned that the program doesn’t tackle the real reason why children are not attending school regularly.

“Perfect attendance programs overall promote unhealthy, rigid standards, often resulting in burnout rather than providing true motivation, meaning the programs actually become demotivating.” said Minns.

“Encouraging attendance regardless of what may be going on outside of school, or when experiencing mental or physical health concerns, can have further negative mental or physical well-being impacts. This can lead to higher levels of burnout or disengagement.”

When asked about whether or not the attendance program will account for explained absences, Bull said that it will.

“The challenge has been designed with averages of all classes combined, and points given for various ranges of attendance,” Bull explained. “It is understood, school-wide, that students may be ill, have appointments, and/or need to miss school for other reasons which will not affect the challenge.”

It’s not just student well-being that parents are worried about, but also bullying and harassment that children may be facing at school. Minns said that parents are already keeping their children home from school due to these concerns, and this program will only cause them to grow.

“Attendance is an individual issue, not a group goal,” Minns said. “Group rewards can cause peer resentment towards individuals who are absent, which can lead to increased bullying and harassment.” 

When asked about the concern that students may not be going to school for more serious reasons, such as bullying, Bull said that principals and teachers will support students where needed.

“TLDSB principals work hard to understand the root cause(s) of why a student does not attend school. If bullying is a factor in regularly attending school, parents/guardians and/or the student are encouraged to contact their teacher or school principal, if they haven’t already done so, to support this student.”

Minns said that while she and other parents understand the thought behind attendance initiatives, it doesn’t change the concerns they have when it comes to the negative effects that come with them. 

“We understand attendance is a problem across Ontario, and that funding is directly related to attendance, but we’ve done research and firmly believe rewarding ‘perfect attendance’ doesn’t address the root cause, is setting our children up for failure, and may actually cause more harm than good.”

The post Parents Voicing Concerns Over New Perfect Attendance Program At Macaulay appeared first on Muskoka411.

Carleton brings a strong blend of high-level playing experience and professional leadership to the Bears bench. A former Sudbury Wolves OHL draft pick, Carleton played over 100 Junior games across four organizations, giving him first hand knowledge of the development path for players looking to advance to Junior A, OHL, and beyond.

Off the ice, Carleton currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Township of Lake of Bays. His career in municipal leadership has been defined by team building, strategic planning, and community engagement — qualities the Bears organization believes will translate directly to a winning culture at Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

“Geoff understands what it takes to play at the next level, and he understands Muskoka,” said *Joe Rockbrune, General Manager of the Bracebridge Bears*. “His experience as a player, plus his leadership as a CAO, makes him the right person to develop our players and build a program our community can be proud of. We’re thrilled to have him lead the Bears.”

“I’m honoured to join the Bears and coach in my own backyard,” said Carleton. “This is a great hockey community with passionate fans and dedicated young players. My focus will be on accountability, skill development, and making sure we represent Bracebridge the right way every time we step on the ice.”

Carleton will begin working with staff and players immediately.

Joe Rockbrune

General Manager, Muskoka Bears Jr C Hockey Team

The post Muskoka Bears Jr C Hockey Team Name Geoff Carleton As New Head Coach appeared first on Muskoka411.

HelloFresh is launching the Big Green Fridge Tour, a large-scale experiential activation. Travellers at select ONroute locations across Ontario will receive FREE ready to enjoy meals inspired by HelloFresh’s seasonal summer recipe collection.

ONroute locations in Port Hope, King City and Innisfil, Ontario

1. King City ONroute
   Friday, May 22
2. Innisfil ONroute
   Sunday, May 24

• Activation hours run from 11 AM to 6 PM or while supplies last.

HelloFresh is tapping into a major summer lifestyle trend: Canadians want to spend less time grocery shopping and meal planning and more time enjoying road trips, cottages, outdoor activities and time with family and friends.

More Dock Time: Skip the stress, and spend that time where it counts, by the water, with friends and family.

This summer, HelloFresh is meeting Canadians exactly where summer happens.

To kick off the season, HelloFresh is launching the “Taste of Summer” campaign with the HelloFresh Big Green Fridge Tour, bringing fresh meals, seasonal ingredients and summer inspiration directly to travellers at some of Ontario’s busiest ONroute locations.

The activation is built around a relatable seasonal insight. During summer, Canadians are constantly on the move and meal planning often becomes an afterthought. Whether it is heading to cottage country, spending the day outdoors or taking a weekend road trip, HelloFresh is showing up at the exact moment convenience matters most.

At the centre of the activation is the iconic HelloFresh Big Green Fridge, a recognizable brand symbol that travellers will encounter in high traffic ONroute environments during peak summer travel weekends.

At each stop, consumers will:
• Encounter the Big Green Fridge activation
• Receive FREE Taste of Summer meals
• Experience HelloFresh as a fresh, local and convenient summer solution
• Discover recipes featuring peak season ingredients and summer grilling inspiration

FEATURED “TASTE OF SUMMER” MENU

Week 1: May 15 and May 17

• Grilled Drive Thru Style Beef Burgers
• Grilled Chicken and Elotes Salad
• Pesto and Tomato Bocconcini Melts

Week 2: May 22 and May 24

• Grilled Drive Thru Style Beef Burgers
• Rhubarb BBQ Sauced Chicken with Apple and Celery Salad
• Pesto and Tomato Bocconcini Melts

*This Article Is Sponsored By The Advertiser 

The post Hello Fresh Launches Big Green Fridge Summer Tour Across Ontario With A Chance At Free Meals appeared first on Muskoka411.