Living Archives - Muskoka411

Bif Naked To Headline Community Against Cancer Walk & Concert In Support Of Gilda’s Club

Muskoka411 Staff — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:24:40 +0000

Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka is proud to announce that Canadian music icon and breast cancer survivor Bif Naked will headline the Community Against Cancer Walk & Concert on Sunday, June 28, 2026, helping raise awareness and critical funds to ensure cancer support services remain available free of charge for those who need them.

The event will bring together survivors, caregivers, families, supporters, and community members for a day focused on hope, resilience, and connection. Participants will gather at Meridian Stage in downtown Barrie, where registration and check in will take place before the community walk begins. Following the walk, participants will return to Meridian Stage for a full live concert performance by Bif Naked. Register for the walk at: https://gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org/event/community-is-stronger-than-cancer-day

Unlike many concerts, there is no set ticket price. Instead, attendees are encouraged to make a donation in support of Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Whether someone contributes $10, $100, or $10,000, every donation directly supports free cancer support programs, caregiver resources, children’s services, healthy living programs, and peer support opportunities for individuals and families affected by cancer.

Bif Naked made the following statement, “When I went through breast cancer treatment, I was incredibly grateful for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare teams who helped me through it. But what many people don’t realize is that when you leave the hospital or treatment centre, you’re still carrying a lot with you. The emotional side of cancer, the fear, the uncertainty, and the impact it has on your family and loved ones doesn’t just disappear.”

Bif continued, “That’s why organizations like Gilda’s Club are so important. They provide support, connection, understanding, and community when people need it most. No one should ever have to face cancer alone. I am honoured to be supporting Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka and their Community Against Cancer Walk on June 28, 2026. Whether you walk, fundraise, volunteer, donate, or simply come out and join us, you’re helping ensure that people affected by cancer have somewhere to turn when they need support the most. So come out, walk, fundraise and rock with me. Together, we can make sure no one faces cancer alone.”

For Lana Hana, Executive Director of Gilda’s Club, the event is about more than fundraising. “Cancer changes lives, not just for the person diagnosed, but for entire families. At Gilda’s Club, we ensure that no one affected by cancer has to face it alone by providing free support programs, resources, and meaningful connections for anyone affected. We are honoured to have Bif Naked join us for our Community Against Cancer Walk on June 28. Every step taken, every dollar raised, and every person who participates helps ensure that this support remains available, free of charge, to those who need it most.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. No matter where you live or where you are in your experience with cancer, we are here to help and connect you with the care and community you deserve. Together, we can remind everyone impacted by cancer that they are never alone.”

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. No matter where you live, no matter where you are, we will do everything we can to help and connect you with the support you deserve.

The Community Against Cancer Walk & Concert aims not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness of the free services available through Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Every year, thousands of individuals and families face the emotional, social, and practical impacts of cancer. Community support helps ensure these services remain accessible without financial barriers.

EVENT DETAILS

Community Is Stronger than Cancer Walk & Concert

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Registration & Check In:
Meridian Stage
Downtown Barrie

Featuring:
Bif Naked Live in Concert

Admission by Donation

Walk. Fundraise. Rock.

The post Bif Naked To Headline Community Against Cancer Walk & Concert In Support Of Gilda’s Club appeared first on Muskoka411.

Bracebridge Just Got 44 New Affordable Housing Units

Muskoka411 Staff — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:24:07 +0000

Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada says it is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.

On Monday, the federal government, announced over $8.6 million in funding through the Affordable Housing Fund that helped build 44 homes designed specifically for seniors and people living with disabilities in the Town of Bracebridge. The four‑storey development, located at 100 Pine Street, provides a mix of affordable studio and one-bedroom rental units.

The building is already nightly eight per cent full. The price range is $400 to $1100 per month.

The project features universally accessible design throughout, including 14 fully barrier-free units, an elevator, accessible parking, and layouts that can be easily adapted to meet changing mobility needs.

The building also incorporates environmentally sustainable features to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and lower operating costs, including infrastructure for two Level II electric vehicle charging stations.

The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.

“Our Government is committed to providing communities the support they need to build capacity to develop local solutions to homelessness. Access to adequate, affordable housing is the foundation for socio-economic success. It supports better education and health outcomes, better employment prospects and better community engagement and cohesion, not to mention economic growth and financial security.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

The post Bracebridge Just Got 44 New Affordable Housing Units appeared first on Muskoka411.

Ontario Investing $1.49M To Protect Tariff-Impacted Workers And Businesses In Muskoka

Muskoka411 Staff — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:51:16 +0000

MBRP’s nearly $3 million project will protect and create more than 140 jobs

The Ontario government is investing $1,490,000 through the Ontario Together Trade Fund to help MBRP increase resilience, build capacity and reshore critical supply chains to Ontario.

With this support, MBRP is investing $2,980,000 to launch a new line of truck accessories, insource flat-cut and bent component manufacturing, reshore exhaust tip manufacturing from China, and upgrade infrastructure to support new production capacity. The project will create 18 new, good-paying jobs and protect 125 existing positions across Parry Sound–Muskoka.

“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for businesses in our community that have been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “MBRP’s investment will help the company adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the Ontario Together Trade Fund is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting Ontario workers and businesses from economic uncertainty while building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.

“Equipment is important, but the real investment is in people,” said Joshua Barkey, Chief Operations Officer at MBRP. “Programs like the Ontario Together Trade Fund create opportunities for our employees to learn, grow and build careers right here in Muskoka, while helping strengthen manufacturing and create long-term opportunities in our community.”

Since its launch, the Ontario Together Trade Fund has received overwhelming demand. In response, the government announced an additional $100 million investment in the program last year, bringing total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in MBRP through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increase opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”

As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.

The post Ontario Investing $1.49M To Protect Tariff-Impacted Workers And Businesses In Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

District Of Muskoka Making Services Easier To Access

Muskoka411 Staff — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:18:07 +0000

The District Municipality of Muskoka is working on a Service Excellence project to improve how residents, businesses, and visitors find information and access municipal services.

Supported in part through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, the project will:

improve access to online information and services
make it easier to find information and complete tasks on the District website
reduce confusion about where to go for information and support
create a simpler and more user-friendly experience when interacting with the District

The work includes a new District website, improvements to online services and service standards and ongoing community engagement to help guide future improvements.

The project will also support rural economic development by helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors access municipal information and better understand processes and approvals to support their business goals.

“Funding through the Rural Ontario Development Program will help improve how people find information and interact with the District,” said Jeff Lehman, District Chair. “Whether you are looking for information, starting a business, applying for a permit, or registering for programs, this work is focused on making it easier for people to find what they need and get things done.”

“Through the Rural Ontario Development program, our government is supporting projects like Muskoka’s Service Excellence initiative that make it easier for residents, businesses, and visitors to access information and municipal services. By investing in modern, user-friendly tools and improving how people connect with local government, we are helping rural communities strengthen service delivery, support economic development, and build a strong foundation for future growth.” – Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs

The District’s new website is expected to launch in late 2026, with service improvement work continuing beyond the launch.

The post District Of Muskoka Making Services Easier To Access appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka 100 People Who Care Holding First Meeting Of 2026 On June 15

Sarah Butt — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 22:32:12 +0000

Muskoka 100 People Who Care is inviting everyone to join them for their first annual meeting of 2026 at the beautiful Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph.

The meeting will take place on Monday June 15, with sign in and social time beginning at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the featured charities will begin giving their presentations. Attendees are welcome to arrive early to have dinner at Sherwood Inn, which can be booked on OpenTable.

“Our goal is to have 100 plus people join us to listen to three charities,” the group says. “At the end of the evening, we hope to make an impact on one of the charities, and to bring awareness to all of the charities who speak.

The charities featured at the June 15 meeting are YWCA of Muskoka, Carter’s Rescue and Sanctuary, and Enliven Cancer Care.

Muskoka 100 People Who Care was created in 2024 to fill the void that was left when 100 Women Who Care ceased operations. The group meets twice a year to help raise money for local charities. In 2025, they raised $7450 for MiND-AID Muskoka and $6590 for Community Living South Muskoka.

For more information on Muskoka 100 People Who Care, or to register for the event, you can visit their website here – https://www.muskoka100peoplewhocare.ca/

The post Muskoka 100 People Who Care Holding First Meeting Of 2026 On June 15 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Ramara Welcomes New Fire Prevention Officer

Muskoka411 Staff — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:41:33 +0000

The Township of Ramara is pleased to welcome Katie Dukelow as the Township’s new Fire Prevention Officer with Ramara Fire & Rescue Services.

The Fire Prevention Officer position was approved by Council as part of the Township’s 2026 Budget and leads public education, fire prevention, and community risk reduction initiatives.

“We are pleased to welcome Katie to Ramara Fire & Rescue Services,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “Her experience in fire prevention, public education and community engagement will help strengthen fire safety awareness and support our ongoing efforts to keep residents, businesses and visitors safe.”

Dukelow brings more than 10 years of fire service experience, including roles in fire prevention, public education, inspections and emergency response. Most recently, she served as Fire Prevention Public Educator with Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, where she led community safety programs, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm initiatives, school education and public outreach campaigns.

“I am excited to join Ramara Fire & Rescue Services and become part of the Ramara community,” said Dukelow. “I look forward to working with residents, businesses, schools and community organizations to promote fire safety, strengthen prevention efforts and help reduce risks before emergencies occur.”

Residents are encouraged to follow Ramara Fire & Rescue Services on social media and visit ramara.ca/fire for information on upcoming fire safety programs, events and public education opportunities.

The post Ramara Welcomes New Fire Prevention Officer appeared first on Muskoka411.

Help Shape The 2027 District Of Muskoka Budget

Muskoka411 Staff — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:55:38 +0000

What matters most to YOU when the District makes budget decisions?

These priorities affect the service our community relies on every day, including roads, water, housing, paramedics, long-term care, waste services, and community supports.

Survey closes: Monday, June 22

Your Muskoka. Your Voice.

Take The Survey

*This Post Is Sponsored By The District of Muskoka

The post Help Shape The 2027 District Of Muskoka Budget appeared first on Muskoka411.

A Place For Spanish-Language Writers: Muskoka Novel Marathon’s Spanish Division Returns

Muskoka411 Staff — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:25:28 +0000

Spanish-language writers, this is your invitation.

After a groundbreaking debut last year, the Muskoka Novel Marathon’s Spanish
Division is back, says division convenor Pilar Miralles, offering Spanish-language
authors across Canada the chance to write, connect, and compete in a literary
challenge added with their voices in mind.

Registration is now open for the 25th Muskoka Novel Marathon, happening July 16
to 19, 2026, at Port Sydney Community Hall and online via Zoom. The nonprofit
creative challenge invites writers of all experience levels to dedicate 72 hours to
writing a novel while raising funds to support adult literacy services through YMCA
Simcoe Muskoka – and competing for Best Novel or Best Spanish-Language Novel.
Miralles joined the Muskoka Novel Marathon in 2020 after being introduced to the
event by her mentor and friend, Mexican-Canadian writer Martha Batiz. “I was
hooked,” she says. “The energy, the challenge, and the community were unlike
anything I had experienced before as a writer.”

The idea for a Spanish Division came from Miralles’ own experience. As a Spanish
language writer, she realized she could participate in the marathon but not submit
her work to the competition for Best Novel. “I knew I wasn’t alone,” she said. “There
are approximately 1.7 million Spanish-speaking Canadians, and I was aware of
several Spanish-language writers in Ontario who were eager to participate but faced
the same barrier.” She proposed a dedicated Spanish-language division to the
marathon’s organizers and, as a result, it launched in 2025.

That first year was a milestone. Four Latina writers completed the marathon and
submitted manuscripts for judging, demonstrating a strong appetite for a Spanish
language stream within the event.

“Language is identity,” says Miralles. “Spanish-speaking writers in Canada deserve a
space to tell their stories in their own language and to be recognized for their craft.
The Spanish Division is a way of saying: your voice matters, your language matters,
and there is a place for you here.”

With several writers already registered and only weeks remaining before this year’s
marathon, Miralles is encouraging others to sign up now.

“Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect story idea,” she says. “The Muskoka
Novel Marathon is about the challenge, the community, and the joy of writing – and
the Spanish Division means you can experience all of that in your own language.”
The 2026 Spanish Division is supported by Canada Habla Español, Inspiradas, FIL
Canada, and Laberinto Press. Plus, the winner of the marathon’s new Best Spanish
Language Novel will have their manuscript submitted to publisher Lugar Común
Editorial for review.

For Miralles, the goal is clear: to see more Spanish-language authors from across
Canada take part and help build a thriving literary community. “You will surprise
yourself with what you can create in a single weekend, and you will find a community
that celebrates you,” she says.

The 25th anniversary event will include meals, snacks, coffee, and tea,
commemorative swag, celebratory moments, cake, and pre-marathon workshops
focused on writing, fundraising, and the marathon’s history.
KM Wehrstein, marathon convenor, praised Miralles for her hard work to create the
Spanish Division, build partnerships with judges, sponsors, and a publisher, and lift
Latin voices throughout Canada.

“It’s an opportunity like no other for writers, either experienced or beginners,” says
Wehrstein. “Why is this year the perfect time to jump in? Because it’s this year. If
there is something you want to do and think you will love doing, the time to start
doing it is now.”

To register or learn more, visit MuskokaNovelMarathon.com or follow the Muskoka
Novel Marathon on Facebook.

The post A Place For Spanish-Language Writers: Muskoka Novel Marathon’s Spanish Division Returns appeared first on Muskoka411.

Hale Muskoka Event Space In Gravenhurst Is The Place To Be This Summer

Muskoka411 Staff — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:58:17 +0000

Ontario’s newest must-visit destination features local vendor shops, Friday markets, culinary delights, live entertainment and special events

~newest additions include the Cabin opening July 2026 + The Barn and Grange opening November 2026~

Hale Muskoka, cottage country’s first culture and events hub, today announced details for its summer and fall season. After a successful soft opening in August 2025, the multi-use destination will officially open this June with an exciting schedule of markets, shops and events.

Designed as a gathering space for locals, cottagers and tourists alike, Hale Muskoka will feature Cabana ‘107’ Shops (open five days a week) and weekly Friday Markets starting Friday, June 12. Special events will take place throughout the season – kicking off with the ‘All About Summer’ celebration on Saturday, June 20. Hale’s newest addition the Cabin, a permanent boutique brimming with Canadian goods, will open in mid July.

Hale Muskoka is nestled on a historic five-acre farm in the charming town of Gravenhurst at 1160 Bethune Drive N. Inspired by the natural surroundings and passionate community of artists, growers and makers, the picturesque destination was designed to foster experiences that embrace the outdoors and support local businesses.

A visit to Hale Muskoka is sure to entertain and delight all ages. Guests can shop unique finds from local artisans, fresh foods from Ontario growers and cottage essentials from Canadian brands, savour a delicious meal from food trucks in the fireside lounge dining area, listen to live music while taking in the serene gardens, and participate in engaging events.

Photo Credit: Hale Muskoka

Open Five Days a Week

Cabana ‘107’ Shops
June 12 to October 10, Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm
Featuring Ontario-based vendors to help guests stock up on everything they need for living well in Muskoka, from fresh fruit and vegetables to ice cream, Canadian beef, cheese and fish to florals, specialty teas, giftables and apparel. Vendors this season include Good Behaviour, Jesse Tree Fine Foods, Flowr Atelier and MysTeary.

Cabin
Launching mid July; open year-round, Thursdays to Mondays from 10am to 5pm
Hale’s new permanent 600 square foot retail space, the shop offers a thoughtfully curated mix of everyday essentials and handcrafted products, including giftware, décor, food + beverage products, cottage essentials and more. Focusing primarily on Canadian-made goods, with a rotating selection from independent makers across the country.

*NEW + COMING SOON: pre-ordering from the Cabin and select ‘107’ vendors will be available for quick pick-up via haleoutdoors.com

Friday Markets

June 12 to October 9, every Friday from 10am to 2pm; Free to attend
Prepare for the weekend and soak in all that Muskoka has to offer at this vibrant outdoor weekly market, featuring an array of goods from local growers, farmers and makers. Expect flower arrangements, organic teas, baked goods, fresh produce, meat, cheese and fish purveyors, ice cream, food trucks, skincare, knitwear, jewellery, candles, and much more.

Special Events

All About Summer
Saturday, June 20, 10am to 4pm; Free to attend
This summer kick-off offers an opportunity to gather and connect alongside all the essentials needed for cottage season and lake life. Celebrate the start of summer with food, drinks, live music and family-friendly activations. Attendees can also browse and shop the season’s must-have flavours, fashion, outdoor essentials, décor, garden and dock staples, and more.

Board & Barrel
Saturday, July 25, 10am to 4pm; Tickets available online, market free to attend
Back for the second year, this flavour-filled afternoon features an interactive Charcuterie tasting experience and how-to-lessons with acclaimed Michelin Guide restaurant FAT Rabbit and Jesse Tree Fine Foods. The event also features an open-air market with libations, cheeses, breads, meats and more.

Smash & Sear: Best in Burger Competition with Broil King, Rowe Beef and Jesse Tree Fine Foods
Sunday, August 9, 10am to 4pm; Tickets available online, market free to attend
Hale Muskoka is bringing back its popular burger fest for the second year. At the lively fire and feast culinary gathering five notable Canadian chefs (Chef Paul Boehmer, Chef Gene Carpenter, Chef Melanie Robinson, Chef Bradley Yip, and Chef Michael Lam) will grill live to compete for the “Best Smash Burger” award. Guests will savour slider samples from each chef and beverages from across the region, while enjoying an artisan market, live music, family-friendly activities and more.

In Autumn Festival & Market
Saturday, October 10, 10am to 4pm; Free to attend
Filled with autumn-themed activations that celebrate the local flavours of the season. Includes a Fall Harvest Market with a curated selection of artists and food producers, live music, festive photo opportunities, and family-friendly fun including pumpkin painting and fire pits + s’mores.

From retail developer, community planner, and local Muskoka resident Eric Abugov, Hale Muskoka is a life-long passion project created with the intention to celebrate the local cuisine, culture and community.

“We’re excited to bring people together at Hale Muskoka many times throughout the summer and fall seasons, as we host shops, markets and events dedicated to the very best of Ontario and Canada,” said Eric Abugov, Founder, Hale Muskoka. “Hale Muskoka was designed to serve the community, and to foster connections and special moments while supporting local vendors, suppliers, and initiatives.”

Photo credit: Hale Muskoka

The Barn and Grange

Opening November 2026
Introducing two remarkable venues under one roof: The Barn and The Grange. Designed with a contemporary country aesthetic and surrounded by outdoor gathering spaces, these versatile venues will host everything from unforgettable weddings to inspiring corporate events and milestone celebrations creating experiences as memorable as the setting itself.

Rendering of The Barn at Hale Muskoka

Rendering of The Grange at Hale Muskoka

Hale Muskoka is available for private event bookings, including weddings, corporate events, special occasions and everything in-between.

Located two hours from Toronto, at 1160 Bethune Drive N. in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Hale Muskoka is situated right off Highway 11.

Hale Muskoka
1160 Bethune Drive N.
Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1R1
haleoutdoors.com
@halemuskoka

*This Article Is Sponsored By: Hale Muskoka

The post Hale Muskoka Event Space In Gravenhurst Is The Place To Be This Summer appeared first on Muskoka411.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Student Receives Terry Fox Humanitarian Award

Muskoka411 Staff — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:34:07 +0000

Article / Photos Via TLDSB:

Congratulations to Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) Grade 12 student, Aurora Wesley, who was recently selected as the recipient of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award!

The award is given out to only 15 students in Canada and recognizes young humanitarians who have worked tirelessly to channel the same values and goals that Terry Fox held—a passion for helping those in need and/or demonstrating perseverance in the face of adversity.

Through the award, Aurora will receive $30,000 to go towards her post-secondary education, in which she will be studying business administration at Western University in the fall.

“Aurora is very deserving of this recognition. Throughout her time at HHSS, she has been involved in making the school and community a better place. Whether she is participating in school activities, being a key part of the Interact Club, helping to run Relay for Life, volunteering in our community, or commanding the stage as a master of ceremonies for 500 delegates at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, she consistently steps up to help and make the experiences for others better. It has been an honour to witness her growth,” said HHSS principal, Jennifer Mills. “We at HHSS are incredibly proud of her and I can’t wait to see the amazing things she will achieve and the impact she will have on others in her future.”

See the Current Recipients page on the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award website to learn more.

The post Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Student Receives Terry Fox Humanitarian Award appeared first on Muskoka411.