The Board has tremendous gratitude for all that Donna has done, and continues to do, for Hospice Muskoka and extends our best wishes for a wonderful and very well-deserved retirement.

In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Donna joined Hospice Muskoka as NP-Medical Director at Andy’s House, Ontario’s first Nurse Practitioner Led Hospice, which opened with three funded beds delivering much needed palliative care in south and west Muskoka.  The following year, she took on an expanded role, adding Executive Director to her portfolio and earlier this year became CEO.

Donna built and currently leads a team of staff and volunteers who oversee the ten beds at Andy’s House and numerous community programs, including a new program, Andy’s House at Home, which brings palliative care into your home.  We applaud Donna’s vision and tenacity in advocating for palliative and end of life care.  She has led the organization to its current position of excellence, achieving full accreditation from our governing body, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, in the delivery of residential palliative care, community programs and grief and bereavement.

In her notice to the Board, Kearney shared “It is time for me to pass the torch to the next leader who will carry forward the Board’s next strategic vision,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and the community, and for the extraordinary commitment of the people who make this work possible every day.”

Over the next six months, as Donna continues to lead Hospice Muskoka with her hallmark passion and commitment, the Board will conduct a recruitment process to find the talent required to lead our organization into its next chapter.

The post Hospice Muskoka Announces Retirement Of Chief Executive Officer Donna Kearney appeared first on Muskoka411.

One of the most dangerous places for an animal during hot weather is inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly climb, putting animals at risk of heatstroke within minutes. Even on mild days, in the shade, or with the windows down, a parked vehicle can quickly become deadly for an animal. The safest option is to leave pets at home where they can stay cool and comfortable.

As part of its No Hot Pets campaign, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is asking pet parents and animal lovers to take the No Hot Pets pledge, promising never to leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle.

Hot weather can also be hazardous for animals outdoors. Make sure pets have access to fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day and be mindful that pavement and sand can become hot enough to burn paws. Consider walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Animals left outdoors without access to shade and fresh water are also at risk during periods of extreme heat.

“Hot weather can become dangerous for animals very quickly,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By taking a few simple precautions, pet parents can help keep their animals safe, comfortable and cool during periods of extreme heat.”

Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of heat-related illness, which can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Puppies, senior animals, brachycephalic breeds and animals with underlying health conditions may be especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area and seek immediate veterinary attention.

If you’re worried about the safety of an animal, call the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or contact your local police. In an emergency, call 911.

For more information about keeping animals safe during hot weather, or to take the No Hot Pets pledge, visit nohotpets.ca

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Jeff Watson is a long-time Gravenhurst resident and respected community leader whose career spans business, municipal government, emergency services, and volunteer leadership. Since moving to Gravenhurst over 35 years ago, Jeff has built a reputation grounded in service, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people and organizations that make the community strong.

Municipal Leadership

• Served three terms on Gravenhurst Council, including Deputy Mayor (2010–2018)
• Chair of Corporate Services, contributing to financial oversight and municipal operations
• Played a key role in advancing community initiatives, including the creation of the Gravenhurst Sports Hall of Fame

Board of Director For South Muskoka Memorial Hospital

Business Leadership and Community Investment 

• Owner and operator of both Gravenhurst Tim Hortons locations for 32 years
• Built and managed a successful local business employing multiple generations of Muskoka residents
• Recognized for supporting workforce development and navigating real-world labour challenges
• Business operations consistently reinvested in the community through local partnerships and fundraising
• • Graduate of the Ontario Fire College
  • Served 8 years with the Gravenhurst Fire Department as Firefighter, Captain, and Training Officer
  • Associate Instructor at the Ontario Fire College, mentoring and training firefighters across the province
• Long-standing supporter of local organizations including:
  • Salvation Army Food Bank
  • Muskoka Victim Services
  • Local schools and youth programs
  • Camp Day and Smile Cookie campaigns 

Governance and Board Experience

• Gravenhurst Hydro
• Executive Board Member, Chamber of Commerce and Muskoka Tourism
• President, Windermere Golf Club Board of Directors (2011–2017; President 2015–2017)
• Director, Burlington Springs Golf & Country Club (2013–2021)
• Director of Operations, Muskoka Bay Club (2008–2010)

Current Community Involvement – 2026 

• Chair, Gravenhurst Community Grants Committee
  • Oversees allocation of funding to local non-profits and community groups
  • Supported distribution of $30,000 in grants to 11 organizations in 2026
• Public Member, Committee of Adjustment (appointed 2023)
• Member, Ontario Professional Officiant Association
  • Wedding officiant with 300+ ceremonies over 11 years

Jeff’s career reflects a consistent focus on people, service, and community impact, bringing practical experience, steady leadership, and a deep understanding of what matters most to the community.

The post Jeff Watson Announces He Is Running For Mayor Of Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

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• Small, recreational, open-air fires are permitted in Bracebridge between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• No daytime burning is permitted.

When having an open-air fire, please practice safety first.

• Ensure your fire is at least six metres (20 feet) from any adjacent properties, structures, trees or anything that can burn and is a maximum of 61 cm (2 feet) wide;
• Never leave a fire unattended;
• Do not use aerosols of accelerants on a fire, such as gasoline.  These substances are unpredictable, can explode and ignite surrounding areas;
• Only dry wood can be burned.  Do not burn any grass, yard waste or green wood;
• There must be an immediately accessible and adequate supply of water and tolls available to extinguish a fire;
• Make sure the fire is out completely before leaving the site;
• Keep your distance. Children, pets and adults should stay a safe distance away; and
• In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

In Bracebridge, recreational open-air fires are permitted between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. in all four of Bracebridge’s fire zones in accordance with the [/town-services/by-law-enforcement/]Burning Control By-Law until October 31. Daytime burning and slash pile burning is not permitted during this timeframe.

The Muskoka-wide fire danger rating system is in effect from April 1 to October 31 and is monitored by the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs, in consultation with Ministry of Natural Resources.

For more information on the current fire danger rating, visit [/bracebridge.ca/firedangerrating]bracebridge.ca/firedangerrating or call 1-877-847-1577.

The post Muskoka Association Of Fire Chiefs Set Fire Danger Rating To High For Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Don’t believe the hype! When it comes to your car insurance in Ontario, the illusion of more choice will only help insurance companies” FAIR Association Board Chair, Rhona DesRoches.

“Make no mistake: insurance companies were lobbying for these changes! Doug Ford has given the insurance sector an enormous gift: he has eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars of claims costs and gutted consumer protection. They are setting the stage to introduce further cuts to essential, mandatory coverage under the guise of “even more choice”, DesRoches added.

“Unfortunately, this is right out of the classic insurance playbook: promised reductions are always dramatically less than expected and short lived”, added DesRoches.

“Down the road, the overall cost of your reduced coverage will soon start to rise again when the industry points to some new or imagined rising cost trend to justify future increases. If you save anything today, enjoy it while it lasts.”

“This is really just the insurance version of shrink-flation.”

After July 1, there are new options available for consumers but here’s the thing: insurers know that most of us will not spend any more than they have to when it comes to our auto insurance premiums. They have been selling optional coverage for decades and know that very few people will likely take the time to consider the options and buy the appropriate amount of coverage. And, they know that consumers will find the prospect of saving even $20 too much to pass up.

If your policy renews this year or if you’re shopping for a new auto policy, here’s what you have to do: Ask questions about the details, plan for the worst and make sure you have good coverage. Get confirmation from your Broker in writing about your coverage.

And, for people with legitimate claims, you can bet that insurers will continue to deny and delay and ultimately refuse to handle claims fairly.

Ontario’s auto insurance system has been broken for a long time and today’s changes only delay the reform that is needed to completely overhaul the system.

FAIR Association of Victims for Accident Insurance Reform
579A Lakeshore Rd. E., Box 39522, Mississauga, ON, L5G 4S6
http://www.fairassociation.ca/
Contact: Rhona DesRoches at fairautoinsurance@gmail.com

FAIR – supporting auto accident victims through advocacy and education

FAIR is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors. We are the end-users of the Ontario auto insurance product.

SOURCE FAIR Association of Victims for Accident Insurance Reform

The post July 1 Ontario Auto Insurance Changes: Do You Really Have Any Choice? appeared first on Muskoka411.

On July 1, 2026 at 5:45 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers, along with the OPP Marine Unit, responded to a distress call from a boater indicating that a person had fallen out of their vessel and failed to surface. A couple had been returning to Bracebridge in their boat and while in the area of Sandy Bay near Bowyers Beach on Lake Muskoka, the weather changed very quickly, making navigation difficult. One of the people on board, a 67-year-old Bracebridge man, fell out of the vessel and was struggling in the water. Nearby residents responded to the calls for help and attended the location in boats as well, however the man has not yet been located.

The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) is assisting with the search this morning and anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

The post OPP Searching For Missing Adult On Lake Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

It was later found out that the operator of the other boat was impaired. 

Nearly five years later, Cammaert has decided to share a bedtime story he created for Quinn and her brother Henry when they were little with the hopes that it brings awareness to impaired driving, and the devastating loss that comes with it.

The story, titled “The Dinosaur and the Whales,” is about adventure, friendship, love, and the memories that stay with us forever.

“I decided to write it with my son’s encouragement,” Cammaert said. “Ultimately, I wanted to honour her and preserve her memory. It’s also an effort to hopefully keep people talking about her and who she was, whether that’s friends, family, or people who didn’t even know her.”

Cammaert described his daughter as an athletic, smart, very personal kid. He says that Quinn had a variety of friend groups because she hated to see people alone, whether it was at school or on the tennis court. 

“People over the years have said to me ‘Whenever Quinn’s in the room, she always made it brighter and she always made it happier,’ and she didn’t do that in a way that was forced, it’s just who she was.”

According to the Government of Ontario, impaired driving is the leading cause of death on Ontario roadways. In 2021, there were 182 deaths caused by impaired driving, a number that saw a 14 per cent increase in 2022. On the water, 40 per cent of boating fatalities are directly related to impaired operation.

Cammaert said that while the statistics are very necessary and that people need to be aware of them, he knows that they can feel cold.

“People can’t relate to a number, but they can relate to a story. That’s what ultimately made me decide to share this very personal story with a broader audience. Hopefully it has an impact on people and how they made a decision when they’re about to get behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle.

All net proceeds from book sales will be donated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving to support families affected by impaired driving and prevent future tragedies.

The Dinosaur and the Whales can be purchased on Amazon.

The post Father Writes Children’s Book To Bring Awareness To Impaired Driving After Daughter Was Killed By Impaired Boater appeared first on Muskoka411.

Canadian and Ontario-made beverage product sales have grown significantly in the last year.  In that time, Canadian product sales were up 18% while Ontario product sales increased by over half a billion dollars, representing 20% growth. Ontario VQA wines have proven to be a hit with 44% growth across the board, strengthening our province’s reputation as a world class producer of wines and supporting thousands of jobs in our growing wine industry. There was an increase in sales across all types of Ontario wines, including red VQA wine (53%) and white VQA wine (42%), as well as VQA sparkling wine (13%) and VQA rosés (27%). Ontario-made spirits saw a 9% increase, while beer and ready-to-drink beverage sales each increased 25%.

“Over the past year and a half, we’ve seen incredible support for Ontario and Canadian products, and we’ve expanded our selection to make it even easier to shop local,” said Aaron Campbell, Interim President & CEO, LCBO. “From new dedicated local product sections in our stores to providing top of the line training to our employees on our Ontario-made beverage offerings, LCBO is working hard to support the local communities we work in and serve. As Ontarians gear up for Canada Day, they can celebrate with our biggest selection yet of local products that directly support their fellow Canadians.”

LCBO has gone to great lengths in the last year to support the success of our local producers. This includes launching “The EH List” which highlights over 3,000 Canadian products, including wines, spirits, cider, beer, and ready-to-drink coolers and cocktails on lcbo.com. Customers can also find maple leaf symbols in store, making it easy to support Ontario and Canadian-made beverages.

Beyond expanding our marketing initiatives, LCBO has increased shelf space for VQA wines, expanded dedicated local spirits sections and local craft beer promotional displays, and increased local cider offerings across select stores. Additionally, LCBO has rolled out specialized staff training for hundreds of employees on local wines, beer and ciders, and spirits, equipping them with a comprehensive curriculum of knowledge and tools to serve as trusted advisors to customers.

LCBO reminds Ontarians to enjoy our products responsibly as they celebrate Canada Day and that LCBO stores will be closed on July 1^st.

The post Ontarians Embrace Local As LCBO Expands Access To Record Number Of Canadian-Made Products appeared first on Muskoka411.