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.

Irwin Memorial Public School (IMPS) Grade 7 student, Niah, was recently recognized for her contributions to the school’s 2025-2026 Orange Shirt Day*.

Last year Niah shared her artwork with the school’s Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Maxwell, and spoke about a current project she was working on with her father, learning how to draw Ojibway art. Maxwell was impressed by Niah’s artwork and suggested she design a t-shirt for this year’s Orange Shirt Day. With the support from the school principal, Erin Hills, Niah’s family, and the Trillium Lakelands District School Board Indigenous Student Success Team, Niah developed four preliminary designs featuring a bird, turtle, snake, and fish.

“The turtle design depicted Turtle Island, with trees growing on its back, and included the words “Every Child Matters” on the reverse of the shirt,” explained Maxwell. “The bird design carried personal significance, as it reflected Niah’s long-standing interest in drawing birds — a passion she often pursued during her time in my Kindergarten class.”

Once the designs were finalized, the school was connected with Nish Tees who printed all four designs on orange t-shirts and made them available to purchase by the school community. In total, 129 t-shirts were sold and all of the proceeds have been directed to purchase books by Indigenous authors for the IMPS library.

“The Irwin community is deeply grateful for the partnerships that made this project possible, for the many individuals who supported Niah and proudly wore her design, and for the way her artwork has helped share the message of Orange Shirt Day,” said Maxwell. “Together, through creativity and collaboration, we continue to walk the path of reconciliation.”

*Orange Shirt Day honours the story of six-year-old Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s first day at residential school when her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her.

The post Irwin Memorial Public School Student Recognized For Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt Design appeared first on Muskoka411.

These areas are now clearly marked as designated slow zones to encourage reduced speeds and heightened driver awareness in areas with regular pedestrian and student activity.

The Township would like to remind all drivers to observe posted speed limits and stay alert when traveling through school zones, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.

Thank you for doing your part to protect the youngest residents.

The post New School Zone Signs Installed Near Irwin Memorial Public School In Dwight appeared first on Muskoka411.

Key highlights of the project:

• An expansion of 3,000 square feet, creating additional community activity areas and increasing overall occupancy capacity.
• Redesigned, fully accessible washrooms.
• Modernization and upgrade of the kitchen to commercial standards.
• Technology centre to support small business, students and those who work from home.
• Memory lab, maker space and enhanced library services for the community.
• Additional roof support to increase the longevity of the existing library roof.

Following a formal procurement process, the Township Council awarded the building and design contract to Davicor Construction Inc.

“The awarding of this contract is a milestone, years in the making, and we’re incredibly excited to see this project move forward,” said Terry Glover, Mayor of the Township of Lake of Bays. “The time and effort the community has invested in fundraising, advocating for, and bringing this project to fruition is truly something to celebrate.”

Construction is slated to begin early 2025 and the completion date is expected no later than the first quarter of 2026. The Township will provide regular updates on the project’s progress and any temporary changes to services during the renovation period. To stay up to date please subscribe to news and notices at Lakeofbays.on.ca/News.

The post Community Hub Expansion Project Underway In Dwight appeared first on Muskoka411.

The first sculpture, standing approximately 12 feet tall, features a northern pike leaping out of the water. The second piece showcases a beaver chewing on a white paper birch tree, with a raccoon and a woodpecker also included in the design.

Rhodes’ work at Dwight Beach follows his recent achievement at the 2024 U.S. Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship in Wisconsin, where he secured first place for the second consecutive year amidst tough competition featuring chainsaw carvers from around the globe.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the beach to view these stunning creations in person.

• View the video
• View the photos

The post Dwight Beach Welcomes Tree Carvings By Award-Winning Chainsaw Carver appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Township’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2024-2029 identifies the goal of implementing accessible parking at Dwight Beach in 2024.

All residents are encouraged to provide feedback. If you have any comments on how many spaces to make, where the spaces should be located, and/or how the spaces should be designed, please submit comments by September 6, 2024.

For more information, and to read the full 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, visit the Accessibility page on our website.

If you wish to submit comments, please contact Accessibility Working Group Member:

April Best-Sararas
Director of Planning Services
Township of Lake of Bays
705-635-2272 ext. 1252
abest-sararas@lakeofbays.on.ca

The post Notice Of Installation Of Accessible On-Street Parking Space At Dwight Beach For Review And Comments appeared first on Muskoka411.

On June 23, 2024, just after 3:00 p.m., Killaloe OPP members responded to a collision on 60 Highway, near Paplinskie Road, in the Township of South Algonquin.

Investigation has revealed the 22-year-old driver of a passenger car from Ottawa was turning and was struck by the oncoming 36-year-old driver of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Dwight.

The driver from Ottawa has been charged with unsafe move, contrary to the Highway Traffic Act and issued a Provincial Offences Act notice. Both vehicles were towed.

No injuries were reported.

The post Dwight Resident Not Injured After Collision On Hwy. 60 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Founded in 2010 by artist and advocate Shania Twain, Shania Kids Can provides children, youth and their families with services and support that promote positive change in times of crises and economic hardship. SKC partners with elementary schools to provide a safe place within the school where students can go for help. The goal in the SKC Clubhouse is to support students by offering a program that increases academic achievement, improves emotional development, and provides nutritional
support.

“The SKC Clubhouse in Dwight is our longest running program, to see this kind of support from the community is amazing”, said Twain. “This donation will provide so much for the kids at Irwin, I hope that with the help of the community we can meet and surpass the challenge of doubling the $4,500.00”, said Shania.

Lynn DeCaro, Executive Director of the Muskoka Community Foundation noted “it is important to recognize that young people play a vital role in creating a healthy and vibrant Muskoka and we are honoured to work with our special donor to support the work of the Shania Kids Clubhouse at Irwin Memorial Public School”.

To learn more about Shania Kids Can visit Shania Kids Can. To double your impact please consider supporting the Shania Kids Can Club House at Irwin Memorial Public School in Dwight by visiting Canada Donate Page | Shania Kids Can

The post Matching Gifts In Support Of Shania Kids Can Clubhouse At Irwin Memorial Public School appeared first on Muskoka411.

When visiting a participating business, guests can pick up a passport and collect a sticker with no purchase necessary. Once the passport has at least 8 stickers, customers can leave it with the last business they visit, entering them into the draw.

For details and a list of participating businesses visit lakeofbays.on.ca/dwightpassport

Supporting our local businesses creates jobs, leads to a more vibrant community, and builds a stronger economy for everyone. Buying local, supports a local. Let’s celebrate our small businesses, our neighbors, and their contributions to our Township by shopping locally when we can this holiday season and throughout the year.

Explore more of what Lake of Bays has to offer and consider making Muskoka, not just a destination, but your business home today.

The post Celebrate And Support Dwight Businesses This Holiday Season appeared first on Muskoka411.

Officers were updated that the vehicle had pulled into a plaza in Gravenhurst and a traffic stop was initiated.

Police have arrested and charged 36 year-old Matthew Lawrence of Dwight, ON with the following:

• Dangerous Operation
• Resist Peace Officer
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance
• Possession of a Schedule III Substance
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Possession of Over 30g of Dried Cannabis

Police have also charged 35-year-old Brian Shanks of Gravenhurst, ON with Possession of a Schedule I Substance, Possession of a Schedule III Substance and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Both accused persons will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on October 11, 2022 to answer to their charges.

The post Two People Face Several Charges After Traffic Stop In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.