For over 30 years, the Orillia Waterfront Festival has transformed the Port of Orillia into a lakeside celebration. This year attendees can expect live music, more than 100 vendors and exhibitors, the fan‑favourite Cardboard Boat Race, food trucks, artisan displays, and more. The Waterfront Festival runs from Friday, August 7, until Sunday, August 9, and a full schedule of events can be found at https://www.orillia.com/waterfront-festival.

The Dock Diving Dog contest takes place at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, and at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9. Participants should arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time and are asked to pre-register online. The link to register is https://business.orillia.com/events/details/dock-diving-dogs-2026-1866?calendarMonth=2026-08-01

The contest will take place at Couchiching Park in the area of the the Federal Dock. All breeds and sizes of dogs are welcome, provided that they are non-aggressive and responsive to commands. There is no fee to participate but all participants must sign a waiver. Dogs must be accompanied by at least one adult per dog and must be leashed at all times other than while jumping. “Stoop and scoop” rules will be enforced and dogs must remain under their handlers control.

Awards will be given for categories such as “Biggest Splash,” “Most Enthusiastic Jumper,” and “Best Rookie Performance.”

The public is invited to attend this adorable event. Spectators can line the dock, cheer, and be part of the fun. Learn more at https://www.orillia.com/events/details/dock-diving-dogs-orillia-waterfront-festival-2025-1759?calendarMonth=2025-08-01.

The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC) is a non-profit organization made up of over 500 member businesses serving the City of Orillia, Severn Township, Ramara Township, Oro-Medonte Township and Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The ODCC is committed to providing an integrated voice for a prosperous business community that fosters local economic development and sustainable growth.

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For owner Ken King, the decision to become a Business Cares Strategic Partner was inspired by a deeply personal experience. During a hospital stay at GBGH in the fall of 2025, King found himself seeing the hospital from a completely different perspective — not as a business owner, but as a patient receiving care.

During his stay, he spent time walking throughout the hospital and was struck by the donor recognition wall in the main lobby. Seeing the names of so many local families, organizations, and business leaders who had invested in the future of healthcare inspired him to do the same.

“When you see how many people have stepped up to support our hospital, it really makes an impression,” says Ken King, owner, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland. “I found myself thinking, if they can do it, I can do it too. The care I received gave me a new appreciation for what GBGH means to our community, and becoming a Business Cares partner felt like a meaningful way to give back.”

Today, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland continues to reflect the community values that have guided the business for decades. The restaurant hires locally, fosters a family-oriented culture, and invests in developing future leaders, including General Manager Meghan Stanek, a local resident who has grown with the business and represents its next generation of leadership.

As a Business Cares Strategic Partner, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland joins the We See You campaign, a community-driven effort to strengthen care at GBGH through investments in equipment, technology, and programs that help ensure patients and families receive the care they need when it matters most.

“Ken’s commitment comes from firsthand experience,” says Robyn Blanchet, key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation. “After experiencing care at GBGH himself, he was inspired not only by the team who cared for him, but by the generosity of the community members and business owners who have chosen to invest in local healthcare. We’re incredibly grateful that he decided to join them and help ensure future patients receive the same excellent care.”

Through Business Cares, Harvey’s / Swiss Chalet Midland joins a growing network of businesses who recognize that investing in health care is an investment in people. Together, these partners are helping ensure GBGH can continue delivering excellent, compassionate care for families across North Simcoe for generations to come.

To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: http://weseeyougbgh.ca/ or to learn more about Business Cares, visit: https://gbghf.ca/get-involved/business-cares/ 

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“If music be the food of love, play on!”

Bard on the Bay has become a staple of summer experiences in Collingwood, and this year marks 10 years since Theatre Georgian Bay first tread the boards on stage at the Shipyards Amphitheatre. Opening July 23 and running until August 3, the cast of Twelfth Night is set to deliver a truly celebratory production filled with music, mistaken identity, and hilarious hijinks to feed the creative souls of audience members of all ages! Whether you are a seasoned theatregoer or new to Shakespeare, all are welcome at Bard on the Bay.

Theatre Georgian Bay was founded in 2016 by twelve passionate artists from across the region who were inspired to create classical and Canadian theatre. Since then, the company has gone on to produce annual works by Shakespeare, a Canadian musical premiere, new works from established and emerging Canadian artists, cabaret events and more. The current collective is made up of seven dedicated professional arts workers, including Theatre Collingwood’s Associate Producer Anne Raciunas.

“Theatre Georgian Bay burst onto the arts scene with a production of Twelfth Night in the summer of 2016” said Raciunas.  “Our 10th Anniversary felt like the perfect time to mount a reimagined production that celebrates the continued success of Bard on the Bay and acknowledges how far we’ve come.  Much like the characters in Twelfth Night, everything that we do for our community, we do in the name of love!”

Inspired by the passion of the company’s inaugural production staged a decade ago, this summer’s production of Twelfth Night is a completely reimagined experience set in Muskoka in the 1930s. Shipwreck survivor Viola finds herself far from home and disguises herself as a man named Cesario so that she can enter into the service of the local Duke Orsino.  The Duke longs to woo the Countess Olivia, and dispatches the disguised Viola to deliver love letters to the Countess.  The plan backfires in classic Shakespearean fashion as Olivia falls for Cesario, whose heart now belongs to Orsino.  With musical clowns, misguided paramours, and plenty of fools added into the mix, Twelfth Night is a legendary crowd pleaser. This production of Twelfth Night is a 90 minute, family-friendly event that is suitable for all ages.

Bard on the Bay has become a greatly anticipated summer event that hosts hundreds of patrons from across Grey-Bruce, Simcoe County, and the GTA every summer. Most recent Bard on the Bay productions include The Winter’s Tale, Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest, and Romeo & Juliet. Paired with the breathtaking backdrop of Georgian Bay, the continued success of Bard on the Bay is also tied to the company’s mission to create theatrical experiences for the community that are both financially and contextually accessible. Theatre Georgian Bay presents these classic works with an emphasis on the text and staged to be enjoyed by patrons regardless of their Shakespeare experience. To help alleviate any financial stress that may stand between individuals and culture, Theatre Georgian Bay operates Bard on the Bay under a Pay-What-You-Will admission by donation system (with a suggested donation of $25).

Twelfth Night runs from July 23 to August 3 at the Shipyards Amphitheatre in Collingwood.  There are 12 performances to choose from, and audience members are encouraged to bring their own cushions, chairs, or even a picnic!  Anyone seeking additional performance information can visit www.theatregeorgianbay.ca or contact the Theatre Georgian Bay collective directly by emailing theatregeorgianbay@gmail.com

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Created by RVH physicians Dr. Giulio DiDiodato, Dr. Chris Martin, and Dr. Doug Austgarden, ASKmeGOC is a research-backed, web-based tool that supports conversations about treatment preferences, resuscitation decisions, and overall goals of care.

For many patients and caregivers, these conversations happen for the first time during a health crisis, when emotions are high and decisions need to be made quickly. ASKmeGOC is helping shift those discussions earlier, giving people more time, support, and information to reflect on what matters most to them.

ASKmeGOC helps patients and caregivers better understand their options and creates space for thoughtful conversations in hospital, primary care and community settings, rather than during urgent or emotionally overwhelming situations.

The tool is now being implemented by hospitals, primary care teams, and community organizations across the province, including the Muskoka Almaguin Ontario Health Team and several of its member organizations, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare,  Niagara Health, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Sault Area Hospital, Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Hospital, Victoria Village, RVH’s Family Medicine Teaching Unit, and other healthcare partners.

“This is a strong example of how community-based research can scale beyond a single organization,” said Dr. Giulio DiDiodato, Chief Research Scientist at RVH. “We designed ASKmeGOC to work in real-world settings, and now we’re seeing it adopted across hospitals, primary care, and community teams. That growth is important because, at its core, this tool is about improving the patient experience. It helps create a supportive environment where patients and caregivers can better understand their options, ask questions and make decisions that reflect their values and wishes.”

ASKmeGOC is grounded in evidence from Canada’s largest randomized clinical trial conducted in a community hospital, funded by the Alectra Fund for Healthcare & Social Innovation. The tool provides healthcare teams with a consistent approach to goals-of-care discussions while helping ensure conversations remain patient-centred and aligned with each person’s understanding of their health and treatment preferences.

In communities like Sundridge and across Muskoka, healthcare teams are already seeing the benefits of having these conversations earlier and in less pressured settings.

“By having these conversations earlier in primary care, patients and caregivers can explore their wishes in a calmer, more supportive way,” said Dr. Sarah MacKinnon, Lead Physician at Sundridge & District Medical Centre. “It helps people feel more informed and better prepared, while making sure care decisions reflect what matters most to them.”

Healthcare teams say the tool is also helping create a more coordinated experience for patients as they move between different parts of the healthcare system.

“My experience with the program has been very positive,” said Dr. Melanie Mar, Chief of Family Medicine at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare and Medical Director of the Algonquin Family Health Team. “It’s reassuring to know patients have already had thoughtful conversations about their goals of care and better understand their options before they arrive in more acute care settings.”

By enabling trained healthcare professionals, such as nurses, paramedics, and social workers to help lead goals-of-care conversations, ASKmeGOC is also helping ensure patients and caregivers receive consistent support regardless of where they access care while reducing administrative burden for physicians.

Funding for ASKmeGOC was provided through the Health Care Unburdened Grant program. The program, supported by the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc. and Scotiabank, helps reduce administrative burden in healthcare so physicians can take better care of themselves and their patients. The funding is helping expand the reach of ASKmeGOC to hospitals, long term care, family health teams and community organizations across Ontario.

As adoption continues to grow, ASKmeGOC is helping more patients and caregivers across Ontario have earlier, clearer, and more supported conversations about their healthcare wishes.

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Since naming Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre as its charity partner in 2024, the event has raised more than $57,000 in support of hospice palliative care, grief and bereavement programs, and community services offered at no cost to individuals and families across Simcoe County.

Open to all experience levels, the Ladies Charity Shoot introduces participants to a variety of shooting sports in a safe and welcoming environment while raising funds for local families navigating grief, illness, and end-of-life care.

“The Ladies Charity Shoot continues to be one of those events that reminds us just how generous this community is,” said Kelly Hubard, Executive Director at Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre. “Year after year, the Barrie Gun Club, the organizing committee, volunteers, sponsors, and participants come together with incredible enthusiasm and generosity. We’re honoured by their continued support and the difference they’re making for local families.”

Proceeds from the event will help provide compassionate grief and bereavement support for children, caregiver resources, and other essential services for individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Community fundraising events like the Ladies Charity Shoot play a vital role in ensuring these programs continue to be available at no cost.

“There are two goals to our Ladies Charity Shoot. We bring forward the awareness of firearm safety to women and help them to confront their fear and learn the truth about firearms. We have women who have attended for the last 5 years because they have so much fun. Some have gone further by obtaining their own firearms licence.” Said Karen Parisius, Ladies’ Charity Shoot Coordinator, “The other goal is to raise funds for our local charity, The Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, a charity close to my heart. They were there when my kids needed them, and now it’s my turn to give back. It’s the volunteers, the community and the businesses that come together for this special day to make it a great success. It’s a win-win for everyone. Knowledge Dispels Fear is what I always say. You have to learn before you judge.”

Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre extends its sincere thanks to the organizing committee, Barrie Gun Club members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who participated. Their continued generosity is helping provide comfort, compassion, and support to local families when they need it most.

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• Covered Bridge Park, 22 Lankin Avenue; and
• Springdale Park, 1048 Springdale Park Road.

Both locations provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, play, and gathering, and serve as important community spaces for local residents and families.

The Town is seeking feedback from residents, park users, parents, caregivers, and children to help identify the types of play opportunities and features that are most important to the community. Feedback received will help inform future planning and design considerations for the parks.

Residents are encouraged to provide their feedback by participating in a short online survey.

To learn more and provide feedback, visit engagebracebridge.ca/springdalepark and engagebracebridge.ca/coveredbridgepark.

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The Ontario government is providing financial assistance for communities affected by recent flooding from lakes, rivers and creeks. Residents, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations in certain areas of Ottawa, Armour, Burk’s Falls, French River, Sudbury, Orillia, Ramara and Kawartha Lakes can apply to the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program for damage caused by the flooding that is not covered by insurance.

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On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., members of the North Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting patrols on Highway 94 when they observed a vehicle weaving within its lane and crossing the centre line.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and, while speaking with the driver, observed signs of alcohol impairment. The driver was arrested and transported to the North Bay OPP Detachment for further testing. During a search incident to arrest, officers located open alcohol and cannabis within the vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, Paul Augustine, 63 years old from Bracebridge has been charged with:

·        Operation while impaired – alcohol

·        Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·        Driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor

·        Drive vehicle with cannabis readily available

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in North Bay on September 1, 2026. In addition, the driver received a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS), and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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“Water safety starts before you leave the house,” says the Society’s Stephanie Bakalar. “It’s about planning ahead, understanding the risks, and making sure you have the gear, tools, and skills to stay safe. There are common factors in drownings, by recognizing these risks Ontarian’s can make safer choices and reduce drowning incidents,” explains Bakalar.

Common Risk Factors

Not wearing a lifejacket: In 92% of drowning deaths that occurred while boating, victims were not wearing a lifejacket

Being a weak or non-swimmer: In 39% of fatalities that occurred while swimming, the victims were weak or non-swimmers

Absent or distracted adult supervision of children: For children under age 5, supervision was absent or distracted in 98% of drowning fatalities

Consuming alcohol: Alcohol impairment is a factor in 30% of recreational boating and 26% of fatalities that happen while swimming.

Being alone: Swimming alone is a factor in 37% of drowning fatalities, while boating alone is a factor in 30%.

Four Steps to Safety

To help families stay protected, the Lifesaving Society recommends four essential steps before heading to the water:

Know before you go: Choose lifeguard-supervised settings and use the Lifesaving Society’s Water Smart® Tip Cards (available in 17 languages) to learn how to make safe choices.

Talk about your safety plan: Discuss rules and Water Smart messages – stay within arms’ reach, swim with a buddy, wear a lifejacket. Review “what-if” scenarios as a family to ensure everyone knows how to behave safely.

Pack with a “just in case” attitude: Always bring a lifejacket for everyone and a first aid kit. Include safety equipment relevant to your activity such as a whistle, throw rope, and boat safety kit.

Become a lifesaver: Learn to swim – make sure you can meet the Swim to Survive® standard, and take Swim for Life® swimming lessons, first aid and CPR, and Bronze Medallion courses to learn how to save yourself and others.

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The Award of Merit recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the advancement of parks and recreation and whose leadership has had a meaningful impact on communities and the industry.

Cindy retired from the Town of Bracebridge in 2025 following a career spanning decades in municipal recreation. During her 11 years with the Town, she led transformative improvements to recreation services, facilities, and programs, helping establish Bracebridge as a leader in community recreation.

Among her many accomplishments, Cindy served as project lead for the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, the largest infrastructure project in the Town’s history. She also championed the implementation of the Leisure Access Program, helping eliminate financial barriers to recreation participation, introduced free recreation memberships for residents over 90 years of age, led the development of the Town’s first Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan, and supported numerous community-driven initiatives, including the Peake Fields Disc Golf Course and Three Amigos Dog Park.

Prior to joining the Town of Bracebridge, Cindy held senior recreation leadership positions in British Columbia, where she managed major capital projects, developed innovative community programs, and led the delivery of significant cultural and sporting events.

The CPRA Award of Merit celebrates individuals whose work has advanced the parks and recreation sector through exceptional leadership, innovation, and service. Cindy’s career exemplifies these qualities and continues to serve as an inspiration to recreation professionals across the country.

The Town extends congratulations to Cindy on this well-deserved honour and thanks her for the lasting contributions she has made to the community.

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