“Receiving the Best Home Hardware Award for the Central Region is a
tremendous honour for our entire team,” said Rob Clark, Dealer-Owner. “For the
past 19 years, we’ve focused on creating a store where customers know
they’ll receive friendly, knowledgeable service and find what they need quickly
and easily. Our success comes from the dedication of our long-time staff, who
take pride in helping every customer and making each visit a positive
experience. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to our loyal
customers, whose continued support has made this achievement possible. We are
incredibly grateful to be part of the Bracebridge community and proud to represent
Home Hardware.”

Bracebridge Home Hardware was one of 17 stores recognized with a Proud of My
Home Achievement Award. Recipients are recognized for excellence in customer
service, team performance, and store presentation, while playing an active role in
Dealer network initiatives.

“On behalf of everyone at Home Hardware Stores Limited, I’d like to congratulate
Bracebridge Home Hardware on this well-deserved recognition,” said Cory Hahn,
Territory Manager, Central Retail Operations, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “It is
inspiring to see Dealers like Rob and Kaija setting a high standard for customer
experience and store excellence. I look forward to their continued success, supported
by their hardworking team.”

The post Bracebridge Home Hardware Named Best Home Hardware In Central Canada appeared first on Muskoka411.

The award, presented at the EDAC Conference in Moncton, New Brunswick, recognizes projects that create or enhance physical assets and infrastructure that contribute to a community’s tourism appeal and long-term destination development.

The award recognizes the Town’s Bracebridge 150 Legacy Projects, an initiative that transformed the community’s 150-year anniversary from a year of celebration into a lasting investment in the community’s future. Rather than focusing exclusively on one-time events, the Town used the milestone as an opportunity to create permanent assets that enhance the visitor experience while providing meaningful benefits for residents.

The initiative included four complementary projects:

• Bracebridge 150 Forest – the creation of a new municipal parkland featuring 150 trees and expanded recreational opportunities;
• Memorial Park Bandshell – the replacement of the aging bandshell with a modern gathering space for concerts, festivals, community celebrations and cultural programming;
• Storybook Trail at Woodchester – new original storytelling, illustrations and public art creating an engaging, family-friendly attraction; and the
• Heritage Walking Trail – renewed interpretive signage along the downtown waterfront, encouraging residents and visitors to explore Bracebridge’s history and heritage.

The Town’s approach demonstrates how milestone anniversaries can create opportunities for communities to invest in their long-term future. By connecting parks, trails, heritage, recreation, culture and public gathering spaces under one legacy vision, the projects create a network of experiences that encourage residents and visitors to explore different areas of the community.

These projects were developed and delivered through collaboration across the Town, with contributions from municipal staff, Council, the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, tourism organizations, local businesses, artists, contractors, sponsors, service clubs and volunteers. The EDAC Destination Development Award is a reflection of this collective effort from everyone who helped make Bracebridge 150 a meaningful celebration with a lasting legacy.

The post Bracebridge 150 Legacy Projects Receive National Recognition  appeared first on Muskoka411.

On August 13, 2026, Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a report of a theft that had occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The victim reported that their credit card had been stolen while they were shopping at a Bracebridge grocery store and then used at various retail locations.

Police were able to gather surveillance footage and are asking members of the public to call if they are able to identify the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you remain wish to remain anonymous, you may reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Incident number for reference is E261167352.

The post Person To Identify After Multiple Fraud Incidents In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

During the very early morning hours on August 26, 2026, at 12:10 a.m., a group of five people walking on the boardwalk at the Gravenhurst Wharf caused significant damage to the Lions Clubs Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial. The suspects tore down two banner style signs, along with another placard that was affixed to the railing and another nearby sign and threw them into the water.

On September 16, 2026, police arrested and charged two Port Sydney youths, aged 14 and 16 years old, with Mischief. They will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Youth Court – in Bracebridge on November 5, 2026 to answer to their charge. The accused’s identities are protected under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

The investigation is ongoing and police are asking for the publics assistance in identifying the remaining three individuals. They are described as one male party wearing white shoes, dark sweat pants and a grey long sleeve shirt with very short dark hair, two females, one with long dark hair and glasses, dark jeans, white shoes and a dark shirt and the other with long light brown hair, blue jeans and a sheer see through top. All involved appear between the ages of 14-19 years of age.

Police are asking anyone with information to please call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you remain wish to remain anonymous, you may reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Incident number E261234280.

The post Two Youths Charged For Damaging The Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial in Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Bracebridge OPP officers responded to multiple reports of mischief that occurred during the very early morning hours in the town of Gravenhurst. Parked vehicles were damaged after rocks were thrown from a moving vehicle resulting in smashed windows. At this point, 10 vehicles were reportedly damaged that were parked on First Street South, Winewood Avenue West, Muskoka Road South, Main Street and Oriole Crescent.

As a result of their investigation, utilizing surveillance footage and information from members of the public, police arrested and charged three Port Sydney youths, aged 14, 16 and 17 years old, each with 10 counts of Mischief. They will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Youth Court – in Bracebridge on November 5, 2026 to answer to their charges. The accused’s identities are protected under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

Police are asking for more information from the public as there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Area residents are also asked to check any home surveillance footage; the suspects were operating a dark pickup truck between 1:30 – 3:00 a.m..

Anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you remain wish to remain anonymous, you may reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Incident number for reference is E261347571.

The post Three Youths Face Ten Counts Of Charges In Gravenhurst Mischief Case appeared first on Muskoka411.

Couchiching Fest will celebrate local creativity, small business and community, bringing together a variety of artisans, vendors, handcrafted goods, unique products and local treats for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Taking place along the waterfront at the Port of Orillia, Couchiching Fest will offer attendees an opportunity to shop local, discover new businesses and enjoy the waterfront while supporting local entrepreneurs and makers.

To further encourage local businesses to take part, members of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce receive a 50% discount on vendor fees. The discount is part of the Chamber’s efforts to promote shopping local and create opportunities for local businesses to connect with the community.

As part of the inaugural event, the Port will also host a Paddle Board Race on Saturday, September 19 at 3:00 PM. Paddle boarders will start from the finger docks at A-Dock and race along the waterfront.

Registration for the Paddle Board Race is free. Participants can bring their own paddle board or rent one through SunRise Yoga Studio for $30 per board. Board rentals must be booked in advance.

“We’re excited to launch Couchiching Fest and bring a new event to the Orillia waterfront,” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to create an event that brings people together, highlights local businesses and gives the community another opportunity to enjoy everything our waterfront has to offer. We also want to encourage people to shop local and support the businesses, artisans and makers who help make our community such a great place to live and visit.”

Couchiching Fest is free to attend and will take place at the Port of Orillia, located at 50 Lightfoot Drive.

Couchiching Fest
Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20, 2026
Port of Orillia – 50 Lightfoot Drive, Orillia
Free Admission

Paddle Board Race
Saturday, September 19 at 3:00 PM
Port of Orillia – A-Dock / Finger Docks
Registration: Free

The post New Couchiching Fest Brings Local Vendors, Community And Waterfront Activities To Orillia appeared first on Muskoka411.

A new provider will begin operating the District’s Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) and Corridor 11community transportation services starting September 28, 2026. Services will continue as usual, with increased customer service hours of operation, digital transit passes, refreshed vehicle appearances and changes to the Corridor 11 bus schedule. 

The District DRT and Corridor 11 bus help residents get to work, appointments, school, shopping and other important destinations. The transition is focused on maintaining reliable service while making support easier to access. 

What Riders Can Expect 

Starting September 28, riders can expect: 

• More support: Customer service will be available by phone from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 705-645-2100 ext. 4419. 
• Booking stays the same: District DRT riders can continue booking through the BlaiseTransit app, Blaise Transit website or by phone at 705-645-2100 ext. 4419. 
• Electronic transit passes: Corridor 11 paper passes will move to the Blaise Wallet in each rider’s profile. Riders can use the Blaise app or website to create and access their account. 
• Updated vehicles: Riders will begin seeing a new look on vehicles providing District Community Transit services. 
• A new Corridor 11 schedule: The updated schedule information will be available before the changes take effect. 

What Stays the Same 

The District DRT will continue to provide flexible, demand-responsive transportation between rural communities and urban centres. The Corridor 11 bus will continue to connect Huntsville and Orillia, with stops in Port Sydney, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Killworthy and Washago. The goal is a smooth transition for riders, with more access to customer support when help is needed. 

“Many residents rely on these services to get where they need to go,” said Lisa Marden, Director of Planning. “Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible, provide more support for riders and continue delivering reliable transportation across Muskoka.” 

Staying Connected 

The District’s Community Transit program connects with local transit services in Bracebridge and Huntsville, as well as Simcoe County LINX. These connections help residents travel within and beyond the region. 

Ahead of the transition 

Riders can continue using the District DRT and Corridor 11 bus as usual until September 28. 

More information about the Community Transit customer service line, transit passes and the updated Corridor 11 schedule will be shared before the transition. 

For more information visit: 

• Community Transportation Website www.muskoka.on.ca/communitytransit 
• DRT Website www.muskoka.on.ca/DRT
  
• C11 Website www.muskoka.on.ca/Corridor11 

Download the Blaise Transit App for Apple or Samsung or visit the Blaise Transit website to book your ride. 

The post Service Enhancements Coming To The District Of Muskoka’s Community Transit Programs appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Bracebridge OPP officers responded to multiple reports of mischief that occurred during the very early morning hours in the town of Gravenhurst. Eight separate parked vehicles were damaged after rocks were thrown from a moving vehicle resulting in smashed windows. The victims were parked on First Street South, Winewood Avenue West, Muskoka Road South, Main Street and Oriole Crescent.

Police are asking residents in those areas to check any home surveillance footage, the suspect were operating a dark pickup truck between 1:00 – 3:00 a.m.. Anyone with information is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you remain wish to remain anonymous, you may reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Incident number for reference is E261347571.

#BracebridgeOPP is investigating multiple mischiefs to vehicles that occurred early this morning in Gravenhurst on: First St S, Main, Winewood and Oriole Cr. Suspect vehicle is a dark pickup truck. Anyone with info including surveillance footage is asked to call police or… pic.twitter.com/TrpR37vmQh

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) September 16, 2026

The post Eight Vehicles Damaged, Windows Smashed In Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

SeatGeek Canada Inc. was issued an administrative penalty of $25,000 for failing to comply with requirements under the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, including clear requirements prohibiting the resale of event tickets above their original total purchase price.

The post Ontario Issues $25,000 Penalty To SeatGeek Canada For Ticket Resale Violations appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., members of the West Parry Sound OPP responded to a residence on Church Street in Parry Sound where an adult male was located deceased.

Investigators believe this is an isolated incident with no signs of a broader threat. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence on Church Street as the investigation continues.

The West Parry Sound OPP Crime Unit is conducting the investigation, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance is also being provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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