“Effective June 12, 2026, The Salvation Army will be ceasing operations of its Bracebridge Thrift Store,” said Gina Haggett, Divisional Director for Public Relations for the Ontario Division of The Salvation Army. “Following a careful operational review, The Salvation Army made the difficult decision to close its Thrift Store operations [in Bracebridge] as it was determined that the long-term financial sustainability of the store is no longer viable.”

Haggett noted that this decision was made particularly due to the presence of several other gently used clothing and houseware resale shops operating within the community, resulting in the ‘SalMart’ not seeing the foot traffic it did in the past. 

“Bracebridge Salvation Army Thrift Store management and staff are grateful for the support of donors and shoppers throughout the many years the store was in operation,” read a statement from The Salvation Army South Muskoka Ministries. 

Initial reactions of shock and sadness were seen across social media following the announcement, with many worried that the Gravenhurst Thrift Store, along with the food banks in both Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, would close as well. 

Haggett assured that this is not the case.

“The Salvation Army remains committed to serving those in need in Bracebridge through The Salvation Army Bracebridge Community Services food bank at 185 Manitoba Street, and through our Gravenhurst Thrift Store at 155 Muskoka Road North, for years to come.”

With the Gravenhurst Thrift Store only 15 minutes away from the Bracebridge one, it will become the primary Salvation Army Thrift Store in the area. Officials encourage all shoppers and donors to visit that location.

The post Bracebridge Salvation Army Thrift Store Closing This Week appeared first on Muskoka411.

Through a project supported by a Rotary District Grant, the club has acquired and installed
three accessible outdoor picnic tables at Huntsville High School. The $4,500 project was
designed to create a welcoming, inclusive, and functional outdoor space that can be used
by students during the school day and by community members during evenings and
weekends.

The accessible tables provide seating that can accommodate individuals using
wheelchairs and other mobility devices, ensuring that all students and visitors can
comfortably participate in outdoor activities. The tables will offer students a dedicated area
to enjoy snacks and lunch, connect with friends, and participate in outdoor classroom
activities. The space will also be available for community use outside of school hours,
particularly for visitors to the nearby Summit Centre.

“One of the needs identified by the school was the lack of outdoor facilities where students
could gather and where teachers could conduct classes outside,” said Brent, President of
Rotary People of Action Huntsville. “At the same time, there was a need for additional
seating for community members using the area. By installing accessible tables, we are
helping to create a space that everyone can enjoy.”

Rotarians worked closely with school representatives to determine the best location for the
tables, procure the equipment, and coordinate installation. The project reflects Rotary’s
commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and creating spaces that benefit the entire
community.

The project also carries special significance for the club. It was inspired by the vision of the
late Sharon Wallace, a dedicated Rotarian whose passion for service and community
impact helped guide the club’s first successful District Grant application. Alongside fellow
Rotarian Anita Gleeson, Sharon championed the grant process and encouraged the club to
think bigger about the ways Rotary could support local needs.
“This project is a wonderful example of Sharon’s legacy in action,” said Anita. “She believed
deeply in Rotary’s ability to create positive change, and these tables will serve students and
community members for years to come.”

The official unveiling of the tables will take place on June 11, when members of Rotary
People of Action Huntsville gather at Huntsville High School to recognize the completion of
the project and celebrate Sharon Wallace’s contributions to Rotary and the community.
Rotary People of Action Huntsville continues to support projects that strengthen the
community, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for people of all ages and
abilities to connect, learn, and thrive.

The post Rotary People Of Action Huntsville Creates Accessible Outdoor Learning And Gathering Space At Huntsville High School appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:20 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle near Entrance Drive and Queen Street in Bracebridge. Fortunately, there were no significant injuries.

Police are reminding cyclists that they are required to obey all rules of the road, in particular, cyclists must stop at stop signs, crosswalks and intersections before proceeding and signal using arm signals. Cyclists are also required to have a bell or horn attached to their bicycle, wear a helmet is they are under the age of 18, and have a light and reflectors.

The post OPP Reminding Cyclists They Are Required To Obey All Rules Of The Road After Collision On Friday appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, just before 1:00 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to a concern over the behaviour of a local resident who was driving his lawn maintenance vehicle on Amelia Cr, Gravenhurst. Officers arrived and subsequently arrested and charged 57-year-old Frank Doran of Kilworthy, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on July 7, 2026 to answer to his charges.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

The post Kilworthy Resident Charged With Impaired While Riding A Lawn Mower appeared first on Muskoka411.

Music, Artisans, and Market at River Mill Park  

River Mill Park will come alive with Indigenous artisans, craftspeople, educators and entertainers for a day of song, story, and community.  Start your day strolling through the Indigenous vendor market, running between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and stay for a full day of festivities on stage and in the park. Mayor Nancy Alcock will officially kick off the celebrations at noon with opening remarks, and a land acknowledgement and smudging ceremony.

There will be plenty of live entertainment, with performances by the Lyons Sisters, Jared Big Canoe, and Canadian singer-songwriter Logan Staats.The public can also join in on some of the programming being offered throughout the day to experience first-hand Indigenous traditions and contemporary culture.

This free event is open to the public and offers residents and visitors a chance to celebrate and support the richness of Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists and culture in the heart of Huntsville.

As an outdoor event, the schedule of activities may be impacted by inclement weather. For more information, including weather updates and a full schedule of events, visit our event page on huntsville.ca or follow us on social media.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

The post Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day In Huntsville On June 21 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The original plan called for King William Street to operate as one-way southbound traffic only between Scott Street and Highway 60. Following discussions with local businesses, the District worked with the contractor to review the traffic management plan and identify a solution that would maintain two-way access through the construction zone.

To support this revised approach, additional traffic control measures will be implemented, including temporary signal modifications, additional traffic control staff, and specialized traffic control equipment.

What to Expect

• One northbound lane and one southbound lane will be maintained through the construction area.
• Lane closures are anticipated to begin this week once traffic control measures are finalized.
• Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
• Significant traffic delays and congestion are expected in both directions during contractor hours, particularly Monday through Thursday
• Traffic conditions are expected to improve during evenings and weekends when construction activities are reduced or paused.
• Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes where possible.

The District and its contractor will continue to monitor traffic conditions and project operations throughout construction and make adjustments where practical and appropriate.

The District appreciates the feedback received from local businesses and remains committed to working collaboratively with the community throughout construction.

To stay informed and view detour details, please continue to visit: www.engagemuskoka.ca/king-william

The post King William Street Reconstruction Update: Two-Way Traffic To Be Maintained During Construction  appeared first on Muskoka411.

n June 4, 2026, Explorers’ Edge, the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism Gravenhurst hosted stakeholder sessions at Taboo Resort as part of the Experience-Led Tourism Partnership.

The sessions brought together local tourism operators, accommodators, community partners, municipal representatives, and business leaders to explore how Gravenhurst can build stronger bookable experiences, increase visitor spending, support shoulder-season growth, and create new opportunities for collaboration.

Across the sessions, participants shared real-time feedback through Slido, helping identify what local businesses need most, where the greatest tourism opportunities exist, and how this partnership can best support Gravenhurst’s visitor economy.

What We Heard

The response was clear, positive, and action-oriented. Participants expressed strong interest in joining bookable travel packages, receiving ready-to-use marketing tools, accessing better visitor data, and building stronger connections with other businesses.

Key themes included:

• Strong interest in bookable Gravenhurst travel packages
• A desire for visitor data, insights, and measurable tourism impact
• A need for ready-to-go social media content and digital marketing tools
• Support for shoulder-season visitation, event-based travel, and longer overnight stays
• Interest in business introductions, package examples, and co-creation support
• Positive feedback on the open, transparent, and collaborative approach

This feedback confirms that Gravenhurst businesses are not only interested in participating — they are looking for practical tools, clear communication, and support to help move ideas into market-ready visitor experiences.

Presentation Deck

A copy of the presentation deck and session reports have been included below for stakeholders who would like to review the full tourism program overview, including the Explorers’ Edge travel agency model, the Gravenhurst partnership framework, the research approach, and the Well Known Marketing + Advertising workplan.

FlixBus in Muskoka and Ontario’s Great Canadian Wilderness

Explorers’ Edge is also pleased to share information about the arrival of FlixBus service in Muskoka and Ontario’s Great Canadian Wilderness. This new transportation connection creates an important opportunity to support visitor movement, package development, itinerary planning, and more accessible travel into the region.

Learn more about FlixBus service here: https://explorersedge.ca/flixbus/

Read the Explorers’ Edge press release here: https://explorersedge.ca/news/explorers-edge-welcomes-flixbus-to-muskoka-and-ontarios-great-canadian-wilderness/

Business Confidence Index Survey

We are asking Gravenhurst businesses and tourism stakeholders to complete the Business Confidence Index survey. Your input helps us better understand the current business climate, operator needs, workforce pressures, visitor trends, and areas where additional support may be required.

Complete the Business Confidence Index Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LGMMCX

Tour Operator Information Survey

If your business is interested in being considered for future travel packages, bookable experiences, itineraries, or tourism partnership opportunities, please complete the Tour Operator Information Survey.

This survey helps Explorers’ Edge understand your business, your visitor experience, your capacity, your pricing structure, and how you may fit into future package development.

Complete the Tour Operator Information Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZD7Z9ZY

Stay Connected

Stay connected with Gravenhurst tourism updates. In partnership with the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, Explorers’ Edge will be sharing program information, partner opportunities, and Tourism Tip Tuesday notifications by text message.

Text Gravenhurst to 705-300-8894

This will ensure you stay connected as the Gravenhurst tourism partnership moves from engagement and planning into implementation.

What Happens Next

Explorers’ Edge and its partners will continue following up with interested businesses, developing digital asset kits and social media templates, supporting operator introductions, and moving toward the launch of initial Gravenhurst travel packages.

This work is about building tourism with the community, not for the community. By combining local business participation, visitor research, strategic marketing, transportation connections, and bookable travel experiences, Explorers’ Edge, the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism Gravenhurst are working together to position Gravenhurst as a stronger, more connected, and more competitive destination within the Great Canadian Wilderness, the province and the country.

The post Planning Sessions To Boost Gravenhurst’s Visitor Economy A Success appeared first on Muskoka411.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is delighted to welcome the community back for free Community Days this June, made possible by the generous support of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge grant. Every Saturday throughout the month, all five YMCA Health, Fitne ss, and Aquatics centr es in Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Innisfil, Midland, and Wasaga Beac h, will open their doors to everyone, free of charge .

Community Days are about more than fitness; they aim to improve the community’s physical and mental well-being. By offering free day passes to people of every age and ability, the Y hopes to help neighbours feel stronge r, more connected, and healthie r. From group classes and open swims to individual fitness, there’s something for everyon e to
enjoy. Whether you’re already familiar with the YMCA or are visiting for the first time,
these passes provide a wonderful opportunity to explore what the Y has to offer .

“We are deeply grateful to ParticipACTION for this generous grant, which allows us to host
Community Days and help remove financial barriers to health and wellness,” said Jill
Tettmann, President & CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “At the YMCA, we believ e
everyone deserves the chance to grow and thrive — physically, emotionally, and socially.
These free passes reflect our commitment to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where
every member of the community can shine. ”

Community Days are part of the YMCA’s ongoing mission to strengthen communities and
promote healthy, active lifestyles. Visitors to the YMCA during the month
of June can participate in a variety of activities tailored for individuals, families, and
groups . For local program schedules , visit www.ymcaofsimcoemus koka.ca/schedule s.

Getting started is easy. Residents can drop by their local YMCA in Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Innisfil, Midland, or Wasaga Beach on Saturday, June 6, 13, 20, or 27. You can also grab your free day pass online at www.YMCAOnlinePortal.c a — no code required.

To learn more about ParticipACTION’s Community Challenge,
visit www.participaction.com/programs/community-challeng e. To discover more about
YMCA services and programs, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.c a.

The post YMCA Of Simcoe/Muskoka Opens Its Doors For Free Community Days In June appeared first on Muskoka411.

Beginning June 5, while quantities last, shoppers can support Hospice Muskoka simply by purchasing one of the specially marked planters available at Canadian Tire Gravenhurst. Look for the Hospice Muskoka sticker on participating planters—100% of the proceeds from those planters will be donated directly to Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House.

Every planter purchased helps ensure that vital hospice, palliative care, caregiver support, and grief services remain available free of charge to local families throughout Muskoka.

Hospice Muskoka’s annual operating budget is approximately $3 million, with the Ontario Government providing about 45% of funding. The remaining $1.5 million must be raised each year through community support and fundraising initiatives to ensure these essential programs and services continue to be available to everyone who needs them.

In addition to residential hospice care, Hospice Muskoka operates Andy’s House at Home, a program funded entirely through donations. This innovative service provides in-home palliative care, caregiver support, grief counselling, and 24/7 assistance at no cost to families. In just the first six months of operation, the program supported 105 clients, helping vulnerable individuals remain at home, reducing visits to emergency departments, and saving local hospitals more than $2 million in healthcare costs.

“Hospice care is about ensuring no one walks their journey alone,” said Jody Somerville, Development & Communications Manager, Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House. “We are incredibly grateful to Kevin and Natalie Smith and the entire team at Canadian Tire Gravenhurst for their generosity and commitment to our community. Every planter purchased helps provide comfort, dignity, and support to local families when they need it most. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbours.”

Kevin and Natalie Smith, owners of Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, are proud to support the organization and its mission.

“We have been truly touched by the outstanding care Hospice Muskoka – Andy’s House provides in our community,” said Kevin and Natalie Smith. “The compassion they show to those facing life-limiting illnesses is truly remarkable and something we have witnessed firsthand. We are honoured to support Hospice Muskoka and encourage our community to join us in making a difference through this fundraiser.”

Every planter purchased represents more than just beautiful flowers—it represents comfort for families, support for caregivers, compassionate care for individuals facing end-of-life journeys and hope for those navigating grief and loss.

Community members are encouraged to visit Canadian Tire Gravenhurst beginning June 5 and look for the Hospice Muskoka sticker on participating planters. Quantities are limited, and every purchase helps ensure compassionate care remains available to Muskoka families when they need it most.

Hospice Muskoka extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kevin and Natalie Smith, the team at Canadian Tire Gravenhurst, and every community member who chooses to support this initiative.

Together, every bloom truly brings comfort.

The post Canadian Tire Gravenhurst Partners With Hospice Muskoka To Grow Compassion Across Our Community appeared first on Muskoka411.

“As a part of our $64 billion plan to get shovels in the ground for over 50 hospital projects across the province, our government is proud to support the development of a new, state-of-the-art Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, who was in attendance at the sign unveiling.

“Today’s announcement brings us closer to delivering enhanced patient capacity, world-class modern healthcare infrastructure, and expanded access to critical care services and inpatient beds, to meet the healthcare needs of Orillia and Simcoe County.”

The Ontario Builds sign, now installed along University Avenue, stands in front of a 25-acre parcel of land owned by Lakehead University that has been identified as the preferred location for the new hospital. The sign recognizes the Province of Ontario’s $3 million planning grant announced by Premier Doug Ford on May 23, 2025.

“The unveiling of the sign marks another exciting milestone in bringing this transformational project to life,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Simcoe North MPP.

“Following our government’s commitment to support planning for a new hospital, today’s announcement reflects the strong collaboration between OSMH, Lakehead University, and our community. This new hospital will help ensure families across Orillia and the surrounding region have access to modern, high-quality health care for generations to come. I am proud to continue working alongside our partners as we move this important project forward.”

In addition to the sign, OSMH announced it has received formal confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health that the project has successfully advanced from Stage 1.2 (Proposal Development) to Stage 1.3 (Functional Program) within the province’s capital planning process.  Advancement to Stage 1.3 represents a significant step forward and enables more detailed and advanced planning work, including the development of functional space requirements, project scope, and early design elements that will physically shape the new hospital.

“Reaching Stage 1.3 represents a major milestone in our redevelopment journey and reflects the strength of our planning work to date,” said Tom Roberts, OSMH Interim President and CEO.   “With this approval, we move decisively into planning for a greenfield, new hospital co-located at the Lakehead University Orillia campus.”

The Chair of the OSMH Board of Directors, Lawrence Pietras said, “Today’s milestones reflect not only meaningful progress, but a shared commitment to the future of health care in our region.   As a Board, we are focused on ensuring this new hospital is thoughtfully planned, financially responsible, and built to meet the needs of the communities we serve for decades to come. The support of our provincial and community partners gives us confidence that we are on the right path.”

The new hospital project remains in the planning phase, with ongoing collaboration involving the Province of Ontario, Lakehead University, healthcare partners, the City of Orillia, and the broader community.

The post New Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Planning Advances To Next Stage appeared first on Muskoka411.