Working alongside the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the Red Cross, municipalities, Airbnb, 211Ontario, and animal welfare partners across Ontario, the Ontario SPCA is providing a range of services to support evacuated families and their animals, including:

• Pet-friendly housing: Working with Airbnb to help displaced families find temporary accommodations where they can stay with their pets.
• 211Ontario support: Connecting people affected by the wildfires with pet-related resources.
• Emergency boarding: Adoptable animals from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre in Thunder Bay have been moved south to provide temporary shelter at the centre for displaced animals while families get settled.
• Emergency pet food and supplies: Approximately 75,000 lbs of emergency dog food is on its way to Northern Ontario to replenish supplies that have already been distributed to feed pets impacted by the wildfires. Families are also receiving crates, leashes, collars, harnesses, bowls, and other essential pet supplies.
• Veterinary care: Offering wildfire telehealth support for pets, as well as free in-person veterinary services for animals impacted by the wildfires, including health checks, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services when needed.
• Additional supports: Working with partners to identify temporary RV parking for families travelling with animals and coordinating support for livestock if required.

Anyone affected by the wildfires who needs support with their pets is encouraged to call 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) and follow the prompts to be connected with available services.

“The situation continues to evolve every day, and we know more families may need support in the days and weeks ahead,” says Shawna Beaulieu, Regional Director, Northwestern Ontario, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “When families arrive at evacuation centres, we want to make sure they have the pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and other support they need to stay together while they focus on getting through this emergency.”

To learn more or donate to the Ontario SPCA’s Emergency Response Fund, visit ontariospca.ca/emergency-response

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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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To make it easier for anglers and hunters to purchase licences and tags, the Ontario government is creating a new licensing system, FishHuntON. Launching in early 2027, FishHuntON will provide residents with more convenient and flexible ways to access licensing services, including a new easy-to-use mobile app. The new system will operate alongside existing service channels, ensuring residents can continue to access licensing services that work best for them.

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• $848,074 for Wasauksing Maple Products to broaden operations by renovating its processing facility, building a new kitchen and retail space, buying new equipment and investing in marketing and training.
• $200,000 for Wasauksing First Nation to remove the playground structure outside of its community building and purchase and install new playground equipment, which includes a swing set, outdoor musical instruments and several play structures.
• $167,787 for Migizi Gardens to obtain and install a compact, indoor garden system for growing plants without soil, providing enhanced food security through a new supply of affordable and healthy local produce that is available year-round.

The post Ontario Investing More Than $1.2M In Economic Development And Community Projects In Wasauksing First Nation appeared first on Muskoka411.

To celebrate Canada Day and encourage more people to enjoy Ontario’s world-class outdoors, Canadian residents can fish for free across the province from June 27 to July 5 without purchasing a fishing licence or Outdoors Card.

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This Father’s Day weekend, Ontario is inviting families to reel in some fun and enjoy the outdoors together for free. On June 20 and 21, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

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At a special meeting on June 3, councillors endorsed a resolution outlining the qualities they believe are essential for the role. The recommendations emphasize municipal leadership experience, a strong and ongoing connection to Muskoka, the ability to build consensus, a deep understanding of the region’s unique rural and northern realities, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

The special meeting was called in response to the Province’s decision to proceed with the appointment of Muskoka’s District Chair despite Council’s earlier request to be exempt from the legislation. The issue has become one of the most significant governance debates facing the region, raising fundamental questions about local representation, democratic accountability, and the future relationship between the Province and municipal government.

The discussion was marked by a strong defence of local democracy and local decision-making. Councillors expressed disappointment that the Province chose to move forward with an appointment process after Council had unanimously requested the ability to continue selecting its own Chair. Members repeatedly stressed that the Chair plays a critical role in shaping regional priorities, building relationships among Muskoka’s municipalities, and representing the District to other levels of government. Many argued that such an important position should remain accountable to the elected representatives chosen by Muskoka residents.

Deputy Chair Terry Glover, who chaired the meeting, described the matter as one of the most consequential governance issues facing the current term of Council. Throughout the discussion, members emphasized that the appointment will influence not only who occupies the Chair’s office, but how Muskoka’s priorities are advanced, how regional relationships are managed, and how accountability is maintained across the District for years to come.

Council also considered additional measures aimed at protecting local authority and preserving Council’s role in regional decision-making should the Province proceed with an appointment. Following discussion, councillors directed staff to review the proposed measures and report back on any legal or governance implications later this month.

As part of its resolution, Council requested that the Province provide councillors with the opportunity to review applicants and offer feedback before a final appointment is made. Council also called on the Province to recognize Muskoka’s unique circumstances as a large, predominantly rural municipality whose success depends on collaboration, consensus-building, and strong relationships among its six local municipalities.

The unanimously adopted criteria call for a Chair with demonstrated municipal leadership experience, a strong understanding of Muskoka’s communities and challenges, the ability to work collaboratively across municipal boundaries, and a proven commitment to public service.

The unanimous support for the selection criteria sends a clear message that Muskoka Council is not stepping away from the issue. While the Province may ultimately make the appointment, Council remains determined to advocate for a process that respects local knowledge, local accountability, and the voices of Muskoka residents.

Council is expected to continue discussions on the matter when staff report back later this month.

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ENCORE offers 22 ways to win and can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for an extra $1. There are two ENCORE draws every day.

The winning ticket was purchased at Daisy Mart on Main Street in Penetanguishene.

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