On Friday, July 18, 2025, shortly after 8:00 a.m., Bancroft OPP officers were advised from the Haliburton OPP that there was a stolen vehicle entering the area that they were currently pursuing. A tire deflation device was deployed, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

As a result, Simon Boucher, age 23, of Quebec was charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Flight from peach officer
• Dangerous operation

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on July 21, 2025.

The post Haliburton OPP Advised Of Stolen Vehicle, Arrest Made appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Many people had their lives disrupted and property damaged from this event. Insurers are here to help residents and businesses recover and rebuild from this storm,” said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). “First responders deserve our appreciation as they worked so diligently to protect lives and properties following this event. Our member insurers are the second responders and have been on the ground since day one. They will continue to work with policyholders whose property was damaged. If you were impacted by the ice storm, it is important to call your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process.”

The frequency and severity of flooding and extreme weather in Ontario, Quebec and across Canada continue to increase each year. IBC is collaborating with the provincial and federal governments to help find solutions to mitigate the risks of severe weather and outline what governments can do to help build more resilient communities.

“Storms of this magnitude can take significant emotional and financial tolls on those affected,” added Dean. “As the recovery and rebuilding process moves forward, residents should stay in close contact with their insurance representatives and adjusters. This includes checking in on contractor availability and understanding how it may influence the timing of your claim. Anyone with general auto, home or business insurance questions can also contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ASK-IBC or by email at ONCIC@ibc.ca.”

Severe weather is getting worse. And we are all paying the price. To protect Canadians from ever-escalating natural catastrophes, there are meaningful steps that governments can take to adapt to extreme weather. These include no longer building unprotected homes and businesses in high-risk flood and wildfire zones, enhancing flood defences in communities at high risk of flood, helping homeowners understand their risks, subsidizing home retrofits to help homeowners reduce their exposure to floods and wildfires, and investing in improved emergency preparedness, response and recovery capacity.

IBC commends the Government of Ontario for its commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness in the province.

Rest easier. Know what’s covered.

Homeowner insurance policies usually cover damage to homes caused by an ice storm, such as:

• Damage caused by wind and rain
• Damage caused by flying debris or fallen trees and/or branches
• Damage to the home and its contents from water entering through openings suddenly caused by wind.
• Depending on the details of the policy, insurance may also cover additional damage:
• Water damage in a basement due to sewer backup is only covered if you have purchased specific optional sewer backup coverage.
• Damage from overland flooding, which occurs when bodies of water such as rivers overflow onto dry land, is only covered if you have purchased specific optional overland flood coverage. However, if you live in a known flood plain, this coverage may not be available.
• Removing debris (e.g., a downed tree on your property) may be the homeowner’s responsibility. Insurance coverage is typically not provided if the property was not damaged.
• Coverage for ice damming, which can occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and refreezes when temperatures drop overnight, is usually optional. Speak to your insurance representative if you are concerned about such loss or damage.
• Subject to any applicable exclusions, the contents of your refrigerator and freezer may be covered for a specified amount for damage related to food spoilage caused by an accidental power interruption. Check your policy or speak with your insurance representative.
• In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to stay in their homes because of insured damage may be entitled to additional living expenses. Check with your insurance representative to find out what your policy covers.

Seasonal or secondary residences

Check any seasonal or secondary residences (e.g., cottages) and report any damage to your insurance representative as soon as possible. Policies for these properties may have different coverage or limits than a primary home insurance policy. Review your policy or check with your insurance professional to confirm your coverage.

The post Ontario And Quebec Ice Storm Causes $342M In Insured Damage appeared first on Muskoka411.

On December 12, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers observed the stolen vehicle, a white Jeep Rubicon, travelling eastbound. The suspects attempted to evade an initiated traffic stop and later abandoned the vehicle in Bancroft.

A female suspect, Sophie McGrath, was arrested nearby. A male suspect, Francis Thibault, was arrested shortly afterward.

Francis Thibault, a 34-year-old resident of Bowman, Quebec:

– Dangerous Operation

– Flight from Peace Officer

– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

– Possession of a Schedule I Substance

– Possession of a Prohibited Device

Sophie McGrath, a 30-year-old resident of Cantley, Quebec:

– Dangerous Operation

– Flight from Peace Officer

– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Both individuals have been held pending a bail hearing. The OPP encourages anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Bancroft OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

The post Two Charged After Stolen Vehicle Incident At A Dealership On Hwy. 118 in Haliburton appeared first on Muskoka411.

On November 1, 2023, at approximately 2:10 p.m., L&A OPP was dispatched to a traffic hazard for a rental van with a blown tire on the shoulder of Hwy 401 WB in the area of mile marker 522. Police attended the area and found rim marks driving down Hwy 401 on the WB shoulder. The marks eventually became flatter indicating the rim was worn off and the vehicle was now running on the hub. The van was located approximately 1 km west of Highway 37. A traffic stop was initiated as the van was still moving. The rear left wheel was beginning to smoke from heat. The vehicle did stop for police without incident. When speaking with the driver police noticed 4 cases of beer in the front passenger seat area. All of the cases had only French language on the box. When questioned about the beer the driver was evasive. When confronted about the transportation of the beer from Quebec the driver again became evasive. A further search of the vehicle for liquor found the entire back of the van filled with beer cases. When unloaded the final count was 326 cases of 24 beer various brands with bottles and cans.

The driver had admitted that the liquor was not purchased at or through an authorized outlet for the sale of liquor in Ontario. He further admitted that the beer was for a wedding and not for his personal use. The van had been observed driving on the shoulder with the rim worn down to the hub in an unsafe condition. The driver was charged with unlawfully possessing liquor, unlawfully purchasing liquor, and operate unsafe vehicle with a provincial court date to speak to the charges. The liquor was seized and the van was towed from the highway.

Individuals are permitted to bring any quantity of beverage alcohol into Ontario on their person from other Canadian provinces or territories, as long as it is for personal consumption and not for re-sale or commercial use

The post Hundreds Of Beer Cases From Quebec Bound For An Ontario Wedding Seized By OPP appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday July 6, 2023, at 4:45 pm, the suspect entered into the CIBC Bank on Laclie St in the City of Orillia armed with an apparent firearm and demanded cash to the teller. A quantity of cash was provided to the suspect, who then left the premise in an unknown direction of travel. There were no injures as a result of the incident.

Through investigation, the OPP Central Region Major Crime Unit (Nottawasaga OPP, Orillia OPP) along with Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE), Barrie Police Service, York Regional Police Service and Quebec City Police identified the suspect. The individual was located and arrested in Quebec.

Marc Gauthier, 54 years old, of Roxtonpound, Quebec, has been charged with:

·        Robbery using firearm – two counts

·        Disguise with intent – two counts

·        Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition – two counts

·        Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

·        Possession of rohibited device

Another Incident:

Gauthier was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant and eluded capture by the police in North Bay in the midst of a traffic stop on July 17. The wanted man was pulled over on Fisher Street in North Bay around 4 p.m. on Monday, July 17. NBPS says Gauthier dashed from the vehicle and dove into Chippewa Creek.

The post Arrest Made After July Bank Robbery In Orillia appeared first on Muskoka411.

On May 1, 2023, members of the Peterborough County OPP received a call from a local resident advising that they had been contacted by someone pretending to be a family member that was asking for money. Officers were able to locate an individual matching a description provided and made an arrest. During the arrest, a prohibited weapon was located.

As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old from Quebec has been charged with:

·      Fraud under $5000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough on June 12, 2023.

To avoid becoming a victim to the “Grandparent Scam“, keep these simple tips in mind and share with your loved ones. If you receive a call with someone identifying themselves as a friend or family member urgently in need of money…slow things down,

·      Confirm that it is the person that they say they are. Text or call them on a number that you have for them or ask them a question that only they would know the answer to.

·      Do not provide your home address.

·      Do not provide any banking or personal information.

·      Ask for a number to call them back.

·      If you are told that they have been arrested and are in custody, ask for the address of the police station or court that they are being held at.

·      Contact your local Police Service and report the incident immediately.

If you know an elderly person, please reach out to them, and have a conversation on what to do if they get a phone call like this.

For more information on this and other common scams in Canada, check out the Competition Bureau Canada’s The Little Black Book of Scams: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html 

For additional information on ongoing scams in Canada and to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or 

https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact police.

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law, and preserving public safety.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The post Peterborough County OPP Arrest Youth From Quebec For The Grandparent Scam appeared first on Muskoka411.

On May 2, 2023, police received a call from a potential victim advising that he had received a call from someone identifying as his grandson, stating he had been in a collision and required a significant sum of money to avoid charges. The “grandson” then passed the phone to another individual claiming to be a lawyer, who made arrangements to attend the victim’s residence and collect the cash. Upon hanging up with the caller, the victim recognized that it was a scam and called police.

Officers responded to the residence and were able to make an arrest and charge Reda Ahaouaze, 19 years of age, of Montreal, Quebec, with:

•     Fraud Over $5,000

•     Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

•     Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence

The accused was held for a bail hearing and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge to answer to the charges.

Scammers use high-pressure tactics, such as claiming an emergency or injury of a loved one, to create an emotional response in potential victims. Bracebridge OPP encourages people to slow down when receiving such a call and not make any decisions until steps have been taken to verify that the information is true.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.

EMERGENCY SCAMS

(The Little Black Book of Scams, Competition Bureau Canada)

Emergency frauds, also known as the grandparent scam, usually target loving grandparents, taking advantage of their emotions to rob them of their money. The typical scam starts with a grandparent receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The “grandchild” goes on to say they’re in trouble-common misfortunes include having been in a car accident, getting locked up in jail, or trouble returning home from a foreign country-and they need money immediately.

The caller will ask you questions, getting you to reveal personal information. They’ll also swear you to secrecy, saying they are embarrassed and don’t want other family members to find out what’s happened.

One variation of this ploy features two people on the phone, one pretending to be a grandchild and the other a police officer or lawyer. In other cases, the scammer will pretend to be an old neighbour or a family friend in trouble.

Tips to protect yourself:

•     Take time to verify the story. Scammers are counting on you wanting to quickly help your loved one in an emergency.

•     Call the child’s parents or friends to find out about their whereabouts.

•     Ask the person on the phone questions that only your loved one would be able to answer and verify their identity before taking steps to help.

•     Never send money to anyone you don’t know and trust.

•     Never give out any personal information to the caller.

For more information on this and other common scams in Canada, check out the Competition Bureau Canada’s The Little Black Book of Scams: https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html.

For additional information on ongoing scams in Canada and to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact police.

The post Montreal Resident Arrested After Grandparent Scam Hits Gravenhurst appeared first on Muskoka411.

On January 27, 2023, at 8 p.m., officers of the Orillia OPP detachment received a traffic complaint on Highway 12 in the City of Orillia. Officers responded and located the vehicle. The female driver was displaying numerous signs of alcohol consumption.

As a result, Felicia Mezzanotte, 36-year-old, from Quebec has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired- alcohol
• Failure or refusal to comply with demand
• Driver vehicle with cannabis readily available

On January 29, 2023, at 2:30 a.m., officers of the Orillia OPP detachment responded to reports of a single vehicle collision on Highway 11 N, in Oro-Medonte Township. Upon arrival, officers determined the male driver of the motor vehicle was displaying signs of alcohol consumption.

As a result, Matthew Watson, 18-year-old, from Dundas, has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
• Young driver B.A.C above zero
• Driver fail to surrender license
• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor
• Fail to surrender insurance card
• Driver vehicle with cannabis readily available

On February 2, 2023, shortly before 4 a.m., officers of the Orillia OPP detachment responded to report of a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 11 S, in Severn Township. Upon arrival, officers determined the male driver was displaying signs of consuming alcohol.

As a result, Brandon Ainsworth, 26-year-old from Ramara Township, has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired- alcohol
• Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

On February 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., officers of the Orillia OPP detachment responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision

On Highway 11 N in Springwater Township. Officers attended the scene and spoke with driver involved. One driver was showing signs of alcohol consumption.

As a result, Ivan KUKUSHKIN 30-year-old from Toronto has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration 80 plus.

On February 4, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers of the Orillia OPP detachment were conducting general patrol in the area of County Road 47, in Ramara Township. The officer had observed a Highway Traffic Act offence and initiated a traffic stop. Once the officer was able to speak with the driver, it was determined the driver was showing signs of alcohol consumption.

As a result, David GARTNER, 63-year-old of Ramara Township has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired- blood alcohol concentration 80 plus. Contrary to section 320.14(1)(b)

On February 5, 2023, at approximately 4:00 a.m., officers of the Orillia OPP detachment responded to reports of a traffic complaint On Highway 12 in the City of Orillia. Officers were able to locate the motor vehicle and speak with the driver. After speaking with the drivers, officers determined the driver was showing signs of alcohol consumption.

As a result, David Toffan, 37-year-old of Orillia, has been charged with:

• Operation while impaired- alcohol
• Operation while impaired, blood alcohol concentration 80 plus.
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order
• Driver while under suspension

The Orillia OPP reminds motorist to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, rideshare, public transit or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you.

The post Orillia OPP Report Six Impaired Drivers appeared first on Muskoka411.

One More Bite is METRO’s leading initiative to fight food waste by donating quality unsold products from participating stores in Ontario and Quebec to local food banks. From 2016 to 2022, through the Metro, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Marché Richelieu banners, it has recovered and redistributed from its distribution centres and stores more than 23 million kilograms of food, the equivalent of nearly 45 million meals.

“We are committed to contributing to the economic and social well-being of the communities in which we operate. In 2022, in addition to our financial support of $5.5M, we raised $6.8M thanks to the participation of our store and pharmacy networks, the commitment of our colleagues and the generosity of our customers in various campaigns. We would like to thank all of them for having contributed to raising these funds which are essential to our community partners,” said Marie-Claude Bacon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications at METRO Inc.

Launch of the Healthy Together campaign
As a complement to its food recovery program, METRO launched its very first company-wide fundraising campaign, Healthy Together, in November and December of last year. The campaign raised an additional $2.2M to help fight food insecurity thanks to the generosity of customers who shop at Metro, Food Basics, Super C, Première Moisson, Adonis, Jean Coutu and Brunet. For the occasion, METRO Inc. donated an additional $550,000 to three long-time partners: Feed Ontario, Food Banks of Quebec and New Brunswick Food Depot Alimentaire, bringing the total amount of this inaugural initiative to $2.8M. For every $1 received, the food banks can provide three meals to someone in need.

According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount, 1.5 M Canadians visited a food bank in March 2022 alone, an increase of 15% over March 2021 and 35% over March 2019.

Also in 2022, METRO Inc. donated a record $2.4M to the United Way and nearly $1.7M to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Relief Fund.

The post Metro Donates $50M Worth Of Food In Ontario And Quebec Last Year appeared first on Muskoka411.

While more than two in five Canadians (42%) admit they won’t make a New Year resolution, of those that will, nearly a quarter (23%) claim they will keep to their resolution forever. That said, more than a tenth (11%) admit that they probably won’t stick to theirs beyond the end of January.

However, one in 20 people from Quebec and Ontario say they will probably abandon their resolutions by the end of the first week of January.

Among the most common resolutions being made are usual suspects including saving money (50%) – unsurprising given the number of Canadians who spent less on Christmas this year because of financial issues – eating healthier (47%), getting more exercise (45%) and losing weight (41%).

Meanwhile, 28% of people want to be more organized and a similar percentage plan to learn a new skill of hobby. Others will focus on seeing friends more often, travelling more and reducing screen time.

Among other suggested resolutions named by respondents to Party Casino’s survey were learning a new language, having another baby and, unusually, drinking MORE alcohol.

Full list of planned New Year’s resolutions

• Save money  50%
• Eat healthier   47%
• Do more exercise. 45%
• Lose weight. 41%
• Be more organized 28%
• Learn a new skill or hobby 27%
• Spend more time with friends 23%
• Travel more 22%
• Reduce screen time 22%
• Be kinder 21%
• Quit smoking 13%
• Drink less alcohol 13%
• Volunteer for a charity 12%
• Other 3%
• N/A – not sure/ not decided yet 3%

Thirteen percent more women than men are aiming to save money and losing weight is also more of a priority for 14% more women than men.

Meanwhile, making new resolutions is far more important to younger people – more than half (51%) of 18-24 year olds plan to make a new year’s commitment, as opposed to just 11% of 65+ year olds. However, older people are much more likely to focus on resolutions to improve health, such as eating healthier and losing weight.

The post Quebec And Ontario Residents The Laziest At Sticking To New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Muskoka411.