On Saturday, October 10, 2026, shortly before 4:00 a.m., Orillia OPP members, along with EMS and Fire, responded to reports of a wrong way driver involved in a serious collision on Highway 11 northbound, near South Sparrow Lake Road/Goldstein Road, in Severn Township.

As a result of the collision, one driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Highway 11 northbound was closed in both directions between Grayshott Road and Goldstein Road/South Sparrow Lake Road for several hours while members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team assisted with the investigation. The roadway has since reopened.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the collision is asked to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The post Wrong Way Collision On Hwy. 11 In Severn Claims The Life Of One Person appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, around 10:20 p.m., Orillia OPP were dispatched to a report of a single motor vehicle collision on South Sparrow Lake Road at McLeod Drive, in the Township of Severn. Witnesses reported a motor vehicle struck equipment at the nearby train yard causing minor damage. Officers attended the scene, located the lone driver, and entered into an impaired operation investigation. The accused was transported to the Orillia OPP Detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Mireilee Walsh, 51-years old of Severn, has been charged with the following:

–      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

–      Fail to remain

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia at a later date. Their driver’s licence has been suspended for 7 days in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

The post Severn Resident Charged With Impaired After Collision At A Train Yard appeared first on Muskoka411.

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, around 1:30 am, officers, along with other emergency services were called to the scene of a single vehicle collision on Town Line near Upper Big Chute Road in Severn Township.  As a result, the driver and sole occupant, a 29-year-old man from Burlington, was pronounced deceased on scene.

The area around Town Line and Upper Big Chute Road was closed for several hours while the OPP Technical Collision Investigation (TCI) Unit attended to assist with the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing. Orillia OPP request that any witness or any persons who have dashcam footage of the incident please contact 1-888-310-1122, or to report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com, ref E261368455.

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Firefighters, their families, and loved ones joined members of Council, Township staff and the Honourable Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North and Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, to celebrate the recipients and their contributions to the community.

“Each of these milestones represents years of answering the call, completing ongoing training and being there for our community when help is needed most,” said Mayor Mike Burkett. “On behalf of Council and the residents of Severn, I offer my sincere congratulations and gratitude to every member recognized. I also want to thank their families, whose support makes this important service possible.”

The following Severn Fire and Emergency Services members were recognized:

• Five years of service: Shane Launchbury and Dustin Martin
• 10 years of service: Captain Luke Hunter
• 15 years of service: Captain Ryan MacDonald
• 20 years of service: Captain Gord Yates and Captain Chris Lunstroth
• Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service: Captain Jason Carpenter and Deputy Fire Chief Robert Nagle
• 30-year service milestone: District Chief Andy Jones and Fire Chief Ritch Lowell

Together, the recipients represent 175 years of fire service.

“The knowledge and experience of our long-serving members strengthen the entire department,” said Chief Administrative Officer Laurie Kennard. “They provide leadership, mentorship and support to their colleagues while helping prepare the next generation of firefighters. We are incredibly grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and service to the people of Severn.”

Fire service involves much more than responding to emergencies. Members take part in weekly training, professional development, public education, equipment maintenance, and community events while remaining ready to respond at any hour of the day or night.

“I am extremely proud of the commitment these members have shown to Severn Fire and Emergency Services and to the residents we serve,” said Fire Chief Ritch Lowell. “Their milestones reflect countless hours of training, teamwork, and service. They are trusted colleagues, leaders and mentors, and they set an outstanding example for every member of our department.”

The Township also recognized the spouses, partners, children and loved ones who support firefighters when emergency calls, training, and other responsibilities interrupt family time and change plans without notice.

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Officers from the Orillia detachment of the OPP responded to multiple vehicle collisions and concerning driving behaviour over a two-day span. Between August 14, 2026, and August 15, 2026, Officers responding to multiple calls for service lead to five individuals being charged with seventeen total charges and five vehicles being towed.

As a result, Wesley Campbell; 32-year-old, from Port McNicoll, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

• Operation while impaired by alcohol
• Operation while impaired – 80 plus
• Dangerous Operation

Michael Hollmann; 62-year-old, from Washago, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

• Operation while impaired by alcohol
• Operation while impaired – 80 plus

Ciaran Greene; 33-year-old, from Ireland. has been subsequently charged with:

• Operation while impaired by alcohol
• Operation while impaired – 80 plus
• Dangerous Operation
• Driving motor vehicle with open container of Liquor
• Fail to stop for Police

John Kahle; 38-year-old, from Severn, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

• Operation while impaired by alcohol
• Operation while impaired – 80 plus

And Roger MARSHALL; 37-year-old, from Oro-Medonte, ON. has been subsequently charged with:

• Operation while impaired by alcohol
• Operation while impaired – 80 plus
• Dangerous Operation
• Abandoning Child
• Breach of Probation

All drivers charged with Impaired driving will have their drivers licence suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 7 days. The Orillia OPP urges everyone to plan ahead and arrange for a safe ride home. Call a friend or call a cab. Remember that any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

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Two SaveStations and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were generously donated to the Township by North Simcoe Tree Service and installed at Washago Centennial Park and the Coldwater Fairgrounds. An additional SaveStation was purchased and installed by Beers Pharmacy in Washago.

Following the ribbon cutting, Action First Aid provided an awareness session to help attendees learn how to access an AED and respond confidently during a cardiac emergency.

“These new SaveStations are an important investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor Mike Burkett. “We are grateful to North Simcoe Tree Service and Beers Pharmacy for helping make lifesaving equipment more accessible to residents and visitors. Their generosity could make a critical difference when every second matters.”

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone and often requires members of the public to take immediate action before emergency responders arrive. Starting CPR right away and using an AED can increase survival rates by up to 75 percent or more. SaveStations provide quick, outdoor public access to AEDs 24 hours a day.

“Today’s training was an opportunity to show community members that they do not need to be medical professionals to use an AED,” said Deb Hennig, President, Action First Aid . “The device provides clear voice instructions and will only deliver a shock when one is needed. The most important thing is for bystanders to act quickly and confidently.”

No certification is required to use an AED. In an emergency, a bystander can open the SaveStation, remove the AED, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The AEDs are safe for adults and children and will not deliver a shock unless one is medically required.

“North Simcoe Tree Service is proud to give back to the communities where our employees, customers, and families live,” said Alex Quesnelle of North Simcoe Tree Service. “We hope these AEDs are never needed, but having them available at busy community locations provides an added level of safety and peace of mind.”

The highly visible SaveStation cabinets are designed for year-round outdoor use and help protect AEDs in both hot and cold weather. Built-in monitoring technology can also help ensure the equipment remains ready for use.

“Having a publicly accessible AED available 24 hours a day can make a lifesaving difference during a cardiac emergency,” said Matt Beers, owner of Beers Pharmacy. “By placing AEDs in busy, accessible locations, local businesses and property owners can help expand cardiac safety coverage and create a safer community for everyone.”

The new installations provide residents and visitors with greater access to lifesaving equipment at popular community gathering places throughout Severn.

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The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is advising motorists of upcoming and ongoing lane and ramp closures on Highway 11 between Severn River Bridge and north of Gravenhurst to accommodate rock blasting operations. MTO has two concurrent projects in the area.

Closure Details

Severn River Bridge to South Kahshe Lake Road – Tuesday, July 14 to October 2026

• Intermittent short-duration full highway closures will occur Tuesday through Thursday each week, beginning July 14, 2026, and continuing until October 2026.
• Closures are scheduled three days each week to reduce impacts to weekend seasonal traffic.
• A temporary full closure of the southbound on-ramp to Highway 11 from Muskoka Road 13 (Southwood Road) is planned from Monday, July 27, 2026, until October 2026.

South Kahshe Lake Road to Muskoka Road 41/6 Interchange – Tuesday, July 21 to Thursday, July 23, 2026

• Intermittent full highway closures will occur between Tuesday July 21 and Thursday July 23, 2026, during daytime hours.
• An emergency full closure of the southbound off-ramp at Muskoka Road 169 is currently in place due to flooding.  Nightly full closures of this ramp will be required once flooding has been mitigated.

All closures are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic delays are expected during closure periods.

• Advance signage and notification will be in place to help motorists plan their travel.
• Detour routes will be signed during full ramp closures at:
  • Muskoka Road 169
  • Muskoka Road 13 (Southwood Road)
• Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and exercise caution when travelling through the work zone.

Travellers can visit 511on.ca or @511Ontario, for updates on work and traffic impacts.

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On Sunday May 17, 2026, just after 8:20 pm, officers were called to the scene of a single vehicle collision involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on Laughlin Falls Road between Lovering Line and Taylor Line. Orillia OPP, along with Simcoe County Paramedics and Severn Fire arrived on scene and began administering life saving efforts.

A 26-year-old male was pronounced deceased on scene. The OPP Technical Collision Investigators (TCI) have attended the scene to assist with the investigation and Laughlin Falls Road has since been re-opened.

The investigation is still ongoing. No further details to be released at this time.

Orillia OPP request that any witness or any persons who have dashcam footage of the incident please contact 1-888-310-1122, or to report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com, ref E260673477.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

The post OPP Investigating Fatal ATV Collision In Severn Township appeared first on Muskoka411.

In total, 11 Severn Fire and Emergency Services units responded, with 34 SFES firefighters on scene. Ramara Fire also provided mutual aid with a tanker and crew, bringing the total number of firefighters on scene to 36. OPP, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, and Hydro One also attended. A tanker shuttle was used to supply water to the scene. Thanks to the quick actions of Severn Fire and Emergency Services personnel, a neighbouring building behind the home was saved and sustained only minimal exterior damage to the siding.

There were no injuries to anyone in the home or to any firefighters on scene. As the family was leaving the home, they were able to safely remove two cats.

Most crews cleared the scene at approximately 3:00 a.m., with one crew remaining on scene overnight to monitor for hotspots.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is not considered suspicious at this time. The dollar amount of the damage has not yet been determined; however, the home is unfortunately considered a total loss. The home was insured.

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Officers of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual with numerous Criminal Offences after several traffic complaints were made by members of the public.

On Tuesday, March 31^st, 2026, just after 5:10 p.m, Orillia officers responded to several reports of a vehicle driving erratically in the area of Highway 12 at Vasey Road in the Township of Severn. The vehicle was located in the area of Penetanguishene Road and Ski Trails Road, where a spike belt was successfully utilized to stop the vehicle. The vehicle involved was reported stolen out of the Midland area earlier that morning.

As a result of the investigation, Dawson Dion, 27 of Midland, has been charged:

–      Dangerous operation

–      Flight from peace officer

–      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

–      Failure or refusal to comply with demand

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

–      Operation while Prohibited under the Criminal Code

–      Failure to stop after accident

–      Fail to Comply with Probation Order

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Heroin

The accused has been held in custody to appear for a bail hearing on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Additionally, their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days, and vehicle impounded for 14 days.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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