Much like commercial tobacco and cannabis, alcohol is not a harmless consumer product. It is a regulated substance, with laws governing where it can be sold, who can buy it, how it can be advertised and where it can be consumed. Likewise, drinking and driving laws exist because even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person’s ability to drive, increasing the risk of injury and death.

In recent years, alcohol availability in Ontario has grown considerably. The expansion in sales locations that began in grocery stores has since extended to convenience stores and highway service centres, alongside new bring‑your‑own rules. These shifts have implications for public health, community safety and long‑term costs.

What’s often missing from the conversation is how increased availability normalizes alcohol, especially among young people. Seeing alcohol openly stocked in gas stations and convenience stores suggests it is an ordinary, risk‑free product. Similarly, allowing open consumption in parks or at festivals under bring‑your‑own rules will often mean that drinking is more visible. As alcohol becomes more present in daily life, it becomes more accepted, influencing people’s decisions and dulling awareness of the risks.

The impacts of alcohol have long been visible in Simcoe Muskoka. Each year, alcohol use is responsible for approximately 7,665 emergency department visits, 840 hospitalizations and 275 deaths. That means one in every 20 deaths in the region is caused by alcohol. About half of these deaths are linked to cancer or heart disease, and alcohol also plays a major role in injuries, contributing to one in five deaths from intentional injuries to oneself or others and one in seven accidental deaths.

Research consistently shows that when alcohol becomes easier to access, overall consumption increases, along with related physical health, mental health, and social harms. These impacts are not limited to the individual and the family. Increased alcohol use also places added community pressure on policing, paramedic services, bylaw enforcement, park operations and liability risks, all of which are considerations for local governments.

Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health states that health risks increase when people consume more than two drinks per week. At the same time, emerging evidence suggests that warning labels on alcohol products could help improve public awareness of alcohol’s links to cancer and chronic disease, supporting more informed decision-making.

With all health issues, we must ask if some community members face increased risk due to social factors outside their control, and what can be done to limit those health inequities. In this case, individuals living on lower incomes already experience disproportionately high rates of alcohol-related harm, and policies that increase availability or access can unintentionally widen these disparities.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to support municipalities by providing health data and guidance on bylaws and alcohol‑free spaces. Recently, the health unit shared updated data and considerations regarding the health impacts and financial costs associated with alcohol use in the region.

As alcohol availability increases and drinking becomes more common in public spaces, social norms, especially for young people and new users, are reshaped in ways that can place growing strain on individuals, families, communities, and the health- and social‑care systems. With Ontario’s alcohol landscape changing, policy decisions should be guided by evidence and a shared responsibility to protect public health and support safer, healthier communities.

For more information about alcohol and its effects on individuals and our communities, visit smdhu.org/alcohol.

Dr. Lisa Simon is the medical officer of health and chief executive officer at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. She provides public health medical leadership to protect and promote population health and oversees the strategic direction and operations of public health programs and services in the region.

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Presented during a recent Council meeting, the funding reflects the Township of Tiny’s continued dedication to ensuring residents have access to compassionate, timely, and high-quality healthcare.

“Our hospital plays a vital role in the life and well-being of our community,” said Mayor David Evans, Township of Tiny. “This contribution is made on behalf of the residents of the Township of Tiny, to recognize the incredible care provided at GBGH and to support the people and services our neighbours rely on every day.”

Funding directed to the GBGH Foundation will support the hospital’s most urgent priorities through the We See You campaign — an initiative focused on ensuring patients, families, and care teams feel supported, respected, and cared for at every stage of their healthcare journey. Community gifts to We See You help fund essential equipment, technology, and enhancements that improve comfort, safety, and dignity for patients across the hospital.

“Support like this truly makes a difference,” said Matthew Lawson, President & CEO of Georgian Bay General Hospital. “Through the We See You campaign, the GBGH Foundation is helping ensure our teams have what they need to care for patients as whole people — with compassion, respect, and excellence. We are deeply grateful to the Township of Tiny for standing with our hospital and our community.”

The $10,000 investment in physician recruitment will support efforts to attract and retain skilled physicians for the community, helping meet the growing healthcare needs of North Simcoe residents and ensuring continued access to timely care.

“Strong physician recruitment is foundational to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our region,” said Lesley Mallen, Director of People Services at GBGH. “We are grateful to the Township of Tiny for this meaningful investment, which directly supports our ability to attract and retain physicians who choose to build their practices—and their lives—here. This partnership plays an important role in strengthening access to care for our growing community.

A long-standing supporter of local healthcare, the Township of Tiny has contributed more than $430,000 over the past 25 years toward hospital equipment, technology, and recruitment — demonstrating an enduring commitment to a healthy, resilient community.

For more information about the We See You campaign and how community support is making an impact at GBGH, visit WeSeeYouGBGH.ca.

To learn more about physician recruitment in North Simcoe, visit georgianbayphysicianrecruitment.com.

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The Ontario government introduced the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 that would, if passed, make a number of changes to the way regional governments function in some of Ontario’s fastest growing regions. These changes would support lower costs for municipal taxpayers and better alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities. The proposed changes include giving the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the power to appoint upper-tier council chairs in eight fast-growing regions and granting these council chairs “strong chair” powers to help them deliver on government priorities, such as housing and infrastructure. The proposed legislation would also reduce the cost of government and support efficient decision-making in Niagara Region and Simcoe County by reducing the size of Simcoe County Council and Niagara Regional Council.

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On January 5, 2026, and January 6, 2026, multiple search warrants were executed by the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the Orillia Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), and the Southern Georgian Bay Community Street Crime Unit (SGB CSCU) across multiple locations throughout the County of Simcoe. Suspected drugs, cellular devices, and a vehicle were seized as part of the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, the following was seized:

·        239 grams of suspected Cocaine

·        $6040.00 Canadian Currency

·        2020 Dodge Ram 2500

·        Drug trafficking related paraphernalia/packaging

·        Cellular devices

A 49-year-old male of Wasaga Beach, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession of property obtained by crime – under $5000

·        Possession of property obtained by crime – over $5000

And a 26-year-old male of Midland, has been charged with:

·        Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession of property obtained by crime – over $5000

Members of Orillia OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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With the early start of flu season, the health unit is seeing a steep increase in the number of cases being reported. The number of cases reported for the season-to-date is more than 4 times the number of cases reported for the same time period in the last two flu seasons with more than usual hospitalizations and outbreaks. It is expected that the number of cases of influenza will continue to increase for the next few weeks, especially as people are gathering to spend time with friends, family and the community during holiday season.

This year’s main influenza strain changed over the summer, which is one of the reasons so many people, especially children, are getting sick. Getting the flu shot is still the best way to protect yourself from influenza. Even with the change, the vaccine should still help prevent serious illness if you do get the flu. This means that your risk of needing medical care or being hospitalized because of flu-related problems is significantly reduced. People two years of age and older can receive their flu vaccine at participating local pharmacies and some health care providers. Children aged six months to two years may receive the flu vaccine from a doctor, nurse, or health unit clinic by appointment.

It is important to prevent illness by staying home when you are sick or have symptoms of respiratory illness. Children who are sick should also be kept home from school or child care until they are well. Washing your hands and disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, such as door handles and light switches, can reduce the spread of germs. Wearing a well-fitted mask in indoor public places is another way to protect yourself and others, especially if you are at higher risk of serious infection.

In addition to influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to spread. The same protective steps you use to avoid getting influenza will also help to prevent illness from these viruses. COVID-19 vaccine is available for individuals aged six months and older free of charge at participating local pharmacies and some health care providers.

The health unit encourages people to check the Weekly Respiratory Virus Update, consider their personal circumstances that may increase risk, and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and others from transmission and severe illness.

For more information about influenza and immunization, visit our website.

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The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is thrilled to announce that the locally owned and operated Home Hardware Stores in Collingwood, Barrie, Gravenhurst, Midland, Orillia, Parry Sound, and Wasaga Beach have come together to serve as this year’s Giving Tuesday matching donor, doubling the impact of gifts to the local charity while matching funds last on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Rooted in community, the owners of these Home Hardware Stores are demonstrating what’s possible when local businesses invest in the communities they serve. Their collective support will help ignite powerful moments of confidence, connection, and belonging at YMCA’s across our region, creating opportunities for individuals and families to reach their full potential.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka would like to thank the following Home Hardware Stores for their support:

• Home Hardware Building Centre, Collingwood
• Allandale Home Hardware Building Centre, Barrie
• United Lumber Home Hardware Building Centre, Barrie
• Home Building Centre, Gravenhurst
• Home Hardware Building Centre, Midland
• Home Hardware Building Centre, Orillia
• Home Hardware, Parry Sound
• Beach Builders Suppliers, Wasaga Beach

Giving Tuesday is a global day that celebrates the power of generosity, and a moment for individuals, communities, and organizations to unite around the causes they care about most. For the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, it is an opportunity to highlight the programs and services that strengthen our communities, while raising essential funds that ensure access for all, making it possible for everyone to benefit from the moments of confidence, connection, and belonging that happen at the Y every day.

“Gifts made to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka on Giving Tuesday will strengthen our efforts to ignite powerful, life-changing moments for members of our communities”, says Jill Tettmann, President and CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “A huge thank you to the local Home Hardware Stores for their generous support as our matching donor, helping funds raised go even further in our community to assist those who need it most.”

Operating in nearly 80 locations across the region, the YMCA is committed to creating vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs. The YMCA’s diverse programs, which range from child care, camp, and health and fitness, to youth development, and immigrant and employment services, are designed to help all individuals connect and have a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive. One in ten individuals relies on financial assistance to access the YMCA’s programs, made possible in part through generous donations.

Donations to the YMCA help people like Crystal, a YMCA Learning Services client, access life-changing programs and services at little to no cost to them. “I wouldn’t be speaking. I wouldn’t be reading. I wouldn’t be doing any of this without the people at the Y and these programs,” she shared.

Help spark more life changing moments like Crystal’s this Giving Tuesday. For more information on how to support the YMCA, or to donate, community members can visit: www.GiveToTheY.ca.

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The Ontario government is expanding access to high-quality mental health and addictions care with the launch of a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Barrie and surrounding communities. This is part of the province’s almost $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to protect the safety of children and families, while improving access to recovery and treatment services for people facing housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges.

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Become a donor for Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions’ Holiday Program and make a significant difference.

The Holidays are around the corner and Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is looking for community members and businesses to sign-up to become a donor for their 2025 Holiday Program. When you sign-up, you can create customized packages based on wish lists they receive directly from families and youth they work with, or collect the most needed items.

To make it easy for donors, they created a Holiday Program Guidebook which includes various ways to support, from shopping with wish lists, to organizing a fundraiser/collection/drive/group activity. While toys are always a good option, there’s also a high need for items such as toiletries, clothes, cleaning supplies, baby items, electronics, and sports/exercise items. Independent youth also struggle with acquiring kitchen items, from small appliances to cutlery, as well as tools and houseware/décor. All of those bring them one step closer to independence.

Businesses also have the option to become a shop & drop or drop-off location to give donors more options to donate, and be added to their community map.

‘We see first-hand how impactful the donations we receive make in a child’s life. While a lot of people in the community don’t have to worry about having presents under the tree, the families we work with struggle with basic needs such as groceries, clothing other necessities. Offering support during the Holidays is a great way to give back and to bring the community together every year – Jerome Ben Tolila

As an agency, their goal is to further support the safety and wellbeing of children, youth, and families in our community during times of hardship, helping them to find stability and thrive. Whether you’re able to contribute financially, with an in-kind donation or gift cards, your support towards families, children and youth in need will go a long way!

Are you ready to make a difference today? Sign-up at the following link or contact holiday@familyconnexions.ca: https://hipaa.jotform.com/222754822320248

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