The post Ladies’ Charity Shoot Raises $22,480 For Local Bereavement Support appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>Since naming Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre as its charity partner in 2024, the event has raised more than $57,000 in support of hospice palliative care, grief and bereavement programs, and community services offered at no cost to individuals and families across Simcoe County.
Open to all experience levels, the Ladies Charity Shoot introduces participants to a variety of shooting sports in a safe and welcoming environment while raising funds for local families navigating grief, illness, and end-of-life care.
“The Ladies Charity Shoot continues to be one of those events that reminds us just how generous this community is,” said Kelly Hubard, Executive Director at Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre. “Year after year, the Barrie Gun Club, the organizing committee, volunteers, sponsors, and participants come together with incredible enthusiasm and generosity. We’re honoured by their continued support and the difference they’re making for local families.”
Proceeds from the event will help provide compassionate grief and bereavement support for children, caregiver resources, and other essential services for individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Community fundraising events like the Ladies Charity Shoot play a vital role in ensuring these programs continue to be available at no cost.
“There are two goals to our Ladies Charity Shoot. We bring forward the awareness of firearm safety to women and help them to confront their fear and learn the truth about firearms. We have women who have attended for the last 5 years because they have so much fun. Some have gone further by obtaining their own firearms licence.” Said Karen Parisius, Ladies’ Charity Shoot Coordinator, “The other goal is to raise funds for our local charity, The Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, a charity close to my heart. They were there when my kids needed them, and now it’s my turn to give back. It’s the volunteers, the community and the businesses that come together for this special day to make it a great success. It’s a win-win for everyone. Knowledge Dispels Fear is what I always say. You have to learn before you judge.”
Hospice Simcoe – Seasons Centre extends its sincere thanks to the organizing committee, Barrie Gun Club members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who participated. Their continued generosity is helping provide comfort, compassion, and support to local families when they need it most.
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]]>The post New RVH Program Strengthens Homelessness Supports And Addiction Recovery In Simcoe County appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>The program provides 11 supportive pre-treatment beds for individuals receiving care through the HART of Simcoe County who are preparing to enter RVH’s live-in addiction treatment program. Clients have access to individual counselling, psychoeducational groups, and life-skills training, supported by two addiction counsellors on-site 24 hours a day.
The service is closely integrated with RVH’s Withdrawal Management Services, located within the same building. Before entering the program, clients complete a minimum 24-hour stabilization period through Withdrawal Management Services, creating a seamless transition between services and helping ensure they are ready for the next stage of care.
“For many individuals, the period between withdrawal management and treatment can be one of the most crucial stages of recovery,” said Brandon Lewicki, Operations Director of RVH’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. “This program helps fill that gap by providing stability, structure and ongoing support while individuals prepare for the next stage of treatment. By working closely with our community partners, we’re reducing barriers to care and helping more people access the support they need when they need it most.”
The pre-treatment program is one component of the HART of Simcoe County, a model that brings together health and social services to support individuals with complex needs, including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“County Council is committed to supporting initiatives, like the HART of Simcoe County, that strengthen access to care and improve outcomes for residents across the region,” said Basil Clarke, Warden, County of Simcoe. “Through strong partnerships, we are connecting people to addiction treatment, mental health supports, primary care, housing and other community services that help support long-term recovery and stability.”
As part of the HART of Simcoe County, RVH provides Withdrawal Management Services, the supportive pre-treatment program and live-in addiction treatment, creating a seamless continuum of care that supports individuals from stabilization through treatment and recovery.
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]]>The post Alcohol Use Responsible For About 7,665 Emergency Department Visits, 840 Hospitalizations, And 275 Deaths Annually In Simcoe Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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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]]>The post $30,000 Commitment From Tiny Township Supports Care And Physician Recruitment appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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 post Ontario Proposing To Appoint Regional Council Chairs In Muskoka, Simcoe County appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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.
“We will always support our municipal partners, both lower- and upper-tier, in delivering locally led solutions that offer better value for taxpayers and speed up decision-making,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These changes provide the necessary tools for local leadership to advance our shared priorities and better serve our communities, including by expediting housing and infrastructure development.”
The proposed Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 and related regulatory changes would enable the following:
To facilitate the transition to the new council structure and ensure appropriate and effective representation, the government would also work with local municipal leadership to develop a weighted voting framework, which is already in force in Simcoe County and would be applied in Niagara Region.
All regions must review their council composition following the 2026 municipal election. Niagara Region would be exempt in 2026 and would return to regular reviews after the 2034 municipal election. The government will continue working with municipalities to identify ways to strengthen local governance in Niagara, Simcoe and beyond. Working together to advance shared provincial-municipal priorities helps advance housing and economic development, preparing both individual municipalities and the province as a whole for growth.
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]]>The post Multiple Search Warrants In Simcoe County Results In Several Charges appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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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]]>The post Flu Season Arrives Early With Cases Rising In Simcoe Muskoka: Health Unit Says appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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 post Anonymous Donor Funds Two New Ambulances For Simcoe County Paramedic Services appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>The post Anonymous Donor Funds Two New Ambulances For Simcoe County Paramedic Services appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>The post YMCA Of Simcoe/Muskoka Ignites Powerful Moments On Giving Tuesday With Matching Donor Support appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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:
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 post Ontario Opens Homelessness And Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub In Simcoe County appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>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.
“We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Simcoe County can get the care they need on their path to recovery, while keeping the community safe.”
HART Hubs connect people to a range of comprehensive treatment and recovery services such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support. The Simcoe County HART Hub is open for service across multiple locations, including Barrie, Orillia and Midland. The Bayfield Street location in Barrie serves as the central access point for walk-ins and general inquiries, while services are delivered through existing clinical and community sites across the region. The HART Hub is operated by the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie with a number of local partners through a collaborative network of clinical, social service and care providers working together to connect individuals with the supports they need, when they need them.
Together, these partners deliver services tailored to the needs of the community, such as:
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and building on the Roadmap to Wellness, the province is taking action to connect individuals to integrated mental health and addictions services, where and when they need it.
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