News

Two staff members working at the Pines Long-Term Care Home have tested positive for COVID-19.   Both staff are symptomatic and are isolating.   As two staff members have tested positive, the Home has now been placed in outbreak status by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). 

The first staff member received positive test results yesterday, October 29, 2021 and heightened measures were immediately put in place as advised by Public Health.  A second staff member...

Join us for updates on Fairvern Nursing Home’s transition of operations and progress on the redevelopment project underway!

The District of Muskoka, the Town of Huntsville, and the Fairvern Nursing Home Board of Directors are all working together to ensure the best outcomes for residents and their families, staff, and the community.   A community information session has been scheduled to provide updates on both the redevelopment and transition projects, including:

• An overview of the next phases...

The District of Muskoka is moving forward with a phased approach to reopening its offices and facilities to the public to provide in-person services.  A great deal of planning and preparation has gone into reopening our offices, and many protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety of both staff and members of the public.

All visitors, customers and clients accessing in-person services will be required to follow all public health guidance and enhanced health and safety requirements,...

October 18, 2021 (Bracebridge, ON) - Have you ever wanted to try using transit? This is your chance! You can ride for FREE on the Corridor 11 or Rural and Community Connection bus services until November 1, 2021, when fare collection resumes.

With the District of Muskoka’s 'Ride the Bus for Free' promotion, you can get to the grocery store, medical appointments, or spend the day exploring the area.

The Corridor 11 Bus travels north and south along Highway 11 between Huntsville and Orillia, stopping...

October 12, 2021 (Bracebridge, ON) – After weathering a challenging 2020 in a sector that was one of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many positive signs of recovery to celebrate at the Muskoka Airport.  Recent highlights from the Muskoka Airport include:

• Increased Aircraft Traffic:  There has been a substantial increase in Aircraft traffic for the period of July through August 2021 from the same period in 2020.   Visitor traffic was up 62% for jet aircraft, up 62% for...

October 8, 2021 (Bracebridge, ON) -- Moody’s Investors Service, an international bond credit rating firm, affirmed the District’s credit rating of Aa2 and upgraded its status from stable to a positive outlook.

In a release issued by Moody’s on September 24, 2021, the firm cites District Council’s strong governance and its prudent fiscal management during the pandemic.   The affirmation of the rating and outlook also reflects the District’s record for “strong liquidity and debt...

The District of Muskoka (District) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 Muskoka Community Grant program on the Engage Muskoka Platform.

The District supports the enhancement of community well-being with a focus on improving a positive quality of life for our most vulnerable population. One way of helping to achieve this goal is through a few different community-funded programs.

Earlier this year, the Muskoka Community Grant Program kicked off with Social Services Relief Fund grant opportunities,...

The District Municipality of Muskoka (the District) has launched a new Attainable Head Lease Program to help residents access attainable housing in Muskoka.

Through the program, the District intends to work with private rental property owners and builders to secure residential units in the private market. The District can then make these units available at affordable rental rates consistent with current Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation market rates and provide ongoing support to landlords...

Following the Province’s commitment to fund additional beds last fall, work to redevelop the Fairvern Nursing Home in Huntsville into a 160-bed long-term care facility is well underway. 

Planning and Design Work

• Planning and design work to accommodate the larger resident home is underway, including consideration of alternative site locations to ensure the future site can meet the expanded needs in the most cost-effective manner. 
• A proposed donated site location on Earl’s Road was considered.

August 11, 2021 (Bracebridge, ON) --The District Municipality of Muskoka has provided notice to terminate its curbside collection contract with Waste Connections of Canada, effective November 5, 2022.  The District would like to thank the staff of Waste Connections of Canada for their past and on-going service work to the communities of Muskoka to November 5, 2022.

“Council is committed to providing reliable and consistent service to our residents that aligns with the District’s...