News

Heat pumps are versatile home appliances that can both heat and cool a residence using electricity rather than fossil fuels, replacing traditional heating systems and even acting as an air conditioner. Heat pumps are highly efficient and can reduce monthly energy costs of the average home by up to 65%. Importantly, heat pumps result in significant environmental benefits as they reduce reliance on fossil fuels and subsequently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Heat pumps operate by transferring...

Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their meat consumption, specifically by not eating meat on Mondays, in order to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect our environment from climate change.

Research at the John Hopkins Center shows that “Livestock production in particular contributes an estimated 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities… These gases include methane from animals, nitrous oxide from fertilizers and animal manure,...

Prioritizing Repairs for Uninterrupted Back-to-School Commutes

August 25, 2023 (Huntsville, ON) - The District of Muskoka has committed to accelerating work on Thunder Bridge in Huntsville, on Muskoka Road 2 (West Road).

The District is fast-tracking bridge expansion joint repairs and new, smooth approaches to the bridge, before our students start their journeys and the school year commences.

Addressing Bridge Repair Needs: Taking Action for Community Safety

We are taking action and fully closing...

Monday, August 21, 2023 (Muskoka, ON) – After three years of unprecedented public health measures, we no longer require general mask-wearing within our long-term care homes, The Pines (Bracebridge) and Fairvern (Huntsville). 

Since June 30, 2023, our residents, staff, and visitors could embrace each other's warmth and genuine expressions without the mandatory wearing of face masks.

While masks are no longer a requirement in our Homes, our commitment to health and safety has not changed. In shared...

Monday, August 14, 2023 (Muskoka, ON) - Through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CWELCC), Muskoka is making progress to increase access to more affordable, inclusive, and high-quality early learning child care for families in Muskoka.

What is CWELCC?

The Canada-Ontario CWELCC system will give families increased access to high-quality, inclusive and affordable child care. The District is the Service System Manager for Early Learning and Child Care in Muskoka and is working...

Food production and transportation are a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada. One way you can reduce your carbon footprint related to your food consumption is by shopping for the season and shopping locally. This means eating fruits and vegetables that are in-season in your local environment and purchasing as many of your foods from local vendors as possible.

In August, fruits that are in-season in Ontario include apples, blueberries, peaches, grapes, raspberries,...

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 (Muskoka, ON) - The second home population in Muskoka is a vital component of the culture, traditions, and overall economy in our community. Given this significance, the District of Muskoka periodically conducts a Second Home Study (SHS) to capture important information from second homeowners.

The SHS informs Muskoka District Council on how second home households are used, how they may be used in the future, trends on individual needs and how second homeowners participate...

July 20, 2023 (Muskoka, ON) - The District of Muskoka launched the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program in March of this year which offered grant opportunities through the Pay it Forward Grant Program and Community Enhancement Fund.

Pay It Forward (PIF) Grants are awarded to projects that fulfill one or more of PIF’s strategic goals including:

• Supporting a healthy, vibrant community
• Building community capacity and leadership
• Creatively problem solve to fill a community need
• Fostering volunteerism and...

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions are the harmful gases emitted into our atmosphere from activities such as burning fossil fuels (like gas or diesel) in a vehicle, and these gases are causing climate change. In Muskoka, based on the 2018 GHG inventory, 74% of all GHG emissions in Muskoka are caused by tailpipe emissions of burning fossil fuels in vehicles. In order to reduce Muskoka’s GHG emissions to reduce the impacts of climate change, we need to use more sustainable forms of transportation.

In...