Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 17, 2020: To help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect the public and staff, all District facilities will be closed to public access effective noon today, Tuesday March 17 until further notice.   This includes, but is not limited to:

• Administrative Office at 70 Pine St. in Bracebridge
• Community Services Hubs in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville

Many of our services including paramedic services, long-term care, water and wastewater, waste management and road operations will continue to operate as usual to support our community. Social housing facilities will continue to be maintained and other housing supports, social assistance and emergency assistance programs will also continue to be provided by phone, online or by email.

We are still here to serve you!  You can access information and any of our services by calling us at 705-645-2100 or by email.

For the latest updates on all District program and service impacts, and to learn more about the actions taken in response to COVID-19, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus  

The District and Area Municipalities are dedicated to protecting and supporting individuals, and recognizes the important role that everyone has in keeping our communities safe and healthy.  We are meeting frequently and working closely with community and health partners to coordinate efforts and plan together to support the community needs should more resources be required.  Updated facility access information and program or service impacts are available at:

• Town of Bracebridge 
• Town of Gravenhurst 
• Town of Huntsville
• Township of Georgian Bay
• Township of Lake of Bays
• Township of Muskoka Lakes

For further COVID-19 information, please visit Simcoe Muskoka Public Health unit: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus

Update - June 30, 2020: According to the Ontario Court of Justice, all Provincial Offences matters scheduled will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not need to attend court.

A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court. For more information, please view full notice. 

For more information, please contact the Provincial Offences Act office: poa@muskoka.on.ca Full details of the order: Ontario Court of Justice.

The Port Carling Locks will reopen for the summer season on June 8, 2020, with restrictions in place to protect the health and safety of staff and the community.

Large Locks
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- remain in your vessel at all times
- docks/handles/etc. not sanitized
- 2020 fees in effect ($11/passage)
- cashless payments only

Small Locks
Self-Serve, 24/7
- facilities not sanitized
- practice physical distancing
- respect onsite signage
- 2020 fees in effect ($11/passage)

James Bartleman Park
The park is open to visitors. Please practice physical distancing and respect others using the park.

Washroom Facilities
Open
- cleaned twice daily
- respect onsite signage
- use at your own risk

We thank visitors for following onsite signage to ensure operations at the Port Carling Locks can continue this summer. The District of Muskoka is following the advice of public health officials and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others. 

We look forward to seeing you on the water.  

More information about the Port Carling Locks here. 

This is a developing situation and communities should be prepared for additional site closures and program impacts. 

The District of Muskoka’s priority is to maintain waste collection services, while taking extra precautions to protect the health of essential workers and the needs of our community.

District Council is supporting its customers and businesses impacted by COVID-19 and asking anyone experiencing financial hardship to please contact our office at 705-645-7954 or by email at watersewerbilling@muskoka.on.ca to set up flexible payment arrangements.

To help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect the public and staff, the District Administration Building is closed to public access at this time.  However, additional payment methods have been added for your convenience. Payments can be made electronically (refer to back of bill) or temporarily by credit card by calling 705-645-2100 extension 4238.

Municipal tap water is safe.
Water treatment plant processes include removal and disinfection of pathogens and viruses to ensure drinking water is safe . That means municipal tap water entering Muskoka’s businesses and households is safe for drinking, cooking, hand-washing and cleaning — and it’s not necessary to boil it first.

Public water taps are safe.
The District supplies communal access to safe municipal drinking water at various public water taps. As COVID-19 is monitored, these taps continue to be accessible. The District would like to remind the public to continue to practice physical distancing if in que to access water, and to perform increased personal disinfecting/sanitizing practices including sanitizing hands with alcohol-based rub before and after touching the tap/faucet. Click here for a map of the District's seasonal and year-round public water tap locations.

Don’t flush wipes! With the increased use of sanitizing and disposable wet wipes, the Water and Sewer Department reminds residents that wipes of any sort, including those labelled ‘flushable’ and ‘biodegradable’ should never be flushed down the toilet. Impacts of these products entering sewer systems can cause large blockages in sewer mains. These repairs can be highly costly and cause sewage backups into residences and other buildings. These wipes should be disposed of in a securely tied garbage bag, instead of flushing down toilets or drains. 

The District has suspended public access to our paramedic stations at this time to minimize the risk to our health care providers and our first responders. 

• Community Volunteer Tax Clinics - Suspended until further notice
  If you have an appointment scheduled with one of our clinics a staff member will call you to make alternate arrangements for filing or to schedule a new date)
  More information: 705-645-2412 ext. 4348
  
  
• TGIF Community Meals - Suspended until further notice
  Gravenhurst Community Service Hub, 141 Main Street, Gravenhurst. 
  More information: 705-645-2412 ext. 4654

• EarlyON – Regular programming temporarily suspended until further notice.  Follow us on Facebook for virtual programming and additional supports that your family may access during this closure.  For more information please contact 705-645-2412 ext. 4420

• Muskoka Home Child Care Agency - Temporarily Closed
  More information: 705-645-2412 ext. 4291

• The Nest - Both Locations Temporarily Closed
  If urgent assistance is needed during the closure please call 705-645-2412 ext. 4397

• Children’s Community Facilitation Program: Direct support or referrals to community agencies for families, who are in financial need.  Direct supports include access to funding to assist with basic needs of the child(ren) when no other sources are available.  There is an application process.  Please call: 705-645-2412 ext. 4415

• Emergency Child Care Health care and Frontline Workers: Please visit our web page www.muskoka.on.ca/emergencychildcare to learn more.

• WISE Mobile Active Living Centre Programming - Regular programming suspended until further notice. More information: 705-645-2412 ext. 4199.
• WISE Without Walls - A free phone in program for older adults in Muskoka.  This program offers an opportunity for older adults to stay connected during physical distancing and feature guest speakers, activities, games, discussion groups and lightheartedness.  Calls are scheduled 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons) and start at 1:20pm. For the most up to date program schedule and call in information, participants can visit our web page www.muskoka.on.ca/seniorsprograms or call the Seniors Programs and Services Team at 705-645-2100 ext. 4199.

• Seniors Wellness Outreach – Outreach programming assist seniors and their families access supports and services in the community.  Call 705-645-2412 ext. 4199 or toll free: 1-800-461-4215 ext. 4199

Until further notice, the Corridor 11 Bus service is to be used for essential trips only.
The District and Hammond Transportation are asking that you:

• don’t ride the bus if you aren’t feeling well
• don’t ride of the bus if you have been in close contact with anyone feeling ill
• don’t ride the bus if you ask that you do not ride the bus if you are not feeling well,
• don’t ride of the bus if you are in close contact with anyone feeling unwell, if you have a cough, difficulty breathing or fever, or if you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 2 weeks
• practice social-distancing by sitting as far apart as possible from other riders if you do need to take the bus during this time.

Learn more about the Corridor 11 Bus at www.muskoka.on.ca/corridor11

The District of Muskoka Reopens Port Carling Locks for the Season

June 8, 2020 (Bracebridge, ON) - The Port Carling Locks have reopened for the summer season with restrictions in place to protect the health and safety of staff and the community.

Visitors can access the large locks during operating hours and have self-serve access to the small locks. Cashless payments are preferred, fees can be found on our website, here.
Public washroom facilities have reopened with increased cleaning protocols implemented. Visitors to the Port Carling Locks are reminded that the use of the locks and onsite facilities is at their own risk. 

Large Locks
Boaters are asked to remain in their vessel while using the large locks and follow directions from Locks staff. 
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Small Locks
Self-serve, 24/7. 

James Bartleman Park
The park is open to visitors.  Please practice physical distancing and respect others using the park.

We thank visitors for following onsite signage to ensure operations at the Port Carling Locks can continue this summer. The District of Muskoka is following the advice of public health officials and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. We look forward to seeing you on the water.   

For the latest updates on all District program and service impacts, and to learn more about the actions taken in response to COVID-19, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus 


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Two COVID-19 Assessment Centres will open in Muskoka on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Patient access to the Assessment Centres is by appointment only Monday through Friday, by referral from a health care provider. The Assessment Centres are not open for walk-in visits.

For more information on how to access to the Muskoka Assessment Centre locations, click here.

Click the image below to watch a video message from District Chair John Klinck

March 23, 2020:

District waste management services, facilities and programs have been impacted due to COVID-19. To help protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and the public, we are asking residents to implement increased protective measures for waste collection during this time.

Curbside Collection

Effective immediately, the following adjustments to curbside waste collection will take effect:

• all garbage, recycling, and green bin organic material to be bagged, sealed and placed securely inside bins – do not put loose materials out for collection
• exercise physical distancing with collection operators

 The following remains the same:

• all curbside bi-weekly garbage limits remain in effect (black bags)
• green bin material must be put in compostable bags (compostable bags)
• continue to sort recycling (clear/transparent bags - so contents are visible)

Waste Management Facilities

Ridout (Dorset) Transfer Station is temporarily closed. Other transfer stations are currently open during regular hours, accepting debit and credit payment methods. Reuse buildings are temporarily closed at all locations to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Residents may experience longer delays at sites due to restrictions on the number of people permitted in certain areas to ensure physical distancing. If you have curbside collection and your visit to a waste facility can wait, we recommend postponing your trip.

The Bracebridge Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Facility is temporarily closed. Residents are encouraged to hold their household hazardous waste and not put it into their garbage or dump materials at closed facilities. Residents who use an unstaffed bin dumpster site are asked to visit www.EngageMuskoka.ca for updates.

Stay updated

This is a developing situation and communities should be prepared for additional site closures and program impacts. Prior to visiting District waste facilities, residents are encouraged to visit www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus for the most current information. 

To receive service alerts for any future waste collection impacts, download the Muskoka Recycles app on the App Store or Google Play.

The District is reminding residents to follow the advice of public health experts. To prevent the spread of germs after handling garbage, visiting a waste facility, or dumpster site, please ensure physical distancing is practiced, along with washing your hands using soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Please visit Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website for more information at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/   

• View Media Release here

To help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect the public and staff, all District facilities will be closed to public access effective noon today, Tuesday March 17 to Sunday, April 5.   This includes, but is not limited to:

• Administrative Office at 70 Pine St. in Bracebridge
• Community Services Hubs in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville

Essential services including paramedic services, long-term care, water and wastewater, waste management and road operations will continue to operate as usual to support our community. Social housing facilities will continue to be maintained and other housing supports, social assistance and emergency assistance programs will also continue to be provided by phone, online or by email.

We are still here to serve you!  You can access information and any of our services by calling us at 705-645-2100 or by email.

 For the latest updates on all District program and service impacts, and to learn more about the actions taken in response to COVID-19, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/coronavirus  

 The District and Area Municipalities are dedicated to protecting and supporting individuals, and recognizes the important role that everyone has in keeping our communities safe and healthy.  We are meeting frequently and working closely with community and health partners to coordinate efforts and plan together to support the community needs should more resources be required.  Updated facility access information and program or service impacts are available at:

• Town of Bracebridge 
• Town of Gravenhurst
  
• Town of Huntsville
• Township of Georgian Bay
• Township of Lake of Bays
• Township of Muskoka Lakes

For further COVID-19 information, please visit Simcoe Muskoka Public Health Unit: http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus

• View Media Release here

According to the Ontario Court of Justice, all Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, April 3, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not need to attend court.

A notice of your new court date will be sent to you by mail to the address on file with the court. For more information, please view full notice 

For further questions or concerns, please contact the Provincial Offences Act office: poa@muskoka.on.ca

Full details of the order: Ontario Court of Justice.

Posted March 16, 2020

All non-essential visits to Long Term Care Homes have been suspended by the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario.

At this time, ONLY people who are visiting residents who are very ill or requiring end-of-life care are permitted to enter the Pines Long Term Care facility in Bracebridge.  If you are making an essential visit, you will be asked additional questions upon arrival to determine if you can proceed with your visit.

The District remains vigilant in taking all steps to prevent the spread of #Covid_19 and to protect our communities, especially our most vulnerable.  Subscribe to this page to receive regular updates by clicking on the blue subscribe button at the bottom this page. View Release.

Posted March 14, 2020

“We made the decision to cancel the meetings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and by avoiding events where there are large groups of people,” said Chair Klinck.  “District Council recognizes the important role that everyone has to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy.”

Additionally, District Chair John Klinck is entering the recommended self-isolation period after returning from a recent international trip.  

“I am not experiencing any symptoms at this time, but I will self-isolate for the time recommended by our health officials for anyone who has travelled outside of the country in the last 14 days,” said Chair Klinck.  “It is essential that all Canadians follow the advice of our health officials during this outbreak and do all we can to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The District remains open for normal and routine business.  If you are feeling unwell, or anyone you have close contact with is feeling unwell, please refrain from entering municipal facilities or participation in programs. We are still here to serve you and our staff will be happy to assist you over the phone. You can reach the District of Muskoka by phone at (705) 645-2100.

Posted March 14, 2020

“As of March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, a pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease where most people do not have immunity. In other words, a pandemic refers to the geographic spread of a virus, not its severity.