Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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COVID 19 Banner with District logo on top and area municipalities logo on the bottom and text reading "updates on Municpal Programs and Services" in the centre

The District of Muskoka is taking precautionary measures in order to protect the health and wellness of its residents and employees. We have aligned these measures with proactive steps taken by the provincial and federal levels of government as well as health authorities.

To help avoid the spread of COVID-19, all District facilities are currently closed to public access. We are still here to serve you and our staff will be happy to assist you over the phone or via email. You can reach the District of Muskoka by phone at (705) 645-2100 or e-mail us. Not Online? Download the COVID-19 Support Guide to print for home or for a friend.

Impacts to District of Muskoka Programs and Services

Closures and cancellations due to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) continue to change, please check this page regularly for updates. We are currently monitoring all District services. The status of District programs, events and facilities will be updated on this page as they become available

COVID-19 Assessment Centres

Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre - No appointment required

Location: Huntsville Active Living Centre, 20 Park Drive, Huntsville

How to attend the Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre:

No appointment is necessary
Follow signs towards Huntsville Active Living Centre located at 20 Park Drive (attached to Canada Summit Centre)
Please bring your health card, name of your doctor or nurse practitioner if you have one and face mask
There are no inside washroom facilities available for public use.
Depending on weather the centre may be offered in a drive-through format
If the centre is indoors, please enter through the appropriate signed entry that is marked for those who are “COVID-19 Symptomatic” (if you have symptoms and need a medical assessment) or “asymptomatic “(if you have no symptoms but would like a test)
Please keep a 2m distance from others while waiting in line
Please do not bring other friends or family members unless they are being tested or you need assistance

Who Should Attend:

You are concerned you may have COVID-19
You are concerned you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 at your work, school, etc.
You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and need a medical assessment
You require a test to visit someone in long-term care or a retirement home, to attend school or an appointment, etc.

The centre will do their best to see you as quickly as possible. Staff may take a short break mid-day. Please allow yourself enough time to accommodate any wait periods. Test result timelines cannot be guaranteed with average result period being from 2-6 days, and up to 14 days.

MAHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Bracebridge - By appointment only

Location: The MAHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located in a portable at 75 Ann Street in Bracebridge, adjacent to the helipad at the back of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) property. Please note it is not located inside the hospital.

By appointment only:

Call the assessment centre line at 1-888-383-7009, five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make your appointment.

Hours:

Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more detailed information, visit www.mahc.ca/COVID-19Testing/

Public access to District facilities closed

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:

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

Provincial Offences Act - Matters Scheduled Are Adjourned and will be Rescheduled

Update - September 18, 2020: All in-person Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled until October 16, 2020 will be rescheduled - DO NOT 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.

Port Carling Locks

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.

Waste Management & Household Hazardous Waste

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.

Status of Waste Facilities and Diversion Programs

All reuse buildings are closed.
All waste facilities are open during regular operating hours.
Collection of donations via community drop-off bins is suspended.
Blue box exchange program is temporarily suspended.
Bin site users are asked to visit www.engagemuskoka.ca for updates.

Use waste facilities (including unsupervised bin sites) at your own risk.
Follow Public Health instructions on hand washing/sanitizing after visits.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres at all times while on-site.
Cashless payments only.

Residents may experience longer delays at sites due to restrictions on the number of people permitted onsite.

Curbside Collection

Secure your material.

Garbage must be securely contained in a garbage bag, tied and sealed. Loose garbage inside cans and roadside bins will not be collected.
Recycling still must be sorted. If using bags, clear/transparent bags must be tied and sealed. Blue boxes continue to be collected but please secure materials, don’t overflow boxes, and stack them to prevent litter.
Organics must be bagged in compostable bags, tied and sealed inside green bins.

Take care of our crews.

Only set out what you need to. Weekly bag limits are being enforced.
- 1 bag per week (urban areas with green bin organics collection)
- 2 bags per week (rural areas)
Practice physical distancing by not approaching the collection vehicle or operator (smiles and waves are always welcome!)

Take extra precaution when disposing of certain items.

If you or someone in your household is sick or are self-isolating, place used tissues, paper napkins and paper towels in a bag and dispose of them in the garbage.
Place face masks and protective gloves in the garbage.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ Is my curbside collection schedule changing?
No. Currently summer weekly collection schedules remain the same. As this is a changing situation, we encourage residents to download our “Muskoka Recycles” app on the App Store or Google Play to receive service alerts for any collection impacts.

▶ How should I put my material out for collection?
Most importantly, all waste materials must be secured to protect our waste collection crews and to stop litter.

Garbage must be securely contained in a garbage bag, tied and sealed. "Loose" garbage/litter inside cans and roadside bins will not be collected.

Recycling still must be sorted. If using bags, clear/transparent bags must be tied and sealed. Blue boxes continue to be collected but please secure materials, don’t overflow boxes, and stack them to prevent litter.

Organics must be bagged in compostable bags, tied and sealed inside green bins.

▶ What if I don’t have a garbage can? Can I still put my garbage bag out at the curb?
Yes. Black bags at the curb will be collected. Please just make sure all garbage is securely tied and sealed. If you have a garbage can or roadside bin, please use it for additional containment. If you don’t own one, you do not need to purchase a garbage can.

▶ I live on a seasonal road. When does my collection resume?
Spring/summer changes to collection begin the week of May 4, 2020. The Route Supervisor will investigate road conditions to ensure trucks can navigate safely.

▶ What can I expect at waste facilities?
The District has increased health and safety measures at waste facilities to protect our staff and our community.

Cashless payments only.
All reuse buildings closed.
Collection of donations via community drop-off bins suspended.

We remind customers:

Use waste facilities at your own risk.
Follow Public Health instructions on hand washing/sanitizing after visits.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres at all times while on-site.
Do not mingle or socialize.

▶ What are the payment methods at waste facilities?
Waste facilities are accepting cashless payments only.

▶ Is loose recycling accepted at transfer stations? Does it have to be in bags?
Loose recycling is still accepted. Please ensure, however, that materials are safely and securely deposited in the provided bins to avoid litter.

▶ Will there be spring compost giveaway events this year?
The 2020 compost giveaway events are currently postponed.

▶ Do you have an app to send me reminders or notify me of waste collection changes?
Yes. Download our “Muskoka Recycles” app in the App Store or Google Play for instant access to your personalized collection day, reminders, tips and more.

▶ I have a friend who doesn’t have a computer. Can you mail them a collection schedule?
Yes. Please contact our waste management team at 705-645-6764 or email us at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca. We would be pleased to supply a printed calendar via Canada Post.

▶ How much does it cost to dispose of garbage?
A list of 2020 disposal fees are located here.

▶ Will you be increasing garbage limits during this time?
Currently garbage limits remain the same. The District’s main priority is to protect the wellbeing of our essential workers and maintain our waste collection services over the long term. Small adjustments from our residents can have a big impact and help protect our waste collectors. Taking extra precautions when setting out material and limiting extra garbage are two ways to help this service continue.

Water and Sewer Customers - Additional Payment Methods Available

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.

Water and Sewer - Drinking Water & Public Taps

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.

Muskoka Paramedic Station

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.

Social Assistance / Ontario Works / Tax Clinics

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

Children's Programs and Services

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.

Seniors Programs and Services

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

Transportation

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

Please note that until further notice, the Corridor 11 Bus service is to be used for essential trips only.

The District and Hammond Transportation are asking:

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.

Please note that until further notice, the Corridor 11 Bus service is to be used for essential trips only.

The District and Hammond Transportation are asking:

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.

For impacts relating to town or townships within Muskoka please visit their website:

Helpful Links:

Continued Communications

As we continue to monitor the situation updates to District impacted programs, services and facilities will be made to this page. For information specific to the status of COVID-19 in Muskoka please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.