COVID-19 Support

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. For impacts to municipal services please read below. If you're looking for food, mental health or financial support please click on the links below for more information.

a blue button that reads "I need help with food and support - food, shelter, and isolation supports for the Muskoka Community"

Food and Supports

(Food, shelter and mental health supports for the Muskoka Community)

Financial Support

(Information for Workers, Self-Employed, Businesses and Families)

Impacts to District of Muskoka Programs and Services

The status of District programs, events and facilities will be updated on this page as they become available.

District Offices Are Open For In-person Services - Updated October 18, 2021

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, including:

COVID-19 screening
Physical distancing
Mask wearing
Hand sanitizing

Offices are open!

BRACEBRIDGE Administrative and Community Services Office

Services available: housing supports, social assistance, and emergency assistance programs water and sewer payments, home childcare payments, planning and development applications, road and transportation applications, garbage and recycling inquiries, and general customer service inquiries

Appointments are not required
Location: 70 Pine St. in Bracebridge

GRAVENHURST and HUNTSVILLE Community Services Offices

Services available: housing supports, social assistance, and emergency assistance programs

Appointments required. Call 705-645-2412 to make an appointment.
Locations:
- 141 Main St. Gravenhurst, Unit 5
- 1 King William St. Huntsville

Virtual options remain available to serve you!

All services are still available to residents, clients, and customers by calling 705-645-2100 or by email. We encourage you to visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca and subscribe to updates to receive the latest information.

Provincial Offences Administration (POA) Court

The POA Court located at 76 Pine St. in Bracebridge remains closed at this time, and court proceedings remain virtual. Visit www.muskoka.on.ca/en/provincial-offences/court-proceedings-during-covid-19.aspx for more information. Non-contact POA Court services continue to be available for the following services:

Pay your ticket online at www.paytickets.ca
Pay your ticket or file for a court date by drop box located at the front door of 76 Pine St., Bracebridge (NO CASH please)
Pay your fine over the phone by calling (705) 645-1231

All other District services, including paramedic services, long-term care, social housing facility maintenance, water and wastewater, waste management, and road operations, have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, with modifications to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public.

“I would like to thank all staff in all of our divisions for continuing to provide exceptional services,” said District Chair John Klinck. “The District and Area Municipalities are dedicated to supporting individuals and recognizes the important role that everyone has in keeping our communities safe and healthy.”

For updates on public access to facilities, programs or services at our Area Municipalities, please visit:

For further COVID-19 information, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka Public Health unit website: www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

For the most up to date information regarding vaccination bookings, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's website.

To book an appointment online, please visit the Government of Ontario's COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Page

COVID-19 Assessment Centres

Based on the Ontario Government’s current COVID-19 testing guidelines, individuals are assessed for COVID-19 testing based on certain criteria. To learn more about criteria for, eligibility and assessment centre locations, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's website.

Waste Management

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.

There are no changes to the curbside collection schedule.

Bi-weekly garbage collection resumed as scheduled annually, the week of November 1, 2020.

For more information, please visit www.muskokarecycles.ca

Status of Waste Facilities, Bin Sites and Diversion Programs

All reuse buildings are closed at our waste facilities.
All waste facilities are open during regular operating hours.
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.
Touchless (tap) payments preferred.

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

Curbside Collection

Bi-weekly garbage collection resumed the week of November 1, 2020.
Recycling and green bins continue to be collected weekly in urban areas.

For more information and to find your collection schedule, visit www.muskokarecycles.ca

As we continue to monitor COVID-19 in our community, please:

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 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. Bi-weekly bag limits are being enforced.
- 4 garbage bags per bi-weekly collection (urban areas with green bin organics collection)
- 6 bags per bi-week collection (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.

For more information, please visit www.muskokarecycles.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

▶ Is my curbside collection schedule changing?
Bi-weekly garbage collection resumed the week of November 1, 2020. There are no changes to your regular collection day. To download your schedule, please visit www.muskokarecycles.ca

▶ 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.

▶ Is loose recycling accepted at Waste Facilities? 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.

▶ 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.

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.

Children's Programs and Services

EarlyON – Offering both in-person (outdoor) and virtual programming. For more information please contact 705-645-2412 ext. 4420 or visit www.muskoka.on.ca/earlyon
Muskoka Home Child Care Agency - Open. 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

Seniors Programs and Services

WISE Mobile Active Living Centre – Offering both in-person (outdoor) and virtual programming to keep older adults engaged and connected in Muskoka. Our programs offer a variety of topics including health education, general interest topics, fitness, games, and fun! For more information on these programs, topics and dates, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/seniorsprograms or call us at 705-645-2100 ext. 4199 or toll free: 1-800-461-4215 ext. 4199.

Information Line – We are happy to help you or a family member navigate resources and supports. Please call our Information Line at 705-645-2100 ext. 4199 or toll free: 1-800-461-4215 ext. 4199.

Transportation

The Corridor 11 Bus and the Rural and Community Connection are in service. The District offers several transportation programs and initiatives. Learn more at: www.muskoka.on.ca/communitytransit

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 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.

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.