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COVID-19 Support

HomeCommunity Services and SupportCOVID-19 Support
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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)

A green button that reads "I need help with finances - information for workers, self-employed, businesses and families)
Financial Support

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

Impacts to District of Muskoka Programs and Services

Closures and cancellations due to COVID-19 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 - Booking same-day appointments

The Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre is booking same-day appointments in-person at the Active Living Centre. Learn more: www.huntsville.ca/covid19

  • Location: Active Living Centre at 20 Park Drive (back of the Canada Summit Centre)
  • Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm
  • Bring: face mask, health card, and name of your doctor or nurse practitioner
  • Notes: there are no inside washroom facilities for public use

Appointments and hours

Huntsville COVID-19 assessment centre accepts walk-in appointments as well as pre-booked appointments and is open for testing and assessment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

 Pre-bookings

Pre-booking an appointment

  1. Anyone who would like a COVID-19 test must first pre-screen themselves or loved ones to ensure they are eligible for a test
  2. Meet the criteria at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ or https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
  3. Call 1-888-383-7009, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm:
    1. Select “Huntsville“ option
    2. Select "book an appointment" option
    3. If you require a test and a medical assessment by a doctor for your COVID symptoms, this can be requested when you book your appointment

For your appointment

Please arrive at the Huntsville assessment centre at your appointment time.

Location:

Active Living Centre at 20 Park Drive (back of the Canada Summit Centre)

Bring:

  1. Health card and drivers licence if you have them
  2. Face mask/covering

Notes and reminders:

  • Washroom facilities are not available
  • Please do not bring other friends or family members, unless they are being tested or you need assistance
  • Keep a 2m distance from others

Test results

  • The assessment centre does not give out test results
  • For your test results: covid-19.ontario.ca and click on "check your lab results"
  • Your results may also be available through other laboratory online portals you already subscribe to (e.g. Life Labs, Dynacare)
  • A test result is usually available in 2-10 days
  • If you have not received your results after 5 days, you may call 705-787-5477
 Walk-in appointments

Walk-in appointments

  1. Anyone who would like a COVID-19 test must first pre-screen themselves or loved ones to ensure they are eligible for a test. Meet the criteria at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ or https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
  2. Arrive in-person at the Active Living Centre, 20 Park Drive
  3. Hours - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 1pm
  4. Follow directional signage

Please note that pre-booked appointments will be prioritized over walk-ins (if there is a wait). However, we aim to have your appointment completed within 20-30 minutes of your arrival.

For your appointment

Please arrive at the Huntsville assessment centre at your appointment time.

Location:

Active Living Centre at 20 Park Drive (back of the Canada Summit Centre)

Bring:

  1. Health card and drivers licence if you have them
  2. Face mask/covering
  3. Name of your doctor or nurse practitioner

Notes and reminders:

  • Washroom facilities are not available
  • Please do not bring other friends or family members, unless they are being tested or you need assistance
  • Keep a 2m distance from others

Test results

  • The assessment centre does not give out test results
  • For your test results: covid-19.ontario.ca and click on "check your lab results"
  • Your results may also be available through other laboratory online portals you already subscribe to (e.g. Life Labs, Dynacare)
  • A test result is usually available in 2-10 days
  • If you have not received your results after 5 days, you may call 705-787-5477

Entry and who should attend

  • Residents are asked to pre-screen themselves or loved ones prior to attending:
    • Adults must ensure they meet the criteria by visiting www.ontario.ca/covidtest 
    • Children need to complete the screening questions at ontario.ca/schoolscreening to ensure they meet the criteria for a test
    • Residents who do not meet the criteria outlined by the Ministry of Health, could be turned away
  • Follow directional signage when you arrive at the Active Living Centre, and Medical Staff will ask you the screening questions and arrange your appointment
  • Please keep a 2m distance from others
  • Please do not bring other friends or family members unless they are being tested or you need assistance
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

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, 2020 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

The Pines Long-Term Care Home - Community Update: Feb, 4 2021

COVID-19 Outbreak Status lifted at the Pines Long-Term Care Home

We are pleased to share that the outbreak status at the Pines Long Term Care Home has again been lifted following a period of 14 consecutive days with no new cases.  We thank staff for their hard work, perseverance and dedication that made this significant achievement possible.  We also thank residents, families and the community for their on-going support and best wishes.

The District remains focused on protecting residents and staff from COVID-19 and extensive measures are being taken to ensure the health, safety and well-being of residents and staff.  Routine, weekly testing of all staff continues as per the provincial guidelines.

 

Status of Vaccinations and Testing:

  • On Saturday, January 16th, all consenting residents, and essential caregivers received their first dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer BioNTech vaccination.
    • 137 out of 145 residents (94%) and 60 essential caregivers received their first dose of the vaccine. The second dose administration date has not yet been scheduled.
    • 160 out of 210 employees have either received their first vaccine or have completed the two-part series in the vaccination process.
    • Scheduled weekly testing of all staff will continue to support early detection of any spread of the COVID-19 virus in the home.

Timeline of COVID-19 Related Events at the Pines:

  • The Pines experienced an initial outbreak of COVID-19 after one employee tested positive on August 30, 2020. Following the initial positive case, one resident tested positive for COVID-19 on September 2, 2020. 
  • The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) determined that the first outbreak was resolved on September 16, 2020.
  • Additional staff members tested positive on September 19 & 25, 2020.
  • The outbreak status was lifted on October 8, 2020 following 14 days with no additional positive cases.
  • On November 13, 2020 a staff member tested positive with no additional positive cases. Due to the nature of this case, the home was not declared in outbreak at this time.
  • One staff member tested positive on January 5, 2021 with no additional staff or resident cases identified. As a result, one Pines home area was declared in outbreak on January 5, 2021 and this outbreak was resolved by SMDHU on January 19, 2021.
  • A staff member tested positive on January 20, 2021. The positive staff member and one additional close-contact employee are currently isolating at home and are being monitored by SMDHU.
Provincial Offences Act - Matters Scheduled Are Adjourned and will be Rescheduled

Update - January 29, 2021: All in-person Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled until January 22, 2021 have been rescheduled.

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  

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. 

Social Assistance / Ontario Works
  • 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 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 – we are operating virtual programs, telephone and online, 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

Until further notice, the Corridor 11 Bus and the Rural and Community Connection 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 at: www.muskoka.on.ca/commuitytransit  

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:

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

Helpful Links:

  • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit ​
  • World Health Organization
  • Centre for Disease Control
  • Government of Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories
  • Health Canada
  • Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
  • District of Muskoka Twitter
  • District of Muskoka Facebook

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.​

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Community Services and Support
    • Accessibility
    • Children - Early Years and Child Care
    • Community Grants
    • Community Transit
      • Corridor 11 Bus
      • Rural and Community Connection
      • Specialized Transportation Fund
    • COVID-19 Support
      • COVID-19 Financial Support
      • COVID-19 Food and Support
    • Financial Support - Ontario Works
    • Housing
      • I Need Help – Emergency Assistance and Homelessness
    • I Need Help – Emergency Assistance and Homelessness
    • Income Tax Clinics
    • Planning Groups Supporting Vulnerable People
    • Seniors Programs and Services
    • The Nest Family Resource Centre

Contact Us

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Contact Us
The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Phone: 705-645-2100
Fax: 705-645-5319

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