Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Clifford “Cliff” Fitchett on Wednesday at Andy’s House Hospice in Port Carling Cliff was the husband of the late Muriel Fitchett (2004) with whom he shared a lifetime of laughter He was a loving father to Don Fitchett (Amber) and Debbie Paull (Barry) and was a proud and cherished “Pops” to Kyle Family was important to Cliff — he beamed with pride at their accomplishments and found joy in their company Born in Port Credit and raised in the quiet hamlet of Barkway before settling in Housey’s Rapids Cliff was a Muskoka boy through and through He headed to Toronto as a young man to pursue an electrical apprenticeship under his uncle Allen Fitchett but it was the local square dances that truly changed his life — it was there he met Muriel They married and returned to Muskoka to build a home and a life together raising their children in the values of hard work he built his own home and began working with Central Plumbing in Gravenhurst His natural leadership and work ethic soon saw him rise to superintendent at the local utilities in just four years But Cliff had bigger dreams — “I came from nothing and set out to prove to the world you weren’t just a poor boy,” he once said He especially loved working with cattle — often claiming he was downsizing his herd only for it to grow mysteriously larger each season “I just couldn’t keep the bull out of the pasture,” he’d say with a grin the sandhill cranes coming back year after year brought him great joy as did all the little kitty’s in the shop and barn In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and trapping taking some hunting trips with his son Don He enjoyed taking people out to his sugar shack and found the log cabin he built to be his perfect little sanctuary Cliff found adventure with his devoted companion Together they made memories across the world — from South Africa to the Yukon and countless road trips in Canada and to Florida eventually learned to lean into Jo-Ann’s spontaneous spirit Cliff will be deeply missed by his brother Bill Fitchett (Becky) and is predeceased by his parents Archie and Agnes Fitchett along with his brother Bruce Fitchett grandchildren and Jo-Ann’s children — Sandy (Flo) and Shannon (Tom) — who came to know and love him as family A Funeral Service to celebrate Cliff’s life will be held at Calvary Church A reception will follow at the Gravenhurst Legion where stories will be shared and his life honoured in the way he would have wanted — with family In lieu of flowers, donations in Cliff’s memory to Andy’s House Hospice would be gratefully appreciated. Their compassion and care in his final days brought comfort to Cliff and his family. https://hospicemuskoka.akaraisin.com/ui/donations/donations/start Add to Calendar Complete the form below to RSVP for the Funeral Service for Clifford George Fitchett Complete the form below to get directions for the Funeral Service for Clifford George Fitchett Add to Calendar Complete the form below to RSVP for the Reception for Clifford George Fitchett Complete the form below to get directions for the Reception for Clifford George Fitchett This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors BarrieMan charged with impaired driving in GravenhurstBy Luke SimardPublished: May 03, 2025 at 11:12AM EDT Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved The Gravenhurst Farmers Market appears to be staying at the Gull Lake Rotary Park Decision to stay at the waterfront park was influenced by the Bay and Beyond Infrastructure program causing disruptions It appears the Gravenhurst Farmers Market will be calling Gull Lake Rotary Park home from now on Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one driver during afternoon patrols in Gravenhurst a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrol in the town on Gravenhurst and observed a vehicle on Phillip Street commit a traffic infraction The officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop nearby and subsequently arrested and charged 62-year-old David Horton of Oakville ON with Operation While Impaired – Over 80 and Careless Driving The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 27 Bracebridge OPP has charged 37 drivers to date in 2025 as impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving and website in this browser for the next time I comment The Town of Gravenhurst and the Muskoka Discovery Centre are pleased to announce there is a new display of local artwork at the municipal office (3-5 Pineridge Gate) This is the second display since launching the local art showcase in March.  The new display features work by Janice Feist Janice’s beautiful work is hanging in the lobby and in the council chambers.  People can check out the lobby display during regular business hours – Monday to Friday – and the display in the council chambers is viewable during committee meetings and council meetings.  Learn more about Janice Feist The art showcase project is spearheaded by the town’s Public Art Advisory Committee. The Muskoka Discovery Centre sources the work on display.  The town thanks everyone who helps make this project possible.  Click here to support local news All comments are moderated. Please ensure you include both your first and last name and abide by our community guidelines Submissions that do not include the commenter's full name or that do not abide by our community guidelines will not be published Sign up for our free newsletter which is published three times per week Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) A man who was supposed to be under house arrest was pulled over on Highway 11 for impaired [...] From Elections Canada “I want to thank the some 230,000 people who helped deliver the election From the Town of Bracebridge: The Bracebridge Fire Department will be conducting live-fire [...] Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged another four drivers with impaired [...] – Scott Aitchison has been reelected as the MP for Parry Sound—Muskoka Established in 2015 by a bunch of local news hounds Doppler strives to be the go-to source for people wanting to know more about what is going on in Huntsville and the surrounding community We strive to provide local news that is relevant and timely We also look to tell local stories that inspire Notice the persistent use of the word local From features on local people doing extraordinary things all supplemented by provocative opinion pieces on topics near and far Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing For that much money we should be getting way more than a bandstand $385,000 plus project management fees plus cost overruns when we have one there already My grandparents immigrated to Bracebridge from Northern Ireland in 1904 Does anyone have pictures of downtown Bracebridge from 1904 For articles and video documenting the extremely poor mismanagement of our airport go to: https://johnwhitty3.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/snake-oil-salesmen-selling-to-the-gullible/ Just one example:… In fact Western Canada has received a great deal from the Trudeau liberals The Liberals delivered on expanding infrastructure to… Bracebridge OPP was patrolling Gravenhurst when an officer witnessed a traffic infraction on Philip Sreet The officer trailed the vehicle and subsequently pulled the vehicle over That resulted in the arrest and charge of a 62-year-old Oakville He was charged with impaired driving and will appear in Bracebridge court May 27 Bracebridge OPP has already charged 37 drivers to date in 2025 with impaired driving saying it continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact Surgical wait times down thanks to partnership between Barrie and Midland hospitals 'We're celebrating life all the time': Hospice Simcoe's Hike for Hospice Big third period helps Generals complete sweep of Colts OPP urges caution as motorcycle-related deaths hit historic high in 2024 Cleanup expands to Barrie backyards in aftermath of historic ice storm Colts on brink of elimination after ‘painful’ double-overtime loss in Oshawa ©2025 Central Ontario Broadcasting Website by TALIS Creative Sign in Join now, it's FREE! Bracebridge OPP with the assistance of the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) have been conducting an ongoing investigation into several break and enters that have occurred in the town of Gravenhurst between March 31 and April 5 enter and thefts to five separate businesses during very early morning hours one business had been broken into three times a member of the public reported that they observed damage to another door at a business located at the corner of Muskoka Road South and James Street in Gravenhurst making it the third time that that business had been broken into recently Officers attended and with the assistance of the community Police have charged 33-year-old Connor McQuain of Gravenhurst with the following: He will be held for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 7 to answer to his charges The investigation is ongoing into these break and enters is ongoing and police are asking anyone who may have information, including video surveillance, to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you wish to remain anonymous More Spotlight > Bonvince Telmo and Aaron Hulland are cleaning up branches outside their shared home on March 31 Aaron Hulland cuts up and clears a fallen tree from his yard on March 31 Fallen tree limbs are seen outside the Gravenhurst Opera House Crews from Kodiak Tree Services are clearing downed trees Freezing rain and severe weather conditions swept across Ontario over the weekend causing widespread power outages and hazardous conditions Here’s how crews and residents are faring in the Muskoka region Southern areas of Muskoka were hit hardest Bracebridge and Gravenhurst also declared a significant weather event due to hazardous conditions denting his housemate’s car and leaving the area without electricity the building’s landlord worked on connecting their generator to the furnace to provide heat were out sawing the fallen tree into smaller chunks collecting branches and cleaning up the debris snapped limbs and scattered pine needles blanketed yards and driveways Although most of the downed power lines had been cleared and set aside Gravenhurst resident Norah Fountain captured a photo of a large split tree outside the Gravenhurst Opera House its branches sprawled out across the entryway and sidewalk “It’s just heartbreaking to see the damage spread across the entire area,” she said Fountain said she wants people to focus on those offering help and expressed gratitude to Sobeys in Gravenhurst for supporting the community She recognized the staff for making sandwiches and preparing food to go for people “A big thank you to Sobeys for opening and helping residents,” she said Huntsville resident Shelley Cotterchio said that apart from some downed branches and fallen trees she hasn’t noticed any intense destruction “We are very lucky compared to other towns,” she said owner of Caledonia-based Kodiak Tree Services has crews spread out across the affected areas like homeowners on their roofs trying to pull down broken branches,” Post said advising people to leave the dangerous work to professionals “We don’t need to see people die or have accidents because they’re clearing debris.” He mentioned while some trees may appear damaged and homeowners should give them time to bounce back as he warned about the dangers of broken branches still hanging in trees “Everyone should be making sure they’re looking up when they’re walking underneath those trees,” he said Every downed line should be treated as live unless Hydro One has tagged it and people should not assume it’s safe just because they’re not receiving power According to Elexicon Energy’s website: “The freezing rain caused significant damage to Elexicon’s infrastructure in these communities Damage is so severe in Gravenhurst that Elexicon prompted an emergency declaration Estimated time of restoration for Gravenhurst: We are hopeful to have the majority of customers restored by end of day tomorrow and remaining customers by Friday some island customers will be without power beyond Friday.” BarrieNewsGravenhurst erects fencing to deter geese from nesting and feeding in town parksBy Cheryl BrownePublished: April 29, 2025 at 7:49AM EDT The Town of Gravenhurst is pleased to announce the 2025 lineup for the Music On The Barge concert series.   “We are excited to present another entertaining series for residents weekenders and visitors,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said Gull Lake Rotary Park will be the spot to catch terrific bands on Sunday nights.”  This year’s lineup is as follows:   Please note that June and July concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m and August and September concerts will get underway at 7 p.m.   Admission is a freewill offering.   Learn more about this year’s performers on the town’s Music On The Barge webpage.   Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Dalby of Gravenhurst after a brief but courageous battle with ALS Beloved husband of the late Marg Ennest-Dalby He will be deeply missed by his brother Gary Dalby (Kathy) and his sisters Janice Reinholz (late Frank) he never missed an opportunity to share a laugh or a story — usually both His passion for the outdoors was unmatched — especially when the snow flew skidooing through winter landscapes with joy and energy camping for over 20 years at Butterfly Lake Trailer Park with his beloved wife and daughters creating memories that will be treasured forever he spent 25 years working as a salesman for Brown’s Beverages before launching his own successful distribution business and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him A celebration of life will be held on Saturday June 7th at the Gravenhurst Legion from 1:00 until 4:00 donations may be made to ALS Society or Andy’s house The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the hospital for their compassionate care of John Police are investigating an incident that led to a man being electrocuted Monday in Gravenhurst paramedics and firefighters were called to “an escalating incident” in a parking lot at 5 Pineridge Gate Witnesses reported a man caused significant damage to vehicles in the lot accessed a fenced area containing high-voltage equipment and “Due to the complexity of the situation and present risks accessing the area to apply medical care was tedious,” police said The man was taken to an area hospital before being airlifted to a Toronto-area hospital The identity of the man has not yet been confirmed and was wearing a red and black crew neck sweatshirt and red track pants Anyone with information is asked to call OPP at 1-800-310-1122. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestopperssdm.com  Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) currently have Highway 11 North in Gravenhurst closed to allow for highway repairs after a large sinkhole developed Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to reports of a large sinkhole on Highway 11 North near Sparrow Lake Route D in Gravenhurst a number of vehicles had collided with it and sustained damage One person was transported to hospital with minor injuries Highway 11 North is closed at Coopers Falls Road and police are asking motorists to avoid the area in order to allow crews to safely make the necessary repairs The closure is expected to continue until early on Friday morning Jennifer Tournour and Jaiendra Rao of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Gravenhurst are ready to welcome guests at the new hotel The Fairfield Inn & Suites Gravenhurst Muskoka by Marriott recently opened its doors at 112 Fountain St The Gravenhurst hospitality sector has grown by one The Fairfield Inn & Suites Gravenhurst Muskoka by Marriott opened for business this month at 112 Fountain St “It’s a small property that consist of 102 rooms,” said sales manager Jaiendra Rao there’s a blend of regular rooms and suites Suites consist of two queen beds and one king bed that comes with additional pullout sofa bed … (the suite gives) you some extra amenities such as extra television in the room It has a separate living area and a separate bedroom area.” The property also has a dining area with a complimentary breakfast Monday to Friday a pool with an assistance crane for bathers a snack/food corner and a boardroom that can hold a capacity of 12 people Assistant general manager Jennifer Tournour said the new five-storey hotel employs 15 people She said one of the biggest attractions of the facility is the proximity to the highway We have takeout food places and we’re right by (a) grocery store and close to town,” she said For more information on the Fairfield Inn & Suites Gravenhurst Muskoka by Marriott, visit the hotel website here is serving an “indeterminate” sentence for first-degree murder forcible confinement and using an imitation firearm The two inmates were “not accounted for” during an inmate check around 6:30 p.m including one serving a sentence for first-degree murder have been captured after they escaped from a Gravenhurst prison Correctional Service Canada says the two prisoners — ages 68 and 70 — were taken back into custody by Ontario Provincial Police and Toronto police after they escaped from Beaver Creek Institution The federal agency did not say when or where the two were apprehended Both were being housed in the minimum-security unit of the multi-level security institution the men fled from the prison in a grey or silver sedan Both inmates have a “violent criminal history,” said the OPP Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating an incident that resulted in life-threatening injuries to one person Muskoka Paramedic Services and Gravenhurst Fire Department were dispatched to an escalating incident in a parking lot at 5 Pineridge Gate in the town of Gravenhurst Witnesses reported that a male party was in the parking lot had become escalated and caused significant damage to more than one vehicle in the lot The man then moved to the rear of the parking lot and was able to access a fenced area containing high voltage equipment and while causing damage to the equipment inside Due to the complexity of the situation and present risks accessing the area to apply medical care was tedious The male party was soon transported to hospital with significant and life-threatening injuries He is described as a white male between 20 – 30 years of age and was wearing a red and black crew neck sweatshirt and red track pants A town-wide power outage was required for safety Police are asking anyone in the area who may have information or video surveillance to call police with any helpful information please call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you wish to remain anonymous Spark Muskoka is dedicated to honouring us – our work This new format will allow us to engage deeper bonds to the world around us whilst connecting with our community on a more frequent basis Spark Muskoka will officially launch on Sunday April 27th at the Gravenhurst Opera House starting at 2:00 pm The program will include a history of the Opera House a performance of “Ben and the Ghostlight” by TimberBeast Productions capped off with an intriguing presentation by a Paranormal Investigator that will leave your curiosity peaked and your hair on ends Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person with several offenses including impaired driving on Friday night a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting proactive patrols in the town of Gravenhurst and became concerned about the driving behaviour of a motorist on Winewood Avenue The officer followed the vehicle onto Bethune Drive and then Industrial Drive The vehicle eventually came to a stop near a residence on Forest Glen Drive and the officer arrested the driver Police have charged 23-year-old Dylan HOLDER of Orangeville He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 22 the accused’s drivers license has been suspended for 90-days and their vehicle impounded for 7 days If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol you may call 9-1-1 from your hands free device The Special Investigations Unit is investigating an incident in Minden Hills Township where police discharged a firearm and a person was found deceased A weekly roundup of OPP news in the Parry Sound One person is facing criminal charges after Gravenhurst businesses reported multiple break-and-enters during the ice storm “Bracebridge OPP with the assistance of the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) one business had been broken into three times.” Police allege that at 1:11 a.m. on April 5, a resident reported seeing damage to a door of a business at the corner of Muskoka Road South and James Street in Gravenhurst “Officers attended and with the assistance of the community soon arrested and charged one person,” the release stated Police have charged a 33-year-old man from Gravenhurst with two counts each of possession of break-in instruments and break and enter as well as a single charge of theft under $5,000 Police are asking anyone who may have information, including video surveillance, to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com Huntsville OPP responded to a report of two suspicious persons at a business on King William Street on March 31 at 10:20 p.m officers located two suspects who had outstanding arrest warrants A 43-year-old from Huntsville was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance two counts of possession of a prohibited device or ammunition and possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order The second person was released with no charges Police continues to ask the public for information involving an incident that resulted in one male being electrocuted after he accessed a fenced area containing high voltage equipment behind 5 Pineridge Gate in Gravenhurst taken to a Toronto hospital for treatment for life-threatening injuries Police are continuing to ask the public for information involving an incident that resulted in life-threatening injuries to one person At 5:38 p.m. on Monday, March 17, Bracebridge OPP officers, Muskoka EMS and Gravenhurst Fire Department were dispatched to an incident in a parking lot at 5 Pineridge Gate a building which houses offices for the Town of Gravenhurst the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the Cottage Country Family Health Team Police say witnesses reported a male was in the parking lot causing damage to more than one of the vehicles there The man is alleged to have then moved to the rear of the parking lot and was able to access a fenced area containing high voltage equipment While causing damage to the equipment inside The male was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Toronto-area hospital where he is currently being treated for significant The identity of the individual is not yet confirmed and the investigation is ongoing He is described as a white male between 20 to 30 years of age and was wearing a red and black crew neck sweatshirt and red track pants Police are asking anyone in the area who may have information or video surveillance to call police with any helpful information. Anyone with information on these events is asked to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating two thefts from a local retailer in Gravenhurst Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a theft from a licensed retailer located on Edward Street in Gravenhurst Police released a picture of the suspect and with the assistance of the public Police have charged 33-year-old Brenna FORBES of Gravenhurst with Theft Under $5000 and she will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on June 17 Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a second theft from the same retail location on Edward Street two individuals made off with a quantity of product and have not yet been identified Police are asking members of the public to have a look at the attached photos and call 1-888-310-1122 with any information Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a break and enter that occurred in Gravenhurst during the early morning hours Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a call from a resident on Xavier Street in Gravenhurst during the very early morning hours on March 5 after the resident realized that an unknown suspect was around their home The suspect entered their garage and then their vehicles and stole a variety of items including a small quantity of cash Police are asking anyone in the area who may have video surveillance to look at their footage between 1:00 – 2:00 a.m and call police with any helpful information Police are investigating break-ins and thefts that occurred at two Gravenhurst restaurants during the recent ice storm The incidents happened between late Saturday and early Monday at businesses that share a parking lot at the intersection of Muskoka Road and James Street One business is located at the north end of the lot and the other is at the south end “Unknown suspect(s) took advantage of the widespread power outage smashed glass doors in order to gain entry and made off with a quantity of cash,” Bracebridge OPP said in a news release robbery and firearms charges following a violent incident in Gravenhurst Provincial police say they were called to a home on Southwood Road in Gravenhurst around 6:30 p.m on February 27 after a man showed up asking the residents for help The man said he had been at a nearby residence and “suffered harm” but managed to escape and find help Muskoka paramedics were called to treat the man’s injuries Police went to a nearby residence and arrested three people 52 – all from Gravenhurst – have all been charged with forcible confinement and six other weapons-related offences as well as theft over $5,000 of a motor vehicle Carnegie and Reed are also facing charges of possessing a firearm contrary to a prohibition order and failing to comply with a probation order A Canadian man arrested on vacation has been proven innocent Melissa Nakhavoly with why he is still being held in the Dominican Republic Warmer temperatures but showers are expected on-and-off for the next few days Meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai has your seven-day forecast Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls on Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize a list of projects including the proposed Highway 401 tunnel a mentally ill man who was killed in an Ontario prison is calling out the provincial government over the lack of correctional reform listen to NewsRadio Toronto live anytime and get up-to-the-minute breaking-news alerts weather and video from CityNews Toronto anywhere you are – across all Android and iOS devices Gravenhurst Council approved two road entrance closures from Highway 11 Council approved the stopping up and closing of one secondary entrance at Manson/Cowbell Lane and one at Mitchell Road from Highway 11 the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is working on rehabilitating the Highway 11 corridor including an extension from Severn Bridge to South Kahshe Lake Road The report adds that the MTO gave the municipality options to either maintain or remove the access points The permanent closure to the access points were recommended because of technical and safety reasons raised said the decision was based on the MTO’s engineering analysis reporting “poor geometrics.” The report indicates that both roads have secondary access points from the highway which the public will continue to be able to use The Manson/Cowbell Lane access point 100 meters north of Severn Bridge is recommended for closure the second point which is 500 meters has a deceleration taper for turning The Mitchell Road north entrance is recommended for closure because a cul-de-sac is being constructed to facilitate municipal operations the south entrance will remain with an improvement to ensure a right turn taper The Town will provide the public with the opportunity for feedback about the intended closures which will be in effect for 30 days Staff will then present a new By-law for Council approval in an upcoming meeting the MTO will install rail barricades across the former entrances Stacey advised Council that the construction costs will be covered by the MTO The report indicates that although the municipal costs are currently unknown if the Town incurs related costs staff will forward them to the MTO for potential reimbursement Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating two break and enters that occurred in Gravenhurst during the ice storm Bracebridge OPP officers responded to two reports of break enters and thefts at restaurants in Gravenhurst between late on Saturday March 29th and early in the morning on Monday The two businesses share a parking lot at the intersection of Muskoka Road South and James Street one is situated at the north end of the lot and one at the south end Unknown suspect(s) took advantage of the widespread power outage The restaurants are Oliver’s Coffee and Pizza One Police are asking anyone who may have information to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you wish to remain anonymous BarrieNewsFire crews battle blaze at Gravenhurst apartment By Kim PhillipsPublished: March 28, 2025 at 4:38PM EDT The Gravenhurst Fire Department says they received a call for a structure fire at 685 Muskoka Road North at approximately 4:30 am with a total of 20 firefighters and seven fire apparatus flames and smoke were visible from a balcony on the third floor of the structure Crews worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading Fire damage was limited to one apartment and the roof structure components “We do not believe the fire to be suspicious and there were no injuries” The Fire Department told Muskoka411 The building will require an engineer to inspect structural components as well as inspections of the electrical components and the fire alarm system before the building can be reoccupied Muskoka Victim Services is working with the building owners to ensure tenants are taken care of Crews were on scene for an extended period assisting residents with the removal of essential items before cleareing the scene around 10:55 am This is a sketch of a five-storey mixed-use building containing 56 residential condominium units proposed for Phase 2 of the Cherokee Lane development hopes Gravenhurst residents will approves of the Phase 2 plans for the development Company says it wants to create a charming That is the optimism expressed by Scott Moffat of the Rosseau Group as his company submitted plans for Phase 2 of the Cherokee Lane project to the Town of Gravenhurst He made the statement as the town announced plans for the second stage of the development, also known as the Starboard Project, will be on the council agenda Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. at town hall. Phase 2 of proposed development includes a five-storey mixed-use building containing 56 residential condominium units (one and two bedrooms) on the top four floors; a covered parking garage for a total of 18 vehicles; underground parking garage that extends into the Phase 1 property (not subject to these applications) for a total of 52 vehicles (in this phase); and 333 square metres of ground floor commercial and retail commercial uses The meeting will focus on an amendment to remove an existing special provision on the lands and add a new special provision to the current commercial special purpose while rezoning the lands currently zoned residential one zone to commercial special purpose This amendment would permit the building footprint and height along with parking “It was always part of the long-term plan,” Moffat said of Phase 2 “It transforms the development into a charming community It has been designed to complement Phase 1.” He said the goal of Phase 2 is to create a charming pedestrian friendly cul-de-sac featuring a retail-lined street with a gathering space that includes a food shack “The phase has been designed to be attractive and subtle creating the appearance of multiple small buildings in an old world style we paid homage to historic icons such as Windermere House all parking will be underground,” he added Phase 1 of the development calls for a comprehensive mixed-use development on lands within the wharf residential and associated on-water and land-based amenity spaces The group plans to redevelop four properties into a single seven-storey mixed-use condominium building near the Muskoka Wharf in the first phase The project would include two levels of underground parking commercial operations and a two-storey boathouse Since the Cherokee Lane project was first announced in 2021 residents expressed concerns ranging from the environmental impact the need for more parking spaces to accommodate the impact of the commercial operations and the height Councillors recorded a tied vote at the Aug meaning the proposed changes to the town’s official plan and bylaws for the planned development was defeated The developers appealed the committee’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal, but before the ruling could be handed down, the OLT’s approved of a settlement agreement at a Feb. 28 hearing between the Town of Gravenhurst and The Rosseau Group Inc. for the project to move ahead at the municipal level. Moffat said his company has strived to make the project as appealing as possible adding everyone they have shared the Phase 2 proposal with “has loved it.” we can’t predict what antidevelopment people will say but it’s infill (housing that fits within an existing neighbourhood without significantly altering its character or appearance) and it will create something special,” he said Moffat said shovels are expected to break ground later this year An alleged member of the notorious MS-13 gang is facing a lengthy prison sentence and deportation after admitting to setting fire to a business at the Gravenhurst Wharf appeared virtually in a Bracebridge courtroom and pled guilty to charges of arson The court proceedings revealed that the charges originated from an investigation by York Regional Police following a shooting incident on February 12 he was sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder related to the same case Pena-Torrez was sentenced to 12 years in prison on separate attempted murder conviction stemming from an incident that occurred in Quebec in Janaury court heard surveillance footage collected during the investigation showed Pena-Torrez present at a residence in Toronto on March 21 Location tracking data indicated that he was in Gravenhurst between 1:48 a.m during which time he set fire to a two-story boat rental facility located on Steamship Bay Road Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the blaze was ignited using gasoline Text messages found on Pena-Torrez’s phone included screenshots of the location with the building highlighted and a voice note captured him describing the sounds and colours of the fire as it started Pena-Torrez was one of three individuals charged in connection with a series of offences stemming from the February 2023 shooting including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder The men were involved in a drive-by shooting in Schomberg that severely injured a victim who was out walking his dog Authorities believe they were hired by an organized crime group but mistakenly targeted the wrong individual It is suspected that the men are associated with the Mara Salvatrucha street gang Pena Torrez was also sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to the attempted murder of a 78-year-old man in Laval with Torrez targeting Montreal Mafia leader Francesco “Chit” Del Balso Pena-Torrez was sentenced to two years in prison The sentence will run concurrently with the 16 years he is already serving for attempted murder The court has indicated that he is expected to be deported to his native Dominican Republic Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing - Two thefts at a local retailer is prompting an investigation by Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Bracebridge OPP officers responded to a theft on Edward Street in Gravenhurst Police released a picture of the suspect and resulting in a 33-year-old Gravenhurst woman being charged with theft Under $5000 She will appear in the Bracebridge court on June 17 officers responded to a second theft from the same retailer on Edward Street Two individuals fled the scene and have not yet been identified Bracebridge OPP hand impaired driving charge to driver in Gravenhurst members approved the hiring of Premier North Ltd to undertake the Abbey Lane drainage improvements project at a tendered price of $1,043,420 Premier North was identified as the lowest compliant bidder for the undertaking with the majority of the work anticipated to be completed by the end of September The project comprises the installation of a larger storm sewer along the municipally maintained sections of Abbey Lane and Winewood Avenue Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing The Town of Gravenhurst is lifting its significant weather event declaration The town declared a significant weather event on March 29 due to the following forecasts and conditions impacting our ability to maintain our road corridors: The declaration suspended the standard timelines to meet road maintenance objectives The declaration remained in place until today as a precautionary measure.  The District of Muskoka’s state of emergency declaration is still active.  The declaration encompasses the Town of Gravenhurst and other lower-tier municipalities in the district.  For state of emergency information, see the district’s website Additional information, including where to find warming centres, is available through the town’s storm resource directory the District of Muskoka announced a plan for curbside pickup of storm yard waste.  The district said storm yard waste collection will begin Monday April 21 in areas most heavily impacted: Gravenhurst This program will collect storm yard waste from properties that regularly receive seasonal leaf and yard waste collection Learn more about the yard waste collection program Free brush drop-off continues at district transfer stations until April 30.  The district says that second home property owners will have another opportunity to drop off brush at district transfer stations for free this summer.  Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing Gravenhurst’s director of development services has issued a report to councillors that has put the BIA into dormancy for three years Group struggled to maintain a functional board Is the Gravenhurst Business Improvement Area a thing of the past Gravenhurst is hoping to give Canada geese the boot from Gull Lake During the most recent Gravenhurst council meeting Michael von Kaitz from the Wildlife Management Group delivered a presentation outlining the organization’s strategies for managing the Canada Goose population at Gull Lake Rotary Park this year The town has enlisted the company’s expertise to address a growing issue with geese and their effect on water quality at the park Von Kaitz emphasized that the program is rooted in the biology and behavioral characteristics of geese specific to this local flyway.  “Geese in Gravenhurst might respond differently than those along the shores of Lake Ontario and in the Greater Toronto Area,” he remarked The Wildlife Management Group has been providing similar services to municipalities across Ontario He noted that while Canada geese are protected migratory birds and their droppings may contain harmful biological contaminants for humans A significant component of the program involves assessment and various control measures can be employed Von Kaitz mentioned lasers as an effective tool as they can irritate geese that can see in the ultraviolet spectrum may encourage the geese to vacate certain areas He explained that geese tend to associate the vehicles used in these efforts with the unpleasant lights and sounds causing them to leave upon seeing the approach of those vehicles Fencing is another effective solution that has worked in other municipalities “We take them to Club Med for geese on the shores of Lake Erie,” he said referring to the relocation of geese from Barrie Von Kaitz reported that the program has achieved a 90% reduction rate in goose populations in other areas where it has been implemented He added that the research phase of the project has already commenced focusing on studying the patterns and populations of the local Canada goose population Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing Muskoka and BracebridgefFire crews extracting people from Highway 11 to transport them to Gravenhurst Town Hall Saturday night Essence of Spice restaurant in Gravenhurst stayed open on Saturday night during the storm bringing hot meals to the people who were transported to Town Hall after being stranded on Highway 11 That’s how an employee at the Canadian Tire Gas bar in Gravenhurst described the situation Monday morning amid a state of emergency declared by the town on Sunday 1 during a snow storm that knocked out power and left motorists stranded on Highway 11 People are desperate … I have no idea when are we getting more gas A gas station on Highway 11 that remained open despite the road closure in the Gravenhurst area expects increased demand with the highway reopening expected later today “Both lanes are closed on Highway 11 — it’s totally blocked I’m not sure exactly how much gas we have but I hope we have enough because it will get busy (once the highway reopens),” said Gravenhurst Ultramar’s employee Sukhraj Singh Monday morning and the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka in general have been affected by power outages throughout the weekend and crews continue to restore power Bracebridge resident Shannon Donnelly says power at her residence has been “off and on throughout the weekend,” causing the main meter to “blow out” after a power surge on Sunday morning and he is in a hospital bed which requires electricity to be able to move it up and down and it is really critical to us that we get our power back or at least to supply from a generator,” said Donnelly a couple of amazing community members came forward to help Christian and Meredy are local neighbours who came to help was able to get a generator available to us and it made all the difference in the world.” Donnelly added that she was able to keep power on at home through the generator and noted that Hydro One’s response was “fairly quick,” with the meter being replaced around 2 p.m Hydro One says road closures “remain the biggest challenge in accessing customers in the hardest hit areas,” and crews are still working on restoring power in different service areas. “An estimated restoration time will be determined for each incident once the damage has been assessed,” Hydro One writes on the website. several other community members have also come forward to offer help to those in need “Somebody told us crews were rescuing the people from the highway and we just guessed they were looking for food or something We decided to open and give them some food … we cooked a full tray of chickpeas with curry and rice for them,” said Essence of Spice restaurant owner Poonam Singh “I don’t think it is a big deal what we did — everybody is doing the same and helping people who are in need.” Highway 11 northbound lanes have reopened from West Street in Orillia according to the latest update from the OPP Crews continue clearing snow on the northbound and southbound lanes between West Street in Orillia and Highway 60 in Huntsville For more information and live updates, visit the OPP Facebook page. Three years into a four-year campaign supporting local schools the Gravenhurst Tim Hortons are raising money for Glen Orchard Public School with the Smile Cookie campaign from April 28 to May 4 Owners Paul Stevenson and Tammy Jacklin opted to continue the campaign for local education which was started by former operator Ashley Hrinkanic The two Gravenhurst locations raised money for Muskoka Beechgrove Public School before taking on another four years committed to schools and now Glen Orchard Public School in Muskoka Lakes is getting its turn with all proceeds in Gravenhurst going to the school’s technology and equipment fund “It’ll help all of our students from kindergarten all the way up to Grade 8 moving forward in the school year and next year so any support is welcome,” said Grade 4 teacher Matt Cobean who is acting as head of the Smile Cookie campaign at Glen Orchard Cobean said everyone at Glen Orchard is “over-the-moon excited” to be this year’s recipient for the campaign The school recently received a donation to fund a new playground it can focus Smile Cookie funds on equipment and technology needs Once they see how much the Tim Hortons locations raise the staff will sit down together to decide how to spend the money outdoor equipment for their new playground and a projector to use in the gym for assemblies But they won’t make any final decisions until they see the results “It’s such a great feeling to know that local businesses are putting money back into local schools,” he said “It’s the perfect opportunity to give schools what they need and it’s a wonderful thing that those owners are doing.” the school will have all hands on deck to decorate cookies as well as posters to promote the campaign Cobean has been going around Gravenhurst distributing flyers to local businesses with the hope of garnering as much support as possible He knows teachers at Beechgrove and Gravenhurst Public School who have benefited from Smile Cookies in the past few years After lending his support to their school campaigns he’s asked them to do the same for Glen Orchard The response has been as enthusiastic as he expected from the tight-knit community of Gravenhurst “It’s good to know that you can ask anyone at a different school within Gravenhurst and they’ll be ready to help almost at a moment’s notice,” Cobean said Gravenhurst Tim Hortons raised about $22,202 for Muskoka Beechgrove, $19,806 for Gravenhurst Public School and $18,494 for KP Manson The totals and the impact they had on each of the schools were more than the Tim Hortons team could have imagined general manager of the two Gravenhurst Tim Hortons locations “We’ve raised way more than we expected for all the schools.” It was special for them to see the success last year because several team members have children at KP Manson. This year, they’re hoping to match or surpass that total, which allowed the school to upgrade its outdoor learning space they do assemblies at the schools to announce the totals and present the cheques Brownlee said it’s an awesome part of the process to witness the joy it brings students She and her team are excited to start yet another campaign dedicated to the area’s children They don’t have an early estimate of the sales since they haven’t received preorder forms from Glen Orchard quite yet but they’re gearing up for another big win for Gravenhurst’s schools “They all work harder just to get those Smile Cookies out because they know it’s going to benefit all the kids.” To support Glen Orchard Public School through the Smile Cookie campaign visit the Gravenhurst Tim Hortons locations at 150 Talisman Drive and 2329 Highway 11 South from April 28 to May 4 Gravenhurst residents are being encouraged to participate in the town’s native tree and shrub sale with an emphasis on planting species that are well-suited to the local environment The initiative is designed to promote environmental sustainability while also offering practical benefits for homeowners The town says that by planting native trees and shrubs on your property The program also aims to improve the overall appearance of the community A full list of available species and order forms can be found on the town’s website OPP charged one person following a sexual assault report Bracebridge OPP is asking for community assistance for a break-and-enter investigation the resident’s vehicles and stole various items Police are asking anyone in the area with video surveillance to look at their footage between 1 a.m If you have information on these events, please call Bracebridge OPP at 1-800-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com to remain anonymous A McMurrich/Monteith driver was charged with impaired after collision  The Huntsville OPP responded to a report of a vehicle stuck in the ditch on Ravenscliffe Road on March 4 at 6:43 p.m who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol The driver failed the roadside screening device and underwent breath testing a 50-year-old from McMurrich/Monteith Township was charged with operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus and operation while impaired with alcohol and drugs The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on April 29 The accused received a 90-day driver’s licence suspension and their vehicle was impounded for seven days A Burk’s Falls resident was charged with impaired driving after the Almaguin OPP responded to a vehicle collision Officers from the Almaguin Highlands OPP responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Victoria Street in the Village Burk’s Falls a 42-year-old from Burk’s Falls was arrested and charged with operation while impaired with alcohol and operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sundridge on April 10 The driver was issued a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days The Town of Gravenhurst is partnering with the Ottawa-based Food Cycle Science Corporation to provide residents with access to an innovative food waste diversion device called the FoodCycler A FoodCycler aerates and pulverizes food waste to a fine odourless powder that can be used in gardening applications.  Council approved a pilot project with the company late last year The town is offering 100 units at a subsidized price for residents to use in their homes.  Participants will be expected to track the amount of food waste they have diverted through the 12-week pilot to estimate the total impact.  They will also be asked to complete an exit survey about their experience.  Two different sized units are available: a 3.5-litre model called the FoodCycler Eco 3 at a cost of $200 and a five-litre version called the FoodCycler Eco 5 at a cost of $300 The town is subsidizing the cost of each unit by $100.  Residents wanting a unit will need to register online first-served with only one unit allowed per household.  The program is not open to residents outside the municipality.  Visit our website to learn more about the program and to register.  Details about how to take possession of the units will be posted to the town’s website and social media channels Learn more about the Food Cycle Science Corporation Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Gravenhurst resident with multiple property crimes Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to break and enter and theft reports at residences in the Kilworthy area of Gravenhurst. The suspect entered vehicles and garages where he removed several items including cash identification and credit cards. Officers conducted an investigation and with the assistance of surveillance footage determined that the suspect used a stolen credit card at a nearby establishment Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and Orillia CSCU executed a search warrant in the City of Barrie where the suspect was located and property belonging to the victims was recovered police arrested and charged Brandon TONNA of Gravenhurst with the following: ·      Operation While Prohibited CC 320.18(1)(a) ·      Trespassing at Night CC 177 X 2 ·      Theft of Credit Card CC 342(1)(a) ·      Possession of Property Obtained by Crime CC 354(1)(a) X 2 ·      Theft Under $5000 from a Motor Vehicle CC 334(b) ·      Break ·      Theft Under $5000 CC 334(b) ·      Mischief CC 430(1)(a) ·      Fraud Under $5000 CC 380(1)(b) The accused has been held in custody for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice on Friday Feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] and tell us how we are doing A weekly roundup of news from the OPP in Almaguin The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a break and enter at a business in Gravenhurst Officers responded to a report of a break and enter at a business located on Muskoka Road South near Phillip Street in Gravenhurst on Jan Police said an unknown suspect smashed a window and stole a quantity of cash between 4:15 and 5 a.m Police are asking anyone with video surveillance of the block, including Muskoka Road South between Phillip Street and James Street and John Street South in Gravenhurst to check for possible footage of the suspect Anyone with information is urged to call Bracebridge OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestopperssdm.com. One man is facing charges after items were allegedly stolen from the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Gravenhurst Police began investigating the alleged theft of irreplaceable clothing items from the Royal Canadian Legion in Gravenhurst on Nov. 16, 2024. Police said officers received information the suspect had listed the stolen items on an online marketplace police arrested and charged a 49-year-old from Gravenhurst with possession of property obtained by crime and trafficking in stolen goods The accused will appear in the Ontario court of justice in Bracebridge on Feb The West Parry Sound OPP charged and arrested one person for impaired driving offences Officers located and stopped the vehicle, spoke with the driver and initiated an impaired driving investigation. Following the investigation, a 44-year-old Monetville resident was charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired with alcohol, failure or refusal to comply with a demand, driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available, failure to surrender an insurance card and speeding. The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario court of justice in Parry Sound on March 6, 2025.  The accused was also issued a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension (ADLS) and the vehicle was impounded for seven days. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. still cleaning up after weekend storm as snowfall continues Wednesday | CBC.ca LoadedGravenhurst still cleaning up after weekend storm as snowfall continues Wednesday 5 months agoDuration 2:09Gravenhurst, Ont., still cleaning up after weekend storm as snowfall continues Wednesday5 months agoNewsDuration 2:09The GTA is expected to see close to five centimetres of snow on Wednesday. Meanwhile, in Muskoka, Ont., the area is still cleaning up from last weekend's storm that left many without power and some stranded on highways. CBC’s Lisa Xing has more. 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