Moose FM CFBG 99.5 - Muskoka

Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health has come out strong against allowing liquor and beer sales in convenience stores. In a recent column, Dr. Charles Gardiner says the Ontario Convenience Store Association (OCSA) still lobby’s for it despite the fact most Ontarians don’t want or need more access to alcohol. Gardiner says opposition in Ontario is strong, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) leading the way. Gardiner says that for the public’s health, it’s important we seek a culture of moderation regarding alcohol. He says alcohol consumption has already increased over time in Simcoe Muskoka and that making it more available will result in further health impacts.

It's a full day of track and field in Parry Sound. The Muskoka-Parry Sound Track and Field Championships are being held at the Parry Sound High School today. Winners of individual events qualify for the Georgian Bay regional championships held later this month.

A local graphite mine gets the green light to reopen, after being closed for almost 20 years. The Ontario Ministry of Environment has approved all final operating permits to reopen the mine in Kearney, which is expected to be up and running by the fall. Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty says it’s great news for our community.

Ontario Graphite Ltd. says they’ve been working with the province and local aboriginal communities for almost two years to make this happen. The mine will open up about 80 jobs, 80 per cent of which will be sourced locally.

The company says the mine will process nearly one-million tonnes of ore a year. It will also produce 20,000 tonnes of natural, large-flake, high-carbon graphite concentrate, making it the largest confirmed graphite mine in North America.

Fowler Construction crews working on John Street, just outside The Moose studios in Huntsville (Photo By: Melissa Candelaria).

Road reconstruction is well underway in Huntsville. In April the Town announced they hired Fowler Construction to do the work on John, Cann and Elm Streets. However, Mayor Claude Doughty says construction was held up because of the late arrival of spring and the recent floods. Doughty says the company has been working on an alternate plan.

Doughty says the Town is thinking about pushing back some of the road work to the fall, but Fowler is going to try to get as much done by summer.

A new family resource centre is opening in Bracebridge. The Nest will offer eligible families a variety of supports, low cost infant consumables and used children’s clothing. The centre is opening under Macaulay Tree House Day Nursery with support from the District of Muskoka. Commissioner of Community Services Rick Williams says The Nest will not just provide a support for families, but it will engage the community in a volunteer capacity. Families are welcome to attend an official grand opening on May 22nd from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

The Nest will be open to the public beginning May 22 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. For more information about hours of operation, how to donate or to volunteer, contact The Nest at 705-640-NEST (6378) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .