Moose FM CFBK 105.5 - Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favourites - Huntsville, Ontario

On Friday, Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith and Chief Administrative Officer John Sisson met with Premier Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Linda Jeffrey, and Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti regarding Bracebridge’s request for the inclusion of the six municipalities in the District of Muskoka within the boundaries of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Mayor Smith expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet directly with Premier Wynne and two senior Ministers regarding this important economic development and community sustainability issue. The meeting took place in Parry Sound while the Premier was attending the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Association Annual Conference and General Meeting. The Mayor noted for the Premier that Muskoka had been previously included in the Northern Ontario economic development area. However, in 2004, the Provincial Government removed Muskoka from the region. As a result, Muskoka was excluded from the boundaries of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHF), which had been established in 1988 with a mandate to promote and stimulate economic development initiatives in Northern Ontario. In addition to Muskoka’s exclusion from the boundaries of the NOHF, it has not been included within the boundaries of any of the other provincially-created development funds. Mayor Smith reinforced with the Premier and Ministers that “this situation has placed Bracebridge and all of the municipalities in Muskoka at a profound economic disadvantage when compared to other Ontario municipalities.” He emphasized that Muskoka, like other regions of the province, needs Provincial Government support to help build strong and economically sustainable communities. In response to a request from the Premier and the Ministers, Mayor Smith has committed to the preparation, in consultation with our neighbouring municipalities, of an overview of Muskoka’s vision for the future and an outline of the primary economic development drivers that have been identified for the region. Minister Jeffrey indicated that she would facilitate an opportunity to review the material submitted with Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport, Michael Chan and Minister of Economic Development, Trade & Employment, Eric Hoskins. Mayor Smith was very pleased with the exchange of information with Premier Wynne and the Ministers. Smith noted that “Premier Wynne was frank in her comments, but open to finding solutions to challenges facing Muskoka. We look forward to further dialogue with the Province as we work together to address this significant issue,” said Smith.

You'll be able to buy liquor at LCBO stores in Muskoka this weekend. A tentative deal has been reached between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and the union representing its workers, just hours before the midnight deadline. The potential for a strike had many Muskokans scrambling to buy liquor before the Victoria Day long weekend.

Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day was a huge success. This past Saturday, police and medical officials worked to help residents dispose unused and unwanted medications. At 53 OPP locations across Ontario, police received 308 kilograms of prescription medications from just over 700 citizens. Most of the drugs collected included opiates, amphetamines and barbituates. The abuse of prescription medications can lead to incidents of overdose and in some cases, death. Residents are urged to drop off any unused or expired prescription medications at their local pharmacies at any time. To keep prescription medications from our water sources, medications should never be flushed down toilets or drains.

Now that land's been donated for a new Port Carling Nurse Practitioner Station, organizers are looking ahead towards more fundraising and eventually it's opening. Muskoka Lakes Councillor Allen Edwards who heads up the nursing station committee says it will be called the Brock and Willa Napier Wellness Centre, named after the couple who donated the 13 acres the facilities will sit on. The property will house the Port Carling Nursing Station, Andy's House Hospice Centre and the Port Carling Lions Club Seniors Retirement Home. More from Edwards…

On June 24th, the Muskoka Lakes Mayor's Golf Tournament will raise even more money for the project. Edwards says it's this kind of effort that will see the new station through to completion.

To learn more about the tournament, visit muskokalakes.ca

Over 2,500 homes in Bracebridge and area were without power this morning. The power went out just before 9:00am. Power has now been restored. 

It’s the first long weekend in Muskoka and the OPP is asking drivers and boaters to be safe. Huntsville OPP Constable Lynda Cranney says with the nice weather expected in Muskoka, we’re going to see more people on our roads and in the water.

Cranney also says one of the things you have to remember is that the water level is a higher this year because of the flooding last month.

Cranney suggests you check all your safety gear before going out on the water and always wear a lifejacket. Last year, 22 people died in boating incidents, 18 of which weren’t wearing lifejackets.

This weekend is the kick-off to Safe Boating Awareness Week, which runs until May 24^th.