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  1. Jacquie Howell says

    Yes. Yes yes. Has the town missed an another opportunity to be forward thinking. A round about at Hanes and Center street. Makes great sense. Of course we can navigate it – Bracebridge did !

    Perhaps we could eliminate cutting another entrance on to Center Street as it would be a short trip to a round about to move traffic south

    Thanks Steve for bringing this up

  2. John Stanley says

    Round abouts are very expensive to construct. The simple solution is to make most stop signs into yield signs. I am sure the yield signs would be a lot cheaper than 1 set of stop lights.

  3. Anna-Lise Kear says

    With friends like Rex Murphy, who needs enemies? His latest article, notes …” our earth is not in danger, democracy is”. Without an earth, a planet for humankind, there is no need for democracy. Not really certain that RM is on the same planet on which I’m residing. May I suggest a referral for some special care or at least a reality intervention?
    Once again, “freedom over any/all consequences” – a similar perspective to the DF ethos for COVID management.

  4. Steve Lehman says

    I just heard a rumour that traffic lights are going to be installed at the Hanes Rd./Centre St. intersection this spring. If this is indeed the case, then it is so unfortunate because if ever there was an intersection in this town that was crying out to be turned into a roundabout, this is the one.
    While I apologize for not being a hard core environmentalist, I do cringe whenever I am at that intersection and see vehicles stopping and then accelerating through it, noxious fumes billowing out of their tailpipes. I think most of us are aware of how much more gasoline it takes to proceed from a dead stop as opposed to a rolling one. While it wouldn’t save the world, rolling through a roundabout would be one small step towards less air pollution.
    Sometimes I feel that politicians underestimate the intelligence of the electorate and while I will admit that often their opinion of us is justified, I think that we locals are becoming cosmopolitan enough to navigate this formerly exotic European style of traffic movement. Non?

  5. George Hines says

    Great news about the new Fairvern Nursing Home.
    With the Town wanting to limit tree cutting in the Rural areas how much clear cutting will be done on this property?
    From my understanding there will be an extensive road system all the way from Centre Street to Shay Rd. Could someone actually show us what the plans are ?
    Is the road being built to accommodate future development on adjacent properties?
    Whatever happens let’s keep Clear Cutting to a bare minimum.

  7. Allen Markle says

    There seems to be a hush over the land. No one here on Doppler, is posting the latest figures they have worked out to manage the world’s financing of climate change. Maybe they have just witnessed the most recent convulsion of ineptitude performed in Europe. Every ‘have’ nation telling the smaller, ‘in trouble’ nations to hold their breath as the water rises. “We will get to you eventually.” Maybe!
    There seems to be no one worrying as to how the situation at home would be, politically’, if DF or JK had their way, or if JT and SH met in the ring. ( on payperview, that would sell out. In Canada anyway.)
    Or did the American border open and everyone just blew Dodge? Everything is on hold for 6 months?
    Meanwhile, back on the hill, the house will be reconvened (or whatever they call it) after an election that was supposedly necessary so the government could deal with a lot of important legislation.
    Apparently not that important, ’cause nothing has happened for 2 months. Parliament will now sit for 13 days and then call a halt for another 44 days. That means if the parliament had just continued for 2 more weeks in August, we could have dispensed with an election and the expenditure of 600 million dollars!
    Don’t even try to tell me this leader of ours is working for our benefit.
    On Nov. 23 the Gov. Gen. will read the speech ‘from the throne’; something she did not write, outlining what the PM and his government want to accomplish. It wasn’t written by the PM either. A bunch of bureaucrats and advisors that form the PMO have it put it together. I guess that’s the way our democracy works. Too bad.
    I will add here, that for the next 4 years, Canada will operate as an elected dictatorship; or at least until the time comes that someone decides to stop propping this government up.
    Proportional representation would allow a greater percentage of the population to have a voice in government and reduce the ‘party politics’ that has made our democracy ineffectual.
    Do I hear an amen?

  10. Allen Markle says

    You are a very understanding person Dawn Huddlestone and your math skills are ‘Mahvelous! Simply mahvelous’. A la Billy Crystal.
    Stay well all.

  11. Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says

    It’s the same pool of people. You can’t have a second dose unless you’ve had a first. The second doses are all people who have also had a first dose.

  12. Ray Vowels says

    I just read on Doppler here that 85.2 % of the people have had at least one shot while 82 % have had both shots that adds up to 165.2% of the people how can there be more than 100% of anything am I missing something

  13. Oliver Klimek says

    Ray and LaNor, I’m glad we are talking about the issues. I don’t want to hog Speak UP, so I will answer three of your questions:

    1. Aviation: we burn fossil fuels when we travel on air planes, and this contributes to global warming. One way to help cut emissions is to reduce air travel, but if people don’t limit themselves, I think stricter rules and higher prices are necessary.

    2. Batteries: current EVs use a variety of lithium ion technologies, and they continue to improve (e.g. smaller, lighter, more powerful). If they are no longer able to power a car, they can be repurposed as battery backup systems. The best news is that EV batteries can be recycled (95%) into new ones!

    3. Cost: we have been burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, natural gas) as our primary source of energy for over 100 years, and with this energy we changed the world. Most of us didn’t realize what we were doing was harmful, but now we know: climate change is our fault.

    If we want to leave our grandchildren a liveable planet we have to make some serious changes. We have eight years to cut our emissions in half. Let’s get started.

  14. Ray Vowels says

    I would like to reply to Oliver Klimek. All of everything you say can be done if there is enough money around to make it happen. The one thing I don’t see you saying is anything about the most polluting things on this planet and that is aircraft of any kind. Have you ever watched the jets taking off from pearson there is more pollutants from one of them than my car emits in a year and once they are up they still pollute and it’s already up in the atmosphere. When they were all grounded after 9/11 the astronomers reported seeing stars they had never seen before and they were only grounded three days imagine if they were grounded permanently. I’m old enough that I will never see most of the stuff your talking about being implemented But I hope for my Grandchildren’s health you are right.

  15. LaNor Lovegrove says

    Gentlemen,
    I have some questions maybe one of you could answer.

    1. The rockets that are flying through and beyond our atmosphere, what are they using for fuel. We should know because what we see now is just the beginning.

    2. Batteries, also a rapidly increasing product. What happens to them when their time is up. What will they contain…. I’ve heard lithium might be used, which I understand has been banned in some places because it can be toxic……and how will it be disposed of?

    3. What power source will be used to charge these many billions of batteries on a daily basis.

    4. How do they safely get rid of nuclear waste.

    5. Solar power seems like a good idea. Only, am I correct in thinking they will have to find a different way to capture the amount of power that will be required for use by the average person and businesses around the world?

    6. A huge question is …..cost. Wouldn’t over half the world be unable to
    afford these changes?

    7. This question is just out of curiosity. If I can point my cars remote control at my car and send the message through a cement block wall for it to start, I assume that all the messages of all the remote controls around the world…. Satellite messages to earth, plus… are traveling through my physical body and yours and our atmosphere. Could this also be making us and our beautiful earth sick?

    I won’t be around to see any of these changes but I have grandchildren and great grandchildren who will. So I would like a little knowledge of what might be.
    Sadly, I’m not very encouraged. I recall David Suzuki and several other environmentalists saying, THIRTY OR MORE years ago that if we didn’t change things now, it would be too late. I just pray we don’t create more problems than we correct.

    Thanks for letting me ramble on.

  16. Wendy Brown says

    Ok our family is trying to do as much as we can with the limited technology we can afford. Simple things like , sounds silly but use only 1 pound of hamburger in a pot of chili and bulk it up with beans, I use kidney, black, white and chicken Peas and no one notices a difference. We have a hybrid car and if the next door neighbours tree dies at some point we can have solar panels, we are looking currently for someone who wants to buy a black walnut tree, due to the fact it will cost alot to take it down its very large. Promise we will replace it with a more viable option. But we had to buy a gas furnace and we bought the most energy effient one we could, also a new not water heater. We would have gone with geothermal but like I said huge tree tons of huge roots. Also we are doing other little things like reinsulating. Basically what we can. The government needs to offer more rebates and incentives that would help getting people more inline with helping.

  17. Oliver Klimek says

    Bob, I agree that we need to consider the economic costs of our transition from fossil fuels. You mention Federal and Provincial revenues from fossil fuels. Can you be more specific about your concern?

  18. Oliver Klimek says

    Thank you Ray and Bob. You both identify some important issues. I would be happy to address all of your concerns, but let me begin with Ray.

    1. Electric Vehicles: Passenger EVs are already here. Rivian, Ford, Tesla and others are now producing electric pick up trucks. Amazon is converting its entire delivery fleet to electric vans. Lion makes electric school buses. Volta makes electric transport trucks. All current modes of transport can be electrified, it’s only a matter of time.

    2. Heat pumps: Air source heat pumps now work to -30C (e.g. Mitsubishi H2i). An air tight home with adequate insulation will be comfortable in any Muskoka conditions. If additional heat is required, radiant electric heat can be used as a backup.

    3. I suggested that people consider eating less meat as a way to decrease GHG emissions. I didn’t suggest we stop people from eating meat. People must choose.

    4. Plastics: We currently use oil to make plastic, and some plastics are very helpful, but we can reduce our dependence on oil by limiting packaging and single use plastics.

    Let’s stop burning fossil fuels in our cars and our homes (as soon as we can). We need to cut our emissions in half in 8 years. It can be done and it must be done.

  19. Ray Vowels says

    Oliver Klimek has some good ideas but I’m not sure how they could work. First we could drive EV cars but just how EV trucks would work. The big 18 wheelers run 24/7 and could not take the time to recharge and how about in winter in a bad snow storm when they run around the clock to keep us as safe as possible. I don’t know much about heat pumps but unless they have improved a lot they could not heat a home all winter spring and fall yes but at what cost, I just installed a new energy efficient propane furnace and water heater three years ago do i just throw them out. About eating less meat not sure you can ever get most people to go along with that. We have been meat eaters for to many generations to stop now. Even if we did all these things as soon as possible we would still need gas and oil just think of all the farm machinery plus all the other machines in manufacturing they all need to be greased and i would think EV cars would need some grease to keep running. And what about plastic just take a good look around your home and think if I got rid of everything in my house that is made of plastic just what would i have left my bet is not much. Most if not all your plumbing pipes are plastic now just for starters, I guess what I’m saying is we have to stop and think of a better solution than just saying stop all oil production with no alternative to go to.

  20. Bob Slater says

    Amazing how everyone wants to go green and eliminate fossil fuels! .. BUT ,, has anyone ever thought about .. how the fed and prov governments right across Canada are going to recover all the revenue $$$ that comes from fossil fuels? ie propane, natural gas, fuel .. both diesel and gasoline,.. etc etc. Time for a reality check and assessment of impact and consequences to EVERYONE in the country of eliminating fossil fuels. SJW’s and climate enthusiasts need to understand we all don’t ALL live in golden horseshoe and need these fuels to survive in our lifestyles north of the GTA!

  21. Oliver Klimek says

    LaNor, you’ve made some good suggestions but to cut our use of fossil fuels in half by 2030, Canadians must make significant changes in 3 important areas of life: transportation, buildings and food.

    1. Transportation: go EV (as soon as you can).
    2. Buildings: replace natural gas/wood heating with electric heat pumps (as soon as you can).
    3. Food: eat less meat and eat seasonal, local food (as far as this is possible).

    People who have the means should change now.
    People who have less should receive support to make the necessary change.

    All of this is possible; let’s start today!

  22. LaNor Lovegrove says

    Hi Oliver,

    For your first sentence to come to fruition, it would have to be ALL the governments and ALL the people of the world to cooperate. A miracle in my mind. But who knows, maybe someday.

    To try to contribute to better tomorrows I would suggest the average person, such as myself, revert back to what used to be as much as possible. Walk or ride your bike rather than drive your car every time you go anywhere. Cut down on how often you jump in that hot shower. Twice a week is considered healthier than once a day. Only one laundry day a week. Air dry instead of the dryer. Eliminate disposable diapers, disposable anything if possible. Have the governments stop the manufacturing of all plastics. I know I’m asking for a miracle but, as I said before, who knows. Take vacations that don’t require planes, ships or any fuel burning vehicles for long distances. Remember how quickly our air was becoming much cleaner during the Covid shutdowns. By the way, I’m wondering what kind of fuel is used to send the rockets into the atmosphere and beyond? Now that private people can send their own rocket up, there should be many more to come. Sort of like the first airplane. We know how far we have come in the last 100 yrs. What lies ahead for the next 50 yrs.? We have more knowledge but do we have more wisdom? Hmmmm.

    That’s just my humble opinion.

  23. Oliver Klimek says

    Hi LaNor! Your logic is sound and your comments are welcome.

    If governments and people cooperate, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable electricity is an achievable goal. Have you started to plan how you will reduce your emissions? If you want some tips, I would be happy to share some!

  24. LaNor Lovegrove says

    Oliver,
    I just hope IF our fossil fuels use will be cut in half in 8 yrs., that a replacement energy source such as solar, wind, etc. will be on the go so that as the other is faded out the new one can be there to take its place. Of course all of us will also have to be ready to receive the new power sources. New heating systems for our homes, all new reception for the replacement of electricity. New cars, electric or whatever. If they and we aren’t ready can you imagine the cost of oil, gas and electricity when there is only 50% of the usual amount available?

    I am not a scientist or an “in the know person” on these subjects. I feel that what I have just said is based on good, old fasion logic.

  25. Oliver Klimek says

    Our Prime Minister is currently in Glasgow, Scotland at a UN climate conference called COP26. He and other world leaders are there to negotiate ways to reduce global warming and limit climate change. The science and the goal is clear: we must reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 to keep global temperature rise to 1.5C.

    That means we have 8 years to cut our use of fossil fuels in half. That will be hard to do, but we CAN do it!

  26. Peter R. Dirks says

    By – Laws are becoming a joke . If a Town can not enforce a By- Law , it should not exist. The function of our Town is more and more run by By-Laws with no control . The list of all this is getting bigger and bigger.
    For example : Handicapt parking , Standing water, Tree removal, Dumped cars, ( just take a trip south on Bayle Road, ) . There are at least three places of visual dumps for cars, trucks and Machinery, not counting the stuff hidden in the bushes .
    If our Town wants to clean up , get on with the current By-Laws in place .

  27. David Wexler says

    Regarding your recent article on the removal of District trash bins from the community, this is a local catastrophe in the making. Waste disposal for rural properties and properties on private roads (often farm right-of-ways) adjacent to municipally maintained roads (where the trash bins are located), is a critical service. These owners pay substantial property taxes and receive virtually no service in return…no sewer hook-up; no curbside waste pick-up; no infrastructure/beautification investments. The trash bins and maintenance of the public roads are just about all that these residents receive, and in the absence of trash bins, garbage will most likely end up on a private forested lot somewhere as has happened in the past. For a District that cares about the environment, removal of the trash bins versus considering alternatives that allow for continued local storage and removal of waste is definitely a move in the wrong direction. How about lockable bins with key card access for locals or smart bins that accept only acceptable waste. Until the District figures out something better than simply removing trash bins and expecting residents to travel up to 40 minutes to centralized waste disposal sites (if so inclined), I encourage District and Town elected and employed representatives to halt further removal of trash bins. Please?

  28. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Earning Public Trust- a valuable asset for Huntsville business. Following public health and government mandates to protect the public makes good business sense. For example, if a Huntsville restaurant does not follow public health advice and government mandates for protocols, restricting numbers of patrons, checking vaccination status of guests, etc., then why should I trust that restaurant will also follow public health requirements for food safety preparation? It is a no-brainer, I won’t.
    Allow me to praise the Family Place restaurant, which has earned my public trust in all they have tried to do during COVID to follow public health and government mandates to protect the public. Thank you!

  29. Anna-Lise Kear says

    What I am grateful for: that the constitution may actually stop Jason Kenney and his nonsense!
    The National Post headline recently about Canada not working is laughable. Can you imagine it working as a republic, cue the USA, where it is not so impossible to imagine another civil uprising?
    It takes work to foster and grow this diverse Country, with its beautiful but varied geography and its both good/troubling history.
    The east-west concerns have been going on for hundreds of years -it takes work. Federalism takes work, this is nothing new. There will always be divisive issues to sort through. Perhaps JK’s recent salvos over the bow of the ship are meant to distract from his and his party’s very sad, very inadequate response to Covid pandemic for the people of Alberta. Perhaps. Thanks for reading.

  30. Rod jones says

    Why is the town not responsible for their workers when they miss checking the building code?And why does the home owner has to pay for the repair? The town is paid for the inspection when are building permit is bought and is expected to be do a good job not just sigh off the work

  31. Rod jones says

    So if I read this right the town is going to tell me I can’t clear my lot to build or cut some shade trees down that I want sun .I pay dam good taxes on lot and I should be able to cut trees but not clear cut like the town allowed them to to going up to lions lookout.

  32. Leonard Smith says

    Heads Up Rural Huntsville this new Community Planning Permit By-Law that the Town of Huntsville is preparing includes a new Tree Removal, vegetation removal and Site Alteration by-law requiring a permit on property over 0.5 hectares that is located in the New Natural Constraints precincts (no longer zones).
    I urge you to look over this, join in on their meeting October 27, 2021 at 6pm, ask questions, listen and voice your opinions to them. This could become a Tree Cutting by-law that will affect almost every landowner in Huntsville if passed.

  33. LaNor Lovegrove says

    Christmas is coming and Huntsville is looking forward to a display of decorated homes to welcome in the season for Old St. Nick and his crew. What fun and good cheer that will bring.

    I hear the pioneer village will be wonderfully lit up come November.
    I would like to suggest we light up the rest of Huntsville. After Santa and his helpers have gone back to the workshop, we all leave our lights on until the end of February or March.They do look delightful and will bring such joy. A much needed bright touch to our hearts during the dark, cold, winter months that lay ahead.

  34. george kitching says

    Question: Does anyone in Huntsville provide weekend international press/newspapers … looking for a supplier of Weekend Financial Times (of London) US edition (pink paper) published every Saturday? Please advise. Thanks.

  35. Chas Clark says

    November 11 is fast approaching and that is the day that we remember those brave Canadians that gave there lives in many conflicts and wars around the globe. Traditionally, on the 11th, Canadian flags are flown at half mast in recognition of their sacrifice and, on the 12th the flags are saluted and raised again. So what is going to happen this year? Our flags are continually at half mast due to our Teflon coated Prime Minister who shuffled off his responsibility to the First Nations as to when they considered the flags should be raised. Do we drop the flags to the bottom of the masts now? What should have happened is the flags should have been lowered to mark the Truth and Reconciliation Day and then raised to full mast the next day. We know how much he thought of that day as he disappeared on vacation. To hell with this ridiculous situation Huntsville, please raise all our proud Canadian flags to full mast tomorrow so we can give the proper honors to November 11th, then after Remembrance Day raise our flags again and leave then there.

  36. Allen Markle says

    John MacDonald. I grew up on Brunel Rd. Back in the day, there was little traffic and no Iron Man. Although I think this is a great event for the town, I also firmly believe, that aggravating the same portion of the population, year after year is a bit much. Like knowing you are going to have a toothache; the date is posted and you can’t escape. It’s annual and inevitable. Damn!
    We had moved before the Iron Man started, but I know it would not have set well with me.
    I did take the time once to go and see the intended course routes, talk to some of the old neighbors and exchange some opinions. There was no flexibility displayed in the layout as presented and it seemed that concerns voiced were dismissed as an inconvenience and the exercise altered nothing.
    If Huntsville is such a great site, and it seems to be, why does it seem the Trisport organization is so averse to any move from Brunel Rd?
    Could they not lay out a few different routes, alter them annually, and refrain from agitating the same people year after year?
    There must be someone capable of doing that. I hope.

  37. Anna-Lise Kear says

    DF is flapping his divisive rhetoric again. Watch and learn from DF’s populism, division, as he and his party decide who we should distain, and how we should categorize people, immigrants. One would think he was coaching his high school football team to puff them up for a good play on the field.
    He sees himself as someone who knows how to work, and dislikes those who in his view, do not measure up to the task. (guess what, my father too was an immigrant and worked hard, glad to become a Canadian citizen, and appreciative of all he had).
    Just remember, DF is limited and predictable in his rhetoric. If during this next provincial election, you find yourself becoming extra angry from one of his speeches/commercials – take a breath, he has studied with the GOP in the US to use populism to best advantage. (I hope never again to hear phrases such as “lock her up” or “the elites” or “buck-a-beer”).
    Populism is emotional abuse of the electorate, antecedent to civil war when it goes too far- just look south.
    Don’t be taken in by his anger – his anger does not have to become yours, he wants his team players “riled up”.
    Thank you for reading.

  38. Ray Vowels says

    Rod I just told you what option I had not what you should do. I don’t know who your builder was but thats the one that should be paying . I know there are a few shoddy builders around like there always has been. I have been out of the business for over thirty years so don’t know any of them now. I would be sure to not give whoever it was a good review .

  39. Rod jones says

    To Ray Vowels so you are saying just fix your own problems even if the town has signed it was ok. The town signed off on our place but we found out not enough insulation it was to be r50 but we only got r32 but the town signed off that it was ok It cost us 12,500 dollars and you say sue the town which cost more money.So if the town won’t pay for their mistakes WHY do we need building inspectors save money get rid of them they aren’t doing their job anyway

  40. Ray Vowels says

    To Rod Jones I’m not sure I bought a new home a few years ago and about a year after I moved in I found out that the in floor heating system was not up to code. I went after the builder who would not do anything so I went to the town building department they admitted that they missed it but about the only course of action I could take was to sue the town. What I ended up doing was install a circulater on the system that brought it up to code cost me $3500.00 but was cheaper than suing the town, I’m not sure just how bad your problem is or what the cost would be to fix it. If it’s a new build you could try the outfit that warrants all new buildings can’t think of the name off hand they would do nothing for me they said it had to be structural or a health hazard but might be worth a try. Sorry I’m not much help I do feel for you and know what your up against.

  41. Rod jones says

    Ok Ray Vowels so what happens if he inspector sign off on a house but latter found out it wasn’t brought up to code? Then what happens who pays to bring it to code the town as the inspector works for the town or the poor home owner who trusted the town,is he stuck?

  42. Ray Vowels says

    Years ago the building inspectors did not do much but take a close look and if everything looked fine that was it . I think now the inspectors take a lot closer look to make sure the structure is built to code and if not they can and sometime do issue a stop work order. I think they are a lot better trained now and have to know the building code or they wont get a job with any town or twp. that I know of. Every once in awhile they can maybe miss something but that is part of being human.

  43. Rod jones says

    Can someone tell me what the building inspector do,do they check the building from top to bottom or take the word of the builder? If takes the case we don’t need them.

  44. Howard Bargman says

    Ray Vowels wants some answers:

    People with symptoms are tested irrespective of their vaccination status because 20-30% of the positive tests occur in fully vaccinated people. This is important for the person and the community to know since they may need to take precautions and contact tracing may be important.

    The information concerning vaccination status and hospitalizations are posted daily on many sites: I check the 680 News and CP24 apps daily.

    Howard Bargman MD

  45. Ray Vowels says

    I wonder just where all this talk about getting vaccinated is going to end up in a few more months or years. The latest report of test cases in Ont show around 37000 tests and out of that 573 tested positive with 58% being unvaccinated or there status being unknown. 33% were fully vaccinated that number is up in the last week from 23% so what will it be in a couple more weeks. What I wonder about is two things why are they even testing people who have been double vaccinated for one and why are they not reporting how many of the double vaccinated people testing positive are winding up in hospital or maybe ICU these are the figures I would like to see.

  46. Betty Rimmington says

    Looking up main street from the bridge it looks like No Parking on main street at all, if this is so, I, and I would think a number of other seniors, will not be shopping downtown, my walking ability is limited and with no place to park close to the stores it would be impossible to even think of trying to shop there, and I would think there are a large number here in town with the same problem.
    Others have made the comment that Huntsville will become a beautiful ghost town.

  47. JOHN WYDRA says

    I’ve noticed in he last month or so a couple of big half ton trucks that seem to think its quite amusing to blow their black toxic exhuast onto the streets of Huntsville. Its annoying, ugly and stupid. I had the privlegeof driving through one of their clouds and didn’t get my windows up in time. Damn near choked. I felt sorry for the cyclist and pedestrians in the area who had go through this cloud of toxic fumes. COMMON BOYS,GET A BRAIN. These exhaust fumes are hazardous to the people that are exposed to them, let alone the ecological damage to our threatened earth.

  48. Allen Markle says

    A pox on potholes!
    On hwy. 11 North, near where the ‘Rock’ once stood, there was a ravine that stretched across the highway, from one side to the other, leaving no way around. After every crossing of that “damn spot” it was necessary to check that my cap, glasses, testicles and cell phone were still in, or returned to, their assigned positions. A few days ago a road crew dumped some material in it, in the dark of night. It is a bit better, with a couple of smaller bumps replacing the one big jolt; however, it’s still prudent to check that everything has arrived safely on the other side.
    Then I had occasion to drive past the Edmonds auto dealership and noted that an extra lane of pavement had been added there. I drove over this and there was no bump! I went back around and confirmed that it was so. So smooth!
    To the crew who did this, my heartfelt “Excellent job.”
    Please establish a training school and show others how to do this kind of word. Lord knows there are enough spots in our town for the trainees to practice.
    Thanks.

  49. Em Arde says

    Re: Vaccine Passports — Except for groceries, medicine and medical visits, since the pandemic began I have eschewed any and all indoor contact with anyone except my spouse in our own home. So I won’t be needing a vaccine passport any time soon. If it is someplace where I need to provide proof of my vaccination, then it is someplace I don’t yet want to visit, anyway.

  50. Brian Tapley says

    Back just after the dinosaurs, when I was in school I seem to remember something about the protocol for flying flags at half mast.
    I took this to be a practice used to sort of pay respects to “important people” who had died recently. Nowadays it is harder and harder to determine who an “important person” actually might be but we have had our flags at half mast for most of the summer.

    There must be a time limit is there not? If there is no time limit and if everyone is important (sort of a given) then we might save some money by building flag poles half as tall to start with.

    If we fly the flags at half mast for a host of people who died years ago, then what is the procedure if an important person dies today? Would we take the flag down completely, maybe just wrap it around the base of the flag pole?

    Does anyone know what is the protocol here? There should be one and we should be following it.

  51. Rod jones says

    If checking handicap parking spots for people who don’t have a handicap sticker or card is the towns bylaws office where are they you never see them,we pay big taxes in this town maybe the bylaw officer should leave his desk and check the parking lots in town,look at all the money the town will make

  52. jerry paris says

    There have been comments about the lack of parking at the old theatre site on main street west, where a church, a restaurant. and 14 housing units, with only 4 parking spaces available for all development. Parking is short in town, and is to be shorter when main street up the hill from Brunel is reopened. The new curbing now in place takes out a number of former spots both east and west bound. Where are you supposed to park when you come in to shop or eat? Even more of a problem for those with reduced mobility.

    Some wonder why people use the Walmart and other stores of similar type outside of town. Brobably only 20 percent of Huntsville live in town..

  53. Allen Markle says

    Mr. Rod Jones: Who indeed! By its’ own admission our town council realises that by- law enforcement is somewhat (?) lacking.( see Aug. 25, 2021 entry on Doppler) It seems to be a sporadic sort of ‘peek-a-boo surveillance’ and the ‘fink’ system. If you have laws and by-laws, they are meaningless without enforcement. Is our by-law enforcement underemployed or undermanned, or both?
    The OPP command the streets and highways but who paroles private parking lots like those you mention? By-law? Most people I think will adhere to the regulations, but without anyone checking, there are those who will break the laws.
    Signaling, stoplights and signs, speeding: they are laws meant for the ‘general public’, but for some they are little more than suggestions and certainly not for them ‘specifically’.
    As for your query about handicap parking cards, would it surprise you if someone told you that there are cards in vehicle windows, issued years ago and for some persons long since deceased, still being used
    today.
    Sometimes it’s tough to find a place to park in our town, even in the handicap zones and even for legitimate users. But hang tough man, at $3000.00 a pop for in-lieu parking we should have lots of empty spaces…someday.

  54. Ray Vowels says

    To Rod Jones It’s the town of Huntsville bylaw department that is supposed to enforce the disabled parking spots. Good luck at ever seeing on around. I think in about 20 years I’ve seen one at the mall not checking parking just driving around LOL. My pet beef is people leaving sopping carts in the disabled spots to lazy to push them another twenty feet . I would like to see all store do like Price Choppers and charge 25 cents each for them then watch people take them back.

  55. Rod jones says

    Who gives out tickets to people who park in handicap parking that don’t have a parking card or plate on the car. People park in handicap spots at Walmart all food stores Canadian tire , Home Depot,liquor store etc is it he store or the police?

  56. gerry lannan says

    to Brenda Begg
    The manager said he had no idea if the staff were vaxxed or not & he couldn’t ask them
    Gerry

  57. Brenda Begg says

    To Gerry Lannan: I agree. Exactly, what’s wrong with this picture? I’m fine with providing proof of vaccination (POV) to restaurant staff but, staff don’t have to be vaccinated? Or, am I wrong? Do they? If we have to provide POV to gain entrance to restaurants, gyms, concerts etc. the staff needs to also be fully vaccinated. Moreover, I’d like to see hair salons included in this mandate.
    There’s a disconnect here.

  58. gerry lannan says

    I just spent some time at Tim Horton’s; We all had to show proof of full vaccination for covid 19 to the manager; but apparently the staff is not required to show proof; what’s wrong with this picture..

  59. Kelly Zytaruk says

    Was anyone else plagued this weekend by boat after boat of inconsiderate bass fishermen?

    As I sat on the dock these fisherman would troll a mere 5 -10 feet off the end of my dock and cast into our shoreline and swimming area. At one point in time as I looked along the shoreline I could see 5 boats traversing the same shoreline about 100m apart.

    One fisherman while trying to cast under our dock dropped his lure about 3 feet away from me in the water while I was sitting on the dock. If there was any error in his technique it could have easily hit me.

    On another occasion a fisherman bounced his lure off my seadoo as it was parked at the dock.

    While my son was out kayaking along the shoreline another fisherman cast directly over his head. Is this acceptable behavior for the sole purpose of catching a fish?

    The last thing that I need is some inconsiderate fisherman to snag his hook in my swimming area leaving a sharp swimming hazard behind.

    While this is all fine and wonderful for the tourism industry (which is currently hurting) is there any consideration given to cottage owners trying to enjoy their waterfront. I understand that I don’t own the water but seriously, isn’t fishing 5 feet off the end of my dock a little intrusive and disturbing? Its just downright rude and inconsiderate.

    Can we not adopt a distance regulation to keep a little privacy and safety?

  60. Jacquie Howell says

    Question re COVID -19
    How can we know small businesses staff are vaccinated? Especially personal service staff, gyms, restaurants etc, where I will willing show proof of vaccinations but I do not know about their staff
    Perhaps the stores could post their status??? Oh I know some might cheat but it would just add to their guilt if someone become sick
    Just asking

  61. Lesley Hastie says

    This is the climate action election.

    Why? Because according to Dr. Mark Carney, former governor of the banks of England and Canada, in his book ‘Value(s)’, published this year, if we wait four more years to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions they will then have to be reduced by 50 per cent every year in order to keep global heating to 1.5C.

    And why does it matter?

    Dr. Diane Saxe, previous Ontario environmental commissioner and environmental and climate lawyer, says if heating is more than this 1.5C, then in their lifetime our grandchildren will see the end of human civilization as we know it.

    So, vote climate!

  62. Em Arde says

    Child-free by choice, I am tired of being told I need to change my ways and sacrifice in order to save the planet for future generations. If you chose to have kids who chose to have kids, and so on, then it’s all on you if you think your children, grandchildren and beyond face an uncertain future.

    The level of selfishness and self-importance one must have to procreate for their own short-term self-gratification, with complete disregard for whatever difficulties and struggles the future may hold long-term for those they force into existence, never ceases to amaze me.

  63. Paul Kuebler says

    Why I am voting for the Green Party of Canada and Marc Mantha,
    Parry Sound-Muskoka (PSM) needs REAL representation in Ottawa, not the same old, same old. We need to be a part of the Green Industrial Revolution, by supporting and developing industry right here, on sites already available from industries lost to previous government actions or inaction.

    We need to stop the one step forward, two steps back political tug of war, that Conservatives and Liberals love, by starting and killing each others projects, costing taxpayers Billions if not Trillions of dollars. All the while collecting their overpriced salaries and pensions.

    The Green Party of Canada (and Ontario) recognize the planet is in trouble, and recognize the Opportunity being handed us, in being a PART of the transition away from fossil fuels. By turning the $1,000 every man, women and child gives to the fossil industry EACH year toward the development of our own Green Energy Revolution, we will be come Leaders, rather than slaves to this changing world.

    In all, I just want a Canada that has a job for my Grandchildren in a world where they can afford a home and raise a family in an Environment that is livable, with clean air, water and food.

    That is why I am voting for Marc Mantha and the Green Party of Canada
    Paul Kuebler
    Port Sydney

  64. Marcia Yale says

    Customer Service takes a holiday

    I have been living in Huntsville for twelve years. Before me, my late husband lived here since 1986. Therefore, there have been guide dogs in this town for approximately 35 years. In fact, I have always told my friends that Huntsville is the most guide dog friendly town I’ve ever visited. However, last Thursday, I finally ran into a guide dog unfriendly restauranteur–at Marigold. My friend and I wanted to check out the new Mexican influences–we both had eaten at Marigold and loved their Indian food, so what could be wrong with adding Mexican? There was never a problem with bringing my guide dog in the past. When we got there, no one greeted us at first–we couldn’t figure out if they were open for dine-in or not, and their website hadn’t been clear. We called out to the empty room and finally a man came out and told us we couldn’t stay because of my guide dog. We both explained to him that it was against the law to refuse access to a guide dog, but he didn’t seem to know the law and insisted we had to leave. We then asked if they were even offering dine-in service and were told no, only take-out. I hope he learned about the laws of this province since then, and how to treat customers with respect, or the Mexican influences won’t get any farther than the kitchen.

  65. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Kathryn Henderson: Do average, licensed, responsible gun owners own and use military style assault weapons? Likely not, not to worry. That does not mean dangerous contraband should go ignored -either for the buyer or seller, because these weapons seem to cause considerable damage for criminals and non-criminals alike.
    PS. I am not a card carrying member for any political party and have not donated money to any party this election year.
    1] So when a leader cannot express clearly the party position on assault weaponry, I am concerned.
    2] And when leaders (of any stripe) fail to adequately protect a majority of Canadians, including health care professionals, during a pandemic, it needs to be called out. My definition of “adequate” may be from a higher standard of care to be found along with those very same health care professionals serving the public health and public good by their work in communities.
    3] When a party is supported by individuals who deny climate change and the responsibility to Act, a light needs to shine on that reality.
    Your comment has been helpful, thank you.

  66. George Gilley says

    Some people would like to see Maxine Bernier become the leader of the Conservative party so that their continued criticism of the party might mean something
    Sorry to tell you that this will never happen
    The leader of the pack in criticizing his opposition is no other than Trudeau Jr
    During my many successful years in business it became obvious that if the only way you could try to sell your product was by bad mouthing your compitors’ then you did not have a product worth selling
    Does this remind you of someone

  67. David Wexler says

    A question for this newsletter. Do you allow posters to this letters page postulate for or against political parties and candidates? Just curious as recently, this seems to be the orientation of the posts. Thanks

  68. Kathryn Henderson says

    I love it when government and people talk about getting guns Off people using the scare tactic of saying assault weapons. Crime is up in the criminal circle. Higher now since Trudeau has been in office. The criminals are smuggling in assault rifles from the states. Let’s quit scaring people by insinuating that the average gun owner has assault weapons. DONT take the NEWS BY ITS SELF. INVESTIGATE YOURSELF INSTEAD OF JOINING THE MANY SCARED PEOPLE THAT LISTEN TO THE LEFT SIDED BIASED NEWS.

  69. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Warning, election stuff:
    Once again I read in Conservative media reference to the appearance of another politician. Seriously, get over such shallow examination of leaders running for office. It becomes very difficult not to believe that the Conservatives are a bunch of “Suits”, when appearance is top of their list for insult (this seems a go-to place for Conservative media, perhaps when they run out of something substantial to say).

    The platform and performance of federal and provincial Conservatives is one which does not keep Canadians and Canadian society safe. Examples at issue, COVID-19, climate change, and gun laws which do not strongly support abolishment of assault weapons.

    ‘Uniting the right’ has come back to bite with the tendency towards the wild west! Individualism (think the Marlboro cigarettes cowboy) is king! Look where that has got the US. We need to think about our communities and collective citizens (not the least of which are health care professionals).
    Can’t help to wonder if Maxine Bernier will take over the Conservative party leadership in Canada = then the mantra will become “everyone for him/herself”, forget about your neighbour. Thanks for reading.

  71. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Ray Vowels; you make a good point. Vaccines and passports are helpful and a decent measure, but they are not by themselves enough to keep us from possible infection by the Delta variant. In the case you describe, continuing to follow public health safety guidelines (e.g. mask wearing, distancing) must continue.
    It is false to assume we are out of the COVID woods with vaccines and passports – however, we are moving in the right direction, albeit very slowly.

  72. Patricia Snell says

    While driving up highway 11 North and passing over the Vernon narrows I looked over to my right and saw two personal watercraft racing! How is it possible that they can do this on our waterways? Are the street racers moving to the waterways because they can’t be caught easily? This is so unsafe for the rest of the people that may paddle board, canoe, kayak or swim!

  73. Ray Vowels says

    With 50 or 100 cases of people that are double vaccinated testing positive almost every day a vaccine passport means very little to me. Someone posted it would allow him to go to different places without worrying about a non vaccinated person being there. I would worry more about a vaccinated person being there and being a carrier. Just my opinion

  75. Terry McCaffery says

    I just heard on the news that the province of Quebec will begin issuing Covid-19 passports next month. Ontario should do the same as soon as possible! If people choose not to be vaccinated, that is their choice. But those of us who are vaccinated should be allowed to enter restaurants, theatres and concert venues with the knowledge that all those who enter are vaccinated and that we are safe in doing so! This will aid in preventing the spread of the virus through the community! Covid-19 is not going to go away anytime soon…it will continue to mutate from what I have read. The American CDC which Canada follows for guidelines, is advocating a booster shot for those who are already vaccinated! Those who decide not to get vaccinated should reconsider their decision as the vaccine limits the transmission of the virus and protects family and friends!

  76. Kathryn Henderson says

    It’s easy to judge when you just listen to the news Trudeau puts out which pushes the vaccine. I have investigated and know some bio chemists and made my decision on the information I gathered. To say I’m not entitled to free choice is un Canadian. I am not a threat to anyone. I don’t judge you. Your entitled to your opinion. Keep safe I won’t be responding again. I’m not interested in an argument.

  77. Allen markle says

    Bonnie Branton: Approved Unanimously!!! As if you couldn’t be any more surprised.

  78. Bonnie Branton says

    ‘Approved’! WHAT??

    Re: The former Cinema building on Huntsville’s Main Street.
    How many cars will need parking to attend the proposed Temple, 14 Apartments and a Tourist Attraction??

    These Developers are probably as shocked at their approval as most of us.
    NO REQUEST that they provide UNDERGROUND PARKING or a Parking Facility to address that much density!!

    Town of Huntsville-
    You have created a future social disaster and polarization- so many people, aged, disabled & otherwise unable to simply find a place to park by the Post Office, Pharmacy, Doctor & Dentists offices- all in that immediate area.

    We need professional management.
    Is ANYBODY Minding the Store’?

  79. Wendy J Brown says

    Bring on the vaccine passports, the people who say no obviously don’t remember getting shots in public school. And we had vaccination cards then we just didn’t normally see them. As for the vaccine being untried you kind of have a choice of living or dieing because alot of younger people are dieing unvaccinated now

  80. Norma Stahls says

    Kathryn I believe passports should be issued for they are required in many countries if you wish to travel at all. I hope businesses request this information for the safety of everyone. I for one do not wish to be around unvaccinated how else would I know if proof was not required. Vaccines I know are not one hundred percent but it gives protection from getting severely ill in most cases.
    Support our community by wearing a mask and please get vaccinated for the higher the number fully vaccined the sooner we can get back to a more normal life which I know we all long for. Thanks to all the medical professionals and all who have worked during these difficult time
    Norma

  81. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Unfortunately, Ms. Henderson, there will always be folks who deceive any authority if they do not want to follow measures for public safety. I am suggesting that not having a vaccine passport (showing proof of vaccination) might be equivalent to folks driving without a license or car insurance, or perhaps not wearing a seatbelt. Today, seatbelts are a no-brainer.
    The public safety is not just about an individual, but about the public -others around them.
    What do you think?
    PS the issue of wearing seatbelts was thought to divide the country. This issue is no different.

  82. Kathryn Henderson says

    I think having vaccine passports will divide the country. If you have had the vaccine you should be safe from catching the covid or what was the point of getting it. A passport should not be required.

  83. Stan Dronseika says

    God Bless you Mr. Paris…… my concern exactly. Thank you for bringing this matter to the surface. I think getting this done would be a perfect election promise. This man, no matter the party, would get my vote, and I think of myself as a pretty average voter.

  84. Rod jones says

    Can someone please tell me why they fill in the hole at the corner of main st. at least 3times and then dig it up again it just doesn’t make sense why not leave the hole open till all the work is done a waste of time and money

  85. jerry paris says

    Hugh, about a week or more ago I called the premiers office concerning vaccine certificates for Ontario people.

    The feds do not have our pictures on file, or our vaccine times and dates. I wanted to know why I can not go to my service ontario and acquire a card similar to my health card, pay a small fee and walk out with a card for my wallet or pocket and since it has a picture of me, know one can copy it like the two pieces of paper I now have.
    The lady that I talked to was going in to a meeting and would pass on my idea.

  86. Ray Vowels says

    It’s too bad Frances Botham but this has been going on in Huntsville since back in the 60;s. But if you want the town to grow this is the cost you pay. I’m not sure if you were born and raised here but any town that does not grow will stagnate and die, It’s to bad but that is the way it is. In 1956 I went to Burlington to work back then we shopped on the main street just like we did here back then Not sure if you have been down there or know anyone from there. The same change is going on here just not as fast. We just have to get used to it or move it’s that simple.

  87. Frances Botham says

    There has been a lot of dissension expressed over the desecration of the land in the area of the building previously known as the Waterloo Centre. If you want to see major desecration of land you should take a drive up Hwy 11B N and turn onto Woodstream Drive. If the total removal of trees and all vegetation and boulders and complexion of the landscape is okay, well then I am sickened at Huntsville/Muskoka planning strategy. I wonder if most of us have been sleeping while this travesty has roared on? Maybe it’s time to wake up and express dissent. If this continues at its present speed throughout Huntsville, in the guise of the economy and ‘progress’, we are doomed to development that looks like a big city subdivision and appears to be planned the same way. Bring on the cookie cutter housing, the toy nursery trees and the cute boxed plants. This seems to now be the norm. If that is deemed good planning, in this new environment where ridiculous setbacks, height revisions, facade requirements, and all the other revisions are seldom turned down, then we are doomed to lose our beautiful unique Muskoka. The big yellow taxi has arrived!

  88. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Good morning, the E O’Toole’s announcement that he and his party will not require civil servants to be vaccinated for COVID 19 – This has “sealed the deal” for me in not voting for the Conservative party of Canada.
    As a retired nurse, having worked locally in public health, this is such a backward, reckless, anti-science position. Thank you for reading.

  89. jerry paris says

    Perhaps the town planner who says everything at the old theatre sight is within walking distance should be given two bags of food at the independent and watched as he walks to the building site.
    There is way too few parking sites in the centre of town, to take up a dozen more for one down town building is ridiculous.

  90. Marilyn Martin says

    Our neighbourhood is grieving. We have lost a much cherished bush. With respect to its ownership, it is commercial property and according to Mobile Marine, it’s been rated so since the sixties.
    Since the mature trees were removed, we have lost privacy, a sound barrier, and any sense of sanctuary we once enjoyed.
    In light of the pending policy for tree removal, one might anticipate an urgent clearing of this property for fear of objection. Mobile Marine had every right to do what they did in the purpose of business. What is objectionable, is the character revealed.
    This was a mature bush. Many of us had been led to believe it was protected, greenspace or wetland.
    Never did we think it would be cleared as it was. There was absolutely no communication with bordering properties and with initial inquiry, they were going to clear to property limits. A verbal request for a small buffer was declined. There was no room for discussion. Mobile Marine needs more space for boat storage and this was their answer.
    They said they didn’t want a fight. Understandable.
    What we as neighbours would have preferred, communication; an understanding of their plan, where and when the bush would be removed and an explanation of why. Common consideration of neighbours.
    Yes, Huntsville needs a policy on tree removal, but more, we need respect for each other. That, is a character trait we instill in children and really, a business with good repute, should have as part of their mission statement. We do wish this business continued success but more, improved respect in how they treat others. All the best Mobile Marine, you have work to do.

  91. Kathryn Henderson says

    Chuck muir you are absolutely right about parking spaces. There is not enough parking available now.

  92. Chuck Muir says

    With the additional 14 apartments, a place of worship and a restaurant being added to the downtown area and a very limited number of parking spaces. I believe our town council is looking through rose coloured glasses to think parking problems won’t be an issue!
    Thank you
    Chuck Muir

  93. Ray Vowels says

    It’s so great to read Margaret Griggs post about the people that helped her out after a fall. Far to often we only hear the bad things about people and how they only think of themselves. Also it was great to read about the staff at Huntsville hospital It’s about time I know from experience just how great these nurses and doctors are. I’ve been there myself a few times and they are always super. My wife will tell you the same thing even in these hard times for medical workers.

  94. Susan Chinnery says

    I buy tickets for the RVH monthly draws for the neonatal wing, I buy Princess Margaret tickets to help that hospital out.
    I would certainly buy tickets if the Huntsville Hospital would have draws or a lottery to raise money for our local hospital.
    I am wondering why they don’t do this………………
    They are all on a website, secure and easy to buy.
    Thanks and hopefully Huntsville can get on board!!!!

  95. Margaret Grigg says

    Yesterdsy, Aug. 7, I took a tumble on the sidewalk across from Port Sydney Beach and
    discovered that this community is full of wonderful, caring people. I want to thank you all for your concern and caring. Especially Steph, I do not know your last name, but you were there beside me and stayed until the ambulance arrived. Then you cared for my husband. Low and behold when we arrived home 9 hours later you had left a bouquet of sunflowers at our door. How exceptional is that. Thank you, thank you Steph. who lives in Utterson. Just to let you know I did break my wrist and nose, and my face is a sight to behold. If you wish, drop in so we can thank you in person. I also must mention how great the staff is at Huntsvile Hospital, they were rushed off their feet but still so kind and caring as were the paramedics.

  96. Howard Bargman says

    On July 14/21, I wrote a letter to warn others that I hit rocks under the bridge. By 0800 the next morning, 2 people reached out to me to tell me their rock story. I now have the names of 8 people who have hit these rocks.

    A common thread for them, and me ( at first), is that they reached out to the town and their councillors, and were met with abject apathy.

    In spite of one readers incredulity as to our inept boat driving, we all seem to be seasoned boaters.

    I have been advised that marker buoys will be deployed and the middle boat way will be opened in a timely fashion.

    BE CAREFUL!

  97. Allen Markle says

    At about 7:30 this morning, on Old Muskoka Rd., I found a vehicle’s gas tank lying on the pavement, leaking fuel. I moved it to the verge, but I am curious.
    To the driver: you must have noticed by now that it is gone! How fast were you going? How far did you get?
    There could be a story in this!

  98. Anna-Lise Kear says

    CBC news, “Stephen Harper says Canada’s pandemic spending has been ‘overkill’…”
    SH and DF both have lived in Etobicoke. Likewise, if both have the same understanding of science, medicine, and public health, can you imagine who would have been at the receiving end of those “tough decisions”?

    One sector who would Not have suffered is corporate welfare executives or known developers.
    We now know that between wave one and two of the pandemic, DF solidified government, taxpayer contracts to large for-profit LTC homes so they could renovate. After all, we know the only reason for-profits performed so poorly in the care of our elderly citizens was not enough single rooms (read with sarcasm here)! Rob and Doug’s phrase “gravy train” comes to mind when taxpayer money is used to reward large for-profit LTC owners/managers for their poor health service outcomes.

  99. Nancy Long says

    I’m following up on the comment about Etwell Road, also know as District Road #45. I have talked to several people about this road and have been reassured that it is on the list to be fixed. Three weeks ago, I was told next week. Last week, when I inquired, I was told sometime this year. Oh my goodness. We actually have to leave the road and drive in the ditch at one point to have save passage on this road. It is truly terrible. I’m sorry to hear that a cyclist was injured. One of my comments to the district staff was that there will be an accident.

  100. Ray Vowels says

    I sure agree with Mr. Lehman and have no idea just what is getting into people theses days. As I was walking out of our Independent store yesterday I had a young man rush past me I walk a bit slow because I’m 81 and had a stroke a few years ago so walking is not a strong point. If this guy had hit me you know where i would have ended up. Then as I was walking to my car a lady came awfully close to hitting me as she was pulling out of the parking lot. One thing for sure that will be the last time I go into town after 8 am for a long time or at least until summer is over, Never saw so many people with the. I’m the most important person in this world Attitude and look out for me because I’ll not look out for you. And they wonder why we wish they would just stay home.

  101. Alycia Bullock says

    @Steve Lehman

    Hi Steve! Just read your comment below and was left with a sick feeling.
    Are you able to tell us what store in town? We have a sweet young gentleman that worked Monday and are hoping this situation wasn’t involving him.
    My husband’s email is mon02719@loblaw.ca
    Thanks!

  102. Steve Lehman says

    Bad Manners
    An expression I have often heard voiced by many meteorologists is that nature loves a balance. Assuming there is truth to it, other than just popular perception, then perhaps this would help explain the total lack of civility being on display around Huntsville this summer.
    A year and a half ago, as the pandemic was making itself known, it actually seemed that the world was a nicer place. We were realizing that we were all in this predicament together and had better unite against a common enemy. Fast forward to the present and the pendulum has now swung to the other extreme. Traffic infractions are incalculable, customer rudeness to service staff is endemic and the me-first-at-all-costs attitude in many social interactions is pervasive. While I have had many anectodal experiences relayed to me second hand, yesterday I witnessed an example that I felt was beyond the pale.
    As I sat outside a local grocery store, a car came to a stop on top of the no-parking pavement markings by the ramp leading up to the entrance doors. While technically illegal, I am sure many of us have done this so that our passenger can begin shopping while we go park the car. Not a big deal. This passenger, however, proceeded to go to the back of the car after the driver had shut it off, lift the tailgate and start rummaging around for who knows what or for how long. Again, somewhat rude but not unexpected these days. No parking indicators are only meant for other people.
    Unfortunately for everyone involved, at this point in time a cart person was returning carts into the store and this car was directly in their path. As he got, admittedly, dangerously close to the inconveniently parked car the woman suddenly stepped out from behind the vehicle and, I quote, asked him; ‘Are you stupid?’
    Now, ordinarily, I would not have troubled myself to intervene on behalf of the young cart person but for anyone who was not so self absorbed as this woman, the syndrome-unique facial features of this hapless teenager did indeed indicate that, while he was not stupid, he did have certain challenges that the majority of us do not have to contend with every waking moment of our lives so, with my sense of indignation welling up inside, I got involved.
    Now, without going into detail, after the husband angrily got out of the car, cane in hand, to slowly shuffle to his wife’s defense, things could have gone south very quickly. As they began, in offensively loud voices, to list their own myriad disabilities as their reason for ignoring parking protocols, however, their sense of white, senior entitlement was so pathetically obvious that I started to laugh. I couldn’t help it. The absurdity of them using, in their words, their ‘legally defined disabilities’ as an excuse to be rude and discourteous to someone who didn’t need a doctors certificate to certify his situation was so ridiculous that I just had to walk away, fervently hoping for a quick return of the day when the pendulum swings back to the midpoint of civilized normalcy.

  103. Mildred Tanzini says

    It is an accident about to happen. That is what we keep saying about the horrendous conditions on Etwell Road. Well we don’t have to wait any longer. Driving on this road on Sunday to our horror we came upon a person laying in the middle of the road face down! This unsuspecting cyclist had hit a pothole, flew over her handlebars and skidded about 30 feet on the pavement. The ambulance arrived quickly and transported her to Huntsville Hospital. What is it going to take before action is taken to resurface this road?

  104. Allen Markle says

    This comment may be soul self serving, but please indulge me.
    Many years ago, Mrs. Young our music teacher at the new Locks school (Riverside) took four youthful singers and made a little quartet of us. She gave us some music and taught us how to sing in harmony. People heard us and thought we were pretty good. We had egos our knees could hardly carry; until she took us into Huntsville!
    I grew up on Brunel road and town was a long way off. But Mrs, Young took us to Huntsville where we sang in churches and for service clubs. She really shopped us around.
    For me it was a bit intimidating, but tucked in beside Eric (Eric Bionda) who was older and bigger, it seemed okay. Writing some stuff down recently, I was stuck trying to think of the names of the other two singers in the group and was attempting to contact Eric to see if he might recall who they were.
    But a couple of days ago I received a call telling me that Eric had passed away. The day before.
    Eric, if the group you are part of now didn’t know they needed that big rich baritone voice, I am sure you have made them aware.
    And maybe you can stand beside some little kid. Kinda boost his or her confidence.

  105. jerry paris says

    Doug ford has said that he will not issue any photo card with a picture and vaccine information even though he has the required info to do such. Ford says wait for Justin to get his act together,

    For those that want to plan to travel or even go in to concerts or businesses are told to sit back and wait, Ottawa does not have the required info on hand.

    Does anyone have knowledge of when this might occur?

  106. Rod jones says

    Just wondering why the legion in Huntsville is still closed as we are in stage 3 for covid and can open indoors for seating ? I know we get grants from the government to pay bills but the legion was built for the vets and the community as we are a nonprofit organization we are here to service the people and help charities by holding Saturday meatdraws,Tuesday suppers,50/50 draws etc. Just wondering why its still closed.

  107. Nadine Gingrich says

    I would like to present another side of the ” beaver dam controversy.” It is not about money but about human lives and safety. A neighbour was just getting back from her morning walk when the dam burst with no warning. A minute later and she would have been swept away, along with the uprooted mature trees and large boulders that ended up in the Big East River. The road wasn’t just “damaged”: a large chunk of it was completely gone, leaving many of us stranded for the better part of two days with no alternative route into Huntsville. It could have been longer but for the diligence of the work crews who were able to fill in a part and create one lane of the road. Fortunately no one had a life threatening medical emergency in that time. What would have happened in those two days if one of us had had a heart attack, stroke, or serious injury?

    Mr. Markle’s concern about pot holes is shared by many on Williamsport Road; we still have actual rocks peeking up from under the thin veneer of pavement in spots. But pot holes will always remain a secondary problem to a complete wash out of the road. As I understand it, the bylaw will allow inspectors to look at beaver dams in an emergency. Workers are not going “to descend like the Four Horsemen” on private property for no reason to plunder and destroy. Mr. Markle’s simile is heavy handed and completely inappropriate.

    It seems to me that the “rights” of the individual property owners to keep inspectors off their property are trumped by the rights of the rest of us to feel safe from the prospect of another washout with the potential to claim human lives.

  108. Robert Graziano says

    A message for the gentleman who told me that the bush along Manominee st was not a dump as I was placing grass clippings there. Remember I’m the guy picking up garbage on the town streets and if Sir go into the bush off the main trail and see the tons of garbage there where every year I do my best to clean.

  109. Lesley Hastie says

    I agree wholeheartedly with Lynn Bennet and Councillor Jonathan wiebe as regards disagreeing with naming a Huntsville road “Hollywood”. And do we really want to give developers the right to name roads that will become public ones?
    How about a contest from students and/or the public to suggest names?. We have so many wonderful names from natural kingdoms and human achievements associated with Canada. As somebody who was lucky enough to be accepted to live in this wonderful country I would like to see names that reflect our Canadian identity.

  110. Allen Markle says

    The town is declaring war on beavers? Well, not on beavers but on their dams. Sort of on the dams when they fail. Specifically when the beaver dam on your property fails and damages the towns’ road. There is a problem for sure, but the landowner isn’t allowed to destroy the beaver; that industrious little Canadian rodent that we stamp into our Canadian nickels. It is a furbearer and protected by law. Except from licensed trappers who can harvest the fur. But who wants a fur garment nowadays? Even though that fur is a renewable resource.
    The new bylaw will allow town workers to descend on your land like the four horsemen; to deal with that structure of mud and sticks and send you the bill? I hope there is a bit more to the story than this.
    Recently a developer failed to create a dam that would prevent peoples homes from being inundated and they and the town only got to the problem after a lot of damage was done. Let’s hope those people will be compensated in the end.
    I find there is a lot of irony here.
    And to Mildred Tanzini: we can only hope that the councils’ next bylaws will abolish potholes and the clearcutting of trees.
    ‘Hope springs eternal’ as the saying goes.

  111. Mildred Tanzini says

    The road from Muskoka Rd 3 to Muskoka Rd 2 also known as Etwell Road is in need af great repair. Particularly the stretch from #3 to South Drive has potholes so large and deep it feels like you are driving in a third world country. The damage to unsuspecting cars would be costly as they bounce in and out of these holes and try to dodge the enormously deep ones. Who is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of this road and ordering the repairs?

  112. Jim Sinclair says

    What with the very noticeable promise of an increase in Huntsville’s population (judging by the new accommodations being built, doesn’t anyone think we should have a new Hospital pretty soon?
    Mr. Miller.
    If one looks at the demographics, Huntsville serves a much denser aging population then the next closest facility. Now is the time when a good percentage of the work force find they can work away from the office with as good a result and still live in the best area of Ontario.
    When MP Aitchison was hospitalized he was adamant that his priority as Mayor was to drive for a new Med. facility in Huntsville. Shortly after his election to MP I met the Mr. Aitchison and asked him when we could expect a new facility, and I was told it is a Provincial responsibility., and that the Federal allocation had been set.at that time.
    With Mr. Miller being born and raised in the Town of Bracebridge we know where his loyalties lie, but that didn’t stop his Daddy from doing the best for this area.
    What if the powerful Huntsville Rotary Club were to cast their net countrywide for pledges from other Clubs to get the Ball rolling would it be so impossible to have a full service Hospital in Huntsville. to prevent our population from having to traverse the Hwy. 11 from here to Bracebridge. I bet Huntsville could do it!

  113. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Thank you, Mr. Clark for your comments on math. Math “problems” were of my generation too -things have changed. Introduction to math can include what, where, and how one might use math in real life, including a career (e.g. woodworking, sewing, cooking). Math as statistics, depending on the grade level, can be introduced as applicable in health/medicine, engineering, social sciences too. Why should a reference to psychological and social sciences be excluded in the introductory examples of applied Math? DF’s view seems unnecessarily narrow -it is a pattern of his party’s response.

    One issue I find very difficult about which to remain silent is Long Term care in the Province. My interest and bias as a retired R.N. and having worked in LTC, is the tragedy during Covid pandemic to our elderly citizens and their families (disease and death numbers in large for-profits).
    To that end, you will find my postings represent a desire to keep front and centre health and education issues.
    A reasonable read from today, for those interested is linked here: “Devastating to Watch: Critics say funding for-profit LTC homes rewards bad behaviour…”
    https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/07/15/they-were-the-epicentre-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-so-how-did-ontarios-for-profit-long-term-care-homes-manage-to-secure-so-many-of-their-business-goals.html
    I believe this should be an election issue and I think there are others who remain concerned about the direction of the Ontario Provincial Conservative government.
    PS. I rely and trust the needed oversight to posted comments, by The Doppler to examine mine likewise.

  114. Lynn Bennett says

    Understand we have some new subdivisions opening up in Huntsville. And they have very odd names including “Hollywood”. Well, guess I can save myself a 4,236.2 km drive and 39 hours and say I’ve been there!

    What a JOKE naming our streets after such places!! Have these developers ever been north of the 401!

  115. Chas Clark says

    When I was at school, mathematics were pure numbers and solving problems. The only vaguely social issue was if you wanted a bath and there was no plug, how long would it take to fill if the tap input was X and the outflow was Y. Perhaps political rants should be limited to one per person per month.

  116. Wendy J Brown says

    I’m confused i don’t know how these people are hitting rocks under the bridge in town unless they aren’t useing the center, were the boats are to go? No one that I know of other than maybe kayakerss or canoeists would use the sides where boats aren’t meant to use. Obviously they dont know the history of the town and realize that under the bridge was once shallow rapids and was dredged for the use of the large boats when the bridge would swing. So as far as I know use the center lane you should be fine especially now that the water is high.

  117. Jim Sinclair says

    I’d like to say thanks to the person who got it moving! Yesterday there was a large crew of professionals cutting out the dead trees along the roadway into Kimberly Clark. Looks much better!

  118. Anna-Lise Kear says

    DF and Conservative interference in Provincial math curriculum. DF has not been in a classroom for decades. Though he seems to understand the application of pure mathematics in a real world application to financial literacy, he wants any application to social issues (e.g. racism) eliminated.
    Robert Benzie (Toronto Star, July 16, 2021) “Premier defends change to curriculum introduction” quotes DF as saying, “language on racism has no place in math preamble… in math, lets stick with math”. In my opinion, exemplifying the applications and limitations of mathematics can and should be a reasonable introduction in education curriculum. DF is not okay with the application of math to social epidemiology (e.g. statistical math concerning health outcomes of a population).
    DF is our “back to basics” guy (whatever that means). Math application as long as it is in line with party viewpoint. Perhaps his limited, narrow view, explains well his early and sustained reluctance to be guided by the statistical science and epidemiology during our pandemic.
    Please remember and watch the Ontario education curriculum changes since 2018. Talk to a teacher!
    Thanks for reading.

  119. Susan Harkness says

    Re: Howard Bargman’s comment…Several weeks ago we too hit a rock trying to get under the bridge leading to town from Fairy Lake. There is no warning, i.e. flashing light or marker. It is very difficult to see under the bridge for oncoming boats. There are many, many canoes & paddle boats, etc. which makes it so much more dangerous. I am surprised no one has been injured. What does it take for the town to do the right thing?

  120. Howard Bargman says

    Last week while boating from Fairy Lake to Vernon, I went under the bridge leading into town and hit rocks. There was only one way to enter. I have learned from the town and my marina, that several other boaters have also hit rocks in this spot. Why hasn’t the town placed marker buoys or warning signs? They obviously knew the danger and didn’t take steps to advise the boaters.

    If you also hit rocks in this spot, please text me at 416 505-0411. Let’s see how many other duped souls there are. Maybe we can entice the town to make restitution for their lack of care.

  121. Anna-Lise Kear says

    The upcoming election. Be prepared, when in doubt, the Conservatives will escalate the east-west divide in Canada. These issues are not new, many leaders of all political stripes have worked very hard to attend the needs of each of its geographical regions. My thoughts — critically think through any overblown rhetoric in electioneering concerning this Canadian issue.

  122. Allen Markle says

    Sue Mckenzie: I don’t know whether I should feel chastened or ‘chuffed’ at being called out here, but I’ll stay neutral and appreciate that there are those who realize we have a problem. There is no being pessimistic or optimistic about something to which there is no option but to deal with it, or….
    We all know what the challenge is; our unabated consumption of everything. It is mostly a western attitude, our needing to possess every new piece of junk industry can produce and then they expect the general populace to deal with the waste. Our attitude must change.
    A good part of the hesitancy in dealing with the present situation rests with the people we elect. The lawmakers. They will not initiate much that, however right, or prudent, might get them unelected. And that’s what must be done.
    We need to unelect anyone who believes that they are fighting global warming when they sell an oil that is disproportionally dirty and must be mixed with naptha or natural gas to make it flow. Check the Kalamazoo pipeline failure and the damage dilbit (diluted bitumen) has wreaked on that river.
    We need to unelect a lawmaker who wants to rip a new highway across a green belt to reduce commuting time for people that will live in the subdivisions that will be built on land that is, at present, off limits.
    We need to unelect people who will issue permits for clearcutting ancient forest and then not require much in the way or forest remediation to be done. Without the cooling of the forest, the slash is prone to drying and burning. Our own west coast and the Amazon rainforest are sad examples of this practice. And China is visiting the same fate upon eastern forest regions.
    Every little thing is now a problem. A 2016 report in ‘ChEnected” by Daniel Matthews, gives us information issued by the payment company ‘Square’. The topic was the issuing of receipts, those little chits of paper everyone discards, and their impact on the environment. The report states that 1Billion gallons of water is consumed(wasted), 10 million trees are felled, 250M gallons of oil is required to transport and distribute them after manufacture and in the end they are just 1.5B pounds of waste. That is each year!
    It also says that the thermal paper, which these receipts are, contain BPA, a known carcinogen. I think that the FDA contests this last statement.
    Another ‘heat warning blankets Alberta’ notification just popped up on my computer and though I noticed, I doubt very much that our lawmakers paid much heed. They still think we need to sell oil!
    I hope you are young and very dedicated. Rebuilding an attitude and a society will tax us all. As will these governments.

  123. Jacquie Howell says

    I am concerned about the noise from the boats in the section of the North Muskoka River from Lake Vernon to the Town of Huntsville. There is at least two large inboard (24-30 feet long) that travel this waterway. When they come under the Railroad bridge and until they pass under the Center Street bridge, we can not hear our radio/TV or hold any conversation in our condo on the 4th floor. Is there not a noise pollution law? Thank you Michael Mason for your thoughts I can not understand why any boats of this size are on these small lakes!!!

  124. Sue McKenzie says

    Allen Markle, thank you for your extensive comment on climate and the need for immediate action. You do not seem very optimistic about the declaration of a Climate Emergency by Huntsville Council with a goal of 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030, zero by 2050. You call this a gesture. Please note, the resolution requires the development of a Community Action Plan for Huntsville with community engagement in the development of the plan.

    You state: “So I will appreciate the Huntsville Council for making this gesture, although as of yet it is only that, a gesture. For extra points, might they outline for us the steps they hope to achieve along the years, so we might monitor our progress.”

    With respect, here’s your opportunity to take action to make sure this is not just a ‘gesture’ on the part of Council (which it is NOT). This is your opportunity to get in there and ensure that a strong plan is developed and is implemented asap, beginning THIS year, with progress being monitored annually. Let the Mayor know YOU are ready to step up to head up the Community Working Group that will provide input for the plan; that you are ready to seek out the diverse voices in the community that need to be consulted on what should be included in
    the plan; that you are ready to ensure this happens, rather than awaiting the Town’s ‘outline’. There is no more time to WAIT.

  125. Nancy Long says

    I’ve been to hutcheson beach daily for swimming lessons the town is providing there. It’s good that the kids have something to participate in. However, the conditions at the beach are not so good. I wonder if there is a reason the town cannot do maintenance there. I see the beach showcased in the town literature for visitors. It’s not an asset at the moment.

  126. Allen Markle says

    Did you hear the first installment being rung up on the purchase of a coming election? I did this morning, when it was announced there was a federal plan afoot to fund daycare in BC, the same to be coming soon to the Maritimes, the project to be in operation in five years. I wrote here earlier of my thoughts on government plans that won’t come to fruition until long after their mandate is expired. ‘If we don’t get elected, you won’t get this.’ So I guess it is now time to kick this irksome partner to the dirt and establish a truly elected dictatorship ( read majority government.)
    Covid spending has cost Canada about 400B. The headline read ‘exceed 381B’, but that’s close enough to 400 for me. That is about 20% of our annual GDP! I’m not good in dollar values such as that and it doesn’t seem to be the forte of our government either. $400,000,000,000.00 is a lot of dollars.
    Keystone XL was only $1.5B with an additional $6B loan guarantee and Trans-mountain was another $4.5B to purchase with the estimate of another $8B or so to finish. But both of these projects seem doomed and not items to mention when you want to kick off an election.
    I can’t see people voting against a government that has been supporting them for a year and a half, and we know how much that support has cost and is still costing. So brace yourself folks, because this is about to to hurt. A lot!
    My wallet just fell into a drawer and I can hear it sobbing.

  127. Michael Mason says

    Why are boats allowed to have above water exhaust in the Muskoka lakes. It is not possible to be 5 miles from shore and run these very loud engines. There are laws in place and it would seem little enforcement. Our cottage on Indian River is located in an echo chamber that when these boats come by, our windows vibrate. When I have approached these boat owners, I have been both apologized to and told to go away. Muskoka to me means peace and quiet, not so much for these very disrespectful boat owners.
    This is my first post on this topic and it may ruffle a few folks, I just hope it starts a conversation.

  128. James Wagg says

    I agree with Kathryn H. When did it become ok to vandalize property and get away with it in the name of protest? As I enjoyed Canada day. I was appalled not by the actions of leaders and church groups that were involved in the residential schools, but by the people who openly defied the laws of our land and destroyed or defaced property. Proudly posting pictures on social media, and what was worse is there were no consequences for their actions.
    I fully appreciate the effects on the emotions of those involved in the schools. And we should celebrate that we are in a country that we can speak our minds and have the right to protest, nothing in those freedoms include damaging property. Without laws we have anarchy, and that is not the kind of country I want to celebrate. Just my thoughts

  129. Allen Markle says

    Around the first of July, Huntsville council declared a climate emergency. I suppose most people have been aware for some time that the world’s weather systems are changing; but they say, better late than never. There are so many facets to the climate debate; concerned scientists and citizens on one side and governments on the other. And make no mistake, there is no government yet, with the desire and willingness to face itself and big oil, to reduce carbon emissions.
    Of the top 50 national oil producers, there are only three countries that produce dirtier oil than Canada, but Canadian governments have continually promoted oil production and annually offer billions in subsidies to mega-corporations so they can continue digging it from the earth and transporting it around the globe.
    Using this dirty Canadian product contributes disproportionally to global warming.
    But our government doesn’t seem to be capable of tearing itself from the lure of oil and will continue to batter taxpayers and their wallets against this problem in an effort to achieve the impossible. If we can’t drill a hole or build a pipeline, Canada is unemployed? Why not divert those billions to developing technology to deal with the problem and then sell that. Someone will develop products to deal with aspects of pollution and global warming , but if it isn’t us, then we will have to buy it from them.
    The majority of our citizens are in denial or apathetic; for example, the car idling in front of the Liquor Store. When I asked the lady why, I was told it was so the “doggy-woggy didn’t get too hot” and the window powered back up, dismissing me and the problem that was not important to her. And it was not volts that powered that car.
    On the wall behind me there is a 3’x6′ map of the world and on it I can find India, China and the United States, the worlds’ three biggest oil and coal consumers; not one of them is seriously interested in reigning in their consumption of either. On that same map, I cannot find Muskoka. I know where it is and how important it is to me, having been my home for all these years, but I also realize where it fits in the scheme of things.
    So our council made the gesture and joined this local initiative, which is okay I guess but somewhat disingenuous, inasmuch as the result won’t register for 29 years. I won’t be able to note on Doppler of a job well done, nor will some of them be in any state to read it.
    I detest when governments outline their programs and indicate that we should see the results, any number of years beyond the end of their mandate. If they are not re-elected for the next 12 years or so, then the programs they are promoting will not be carried through.
    Deficit reduction, balanced budgets, rescue helicopters, fighter aircraft, childcare programs and sundry other election carrots have all crashed on the rocks of the election itself.
    Lao-tzu wrote that ‘The journey of 1000 miles begins beneath one’s feet’. With that first step so to speak, and I would like governments and my local council to outline the steps they will take along the way so that they and I will be able to see if there really is a desire to achieve something. We might not complete the journey but we will be able to monitor if we are, or are not, making headway.
    This is a daunting undertaking, because science doesn’t know whether there is any way of reversing the devastation man is inflicting on his rather sensitive planet. We might slow global temperature rise but we are taxing earth’s resilience to the edge.
    So I will appreciate the Huntsville Council for making this gesture, although as of yet it is only that, a gesture. For extra points, might they outline for us the steps they hope to achieve along the years, so we might monitor our progress.

  130. Kathryn Henderson says

    I would like to know why burning the pride flag is vandalism and punished accordingly but crowds can knock over the queens statues and pour paint over them and nothing is done to stop this?

  131. Jim Sinclair says

    With the threeat that is looming over us all, – heat waves, forest fires, why are we not hearing any statements from our Huntsville Town Council outlining some preparations for cooling centers, emergency power generators and so forth. There are several venues around town that could be used to take care of the population in this regard.
    We do have a Public Safety Officer I heard, and I am curious as to what preparations are in the works for skyrocketing high temperatures. Right now, -today while it is still fairly cool, shuld be the time to take a good look at the forests surrounding our entire Town, (not counting denuded Forbes’ Hill or Mount Baldy) and thinning out the dead and dying trees. More so the trees that will surely fall across our main roads if we continue getting the high winds of late. The roadway into Kimberly Clark is girded with dead trees held up only by the dead bark sheathing. If these fell across the road and something were to go wrong at KC the fire department would need to hack it’s way through this stuff. Surely there should be some emergency preparedness plan in place?

  132. jerry paris says

    People complain about tree cutting by developers. Part of this was brought on by people who would by a home in a subdivision, in the era when developers would take down trees as they built homes. Home prices would be based on using all the available building lots in their plot of land, But the new home owners would go to town councils and demand that the fifty percent of the property be left as forest. This meant that the first sold homes were under priced and the remainder could not be built. Developers learned to go in, cut them down, problem solved. In Toronto people are stopped from putting additions on their homes if tree must be cut. In huntsville if you do not cut a field for two years its full of young trees.

  133. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Are you tired of populism yet? I am. Recently Provincial Conservative McNaughton pitted university educated and qualified tradespeople against each other. The reality is that our society needs Both. If the pandemic has taught nothing else, it has shown us that united we are better and we are wholly interdependent on each other. We have also lived in the reality of being physically distanced for our public health and our public good.
    Populism is emotional abuse of the electorate. Division by stereotypes (e.g. buck-a-beer trades people vs. ?what, wine-drinking academics?). Surprise, there are people who are both university educated and qualified trades people! As an electorate, we need to lay bare populism for the messages it sends. Who are the new “elites” that we are now supposed to despise? Thank you for reading and thinking about this.

  135. John Tuttle says

    With so much focus on trees lately and the unrestricted cutting of them with respect to healthy trees. My lot at two Hibberd Lane for as far as the eye can see directly behind me has been completely clear-cut by a developer , we didn’t have an opportunity to do anything about it they just came in and clear-cut it this past March there must be a thousand acres that have been clear cut ,the land drainage in my yard has been affected I used to have a flock of 50 wild Turkey I had a dozen deer as well as bears they’re all gone. Nobody seems to say anything about it in the news a lot of the reason the owners on this Lane four families moved here because of the forest backdrop and now the land has been completely raped regraded and I was just wondering if anybody has an opinion?

  136. brian tapley says

    I find the indigenous children buried, unmarked in residential school property simply beyond comprehension.

    These schools were essentially boarding schools, still a common type of school all over the world. Most universities are essentially boarding schools as very few of their students actually live close enough to the school that they attend to live at home, nor I expect would a lot of university students wish to live at home anyway at that stage of their life.

    The younger the students, the more care the school must provide.

    What I find unbelievable, unconscionable, unexplained and reprehensible (pick any word you like) is how it could be that this number of students could die and be buried with no record and no communication to their parents and family. Apparently not even a letter!
    There is simply no possible excuse for this on the part of those who were running these schools. None at all!

    At the absolute minimum, the parents should have been contacted, quickly and in their own language and the sad situation of their child’s death explained to them and some kind or arrangement for whatever traditional burial was normal for such a child’s death made swiftly. This would be the minimum.

    Following this, each and every death should have been investigated by the government operating the schools to determine the cause, establish blame and penalties to those in their operation who were at fault, if any, and steps taken to prevent a recurrence. This too should have been communicated to the parents who’s child was involved. This too would be the minimum.

    Somehow none of this was done. Not only was this not done but the dead person was “hidden” so that most likely no responsibility was accepted by the authorities in charge. No proper grave, no notification, not even a record. This is way beyond any excusable behavior, and this was not an isolated case. It now seems like maybe over a thousand cases like this occurred.

    We can now try in some way to make some restitution but the damage has been done. The kids are dead. Nobody took proper responsibility. No reasonable notification was attempted. It is a horrible situation.
    The best we can do now is to do our best to insure nothing like this ever happens again and maybe in some way restitution can be provided to the families who lost their children but nothing can compensate for a loss like this. Maybe systemic changes to ensure this can never happen again is the restitution.

    To be a bit fair to our former leaders, it was and still is, virtually impossible to provide schooling to a vast area with a few tiny hamlets of population. Even today, with wireless communication, which one has to remember did not exist when these schools were created, it is a near impossible task.
    One needs to wonder however, how important it is to try to “educate” some of these people in our preconceived way. For example, I know I would fail miserably at trying to survive in the arctic communities of that day but these people did so as a matter of normal life. If knowing how to survive and live in these conditions is a form of “education” maybe our efforts do drive English or French into these kids heads were simply misguided right from the start. Better if we had learned their native language and then tried to enhance their already considerable knowledge with a few things that might actually have been useful to these native people rather than try to change them to fit our model, a model that quite simply does not work well in their location. We could have done this without residential schools entirely.

    Best we remember this as we go forward. Try to do a better job.

  137. Brenda Duncan says

    After all we have been through in the last year and a half, there is finally something good to talk about…a Canadian hockey team finally going to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
    I, for one, am not a Montreal Canadian’s (or Habs) fan. My loyalty still lies with the Toronto Maple Leafs (although at this point, I don’t know why).
    I will be cheering for Montreal and hoping for the best possible outcome. Right now, at this point, they are not our rivals or opponents; they are Canadians first and foremost! I think everyone should step away from their team loyalties and get behind the only Canadian team who has made it this far in the playoffs in a very long time. We all should be very proud of them and what they have accomplished.
    Go Habs Go!!! Bring home the Cup!

  138. Allen Markle says

    I think I heard that the Township of Muskoka Lakes had issued ‘stop work’ orders against a couple of development projects in their area. This was done because they, ‘Muskoka Lakes’ actually have by-laws pertaining to both tree cutting and site preparation! Imagine! The population of the township is about 7,000 people compared to about 21,000 in Huntsville. And yet they have saw fit to put such by-laws in the books.
    Do you suppose our council might be wise to nip over there and get a copy of those by-laws or have one faxed to them if everyone is otherwise occupied. Maybe it could be incorporated into our own by-laws and save a lot of council time actually attempting to create the regulation for themselves. If that is even happening.

    And to Kathryn Henderson and Nancy Long, I attempted to contact a councilor, fitting that maximum character count in that little window, and heard nothing in reply. I also pointed out to a road crew that at the edge of the paved surface of a section of road, it drops almost vertically into a 5 foot ditch. May have piqued their curiosity by didn’t stir much interest.
    Though one of you ladies has and the other has not contacted the town with your observations, might I point out that the results have been the same.

  139. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Election front and centre. John Ivison’s “O’Toole’s pro-Canada speech may resonate with voters tired of apologies”(NP June 23/21). He explains that Federal Conservatives are trying to find the right key for their campaign messages to voters & indeed a number of balloons are being floated to that end.

    #1. “build up Canada” Is this “make Canada great again?”, “I’m okay, you’re okay?”, “Build back better”?
    This message is to reinforce that the current generation does not bear direct responsibility for the past, and also suggests that Canadians have a minimal tolerance for hearing and learning about parts of its past -the ones not previously uncovered.

    #2. He also equated taking down statues as opposite with the need to build up Canada (?more statues on the horizon?) -too tired of apologizing (in other words, aren’t we getting tired of this? being shown the realities of the darker side of Canadian history?)
    Well, we could become magical thinkers and just wish it all away as some of our neighbours demonstrate to the south, citing their “cancel culture wars” (whatever that is).

    I say, when the Conservatives face the current reality of Climate Change and when they fully endorse educating all Canadians about some of the darker realities of our past (not just glorifying the War of 1812), we will be able to build up and into a future for our children and fellow Canadians.
    What do you think will build up the future for our children, grandchildren, and fellow Canadians?

  140. Brian Tapley says

    Well!, it certainly seems that conservancy land swaps are much like poking a bear with a stick or kicking a bees nest. I hope this gets sorted out.

    On a different topic, I think it is pretty pitiful that we have to bribe people with cash payments and lotteries to get vaccinated.
    After all, these people are the product of our “world class” education system and to have to bribe them to get a vaccine shot at this point in history, with all the data out there and no costs to worry about… well it is just plain pitiful and represents a failure of our education system. It probably also represents a failure to adequately communicate the necessity for vaccination but this has been lost in the conflicting instructions and various conspiracy theories that float on the back waters of the internet.

    We should be able to do much better.

  141. Janet Hayward says

    I would like to thank everyone who supported keeping the Nelson Head Nature Reserve at 25 Town Line Road West for the people of Huntsville as is. I was amazed by how quickly opposition to the land trade grew, with many letters written, and even “Stop the Swap” signage posted. I am glad that more people are now aware that this property is there for their use. I hope that present and future generations of townspeople will enjoy the natural surroundings of the Nelson Head Nature Reserve for many years to come.
    Aldine Head

  142. Frances Botham says

    FOR THE NELSON HEAD NATURE RESERVE SUPPORTERS
    Imagine seeing into the future. It’s 2121. A century ahead.
    A little girl and her mother are walking in the grass in a forested area.
    “Oh Mommy, this is such a wonderful place. Look at all the daisies! Aren’t they pretty! Look here at all these little yellow flowers. Oh, my! I like this place!”
    “Come on dear, let’s go and sit on that log over there under that tree. There’s a little stream nearby.”
    “Wow! Mommy look. What’s this? It’s so soft and green!”
    “Why, that’s called moss. Look over there. That’s a different kind of moss.”
    “Listen, listen! What is that? It’s a little song.”
    “It’s called a cricket dear. It’s chirping. Look, there it is!”
    “Oh Mommy! Can we come back to this place again? I love it here. It’s magical. What do they call this place?”
    “It’s a nature reserve.”
    “But how did it get here?”
    “A lady donated it so that all the people could come here and enjoy it forever.”
    “You mean she just gave it?”
    “Yes, that’s right. About a hundred years ago.”
    “Wow! She must have been a very nice lady!”
    “Yes, she was. She certainly was.”

  143. KENNETH MOSER says

    Would have thought your Lead Article would have been Swing Bridge now open and new traffic patterns

  144. Dan Wilk says

    Overnight the town of Huntsville has posted the 3 hour time limit parking signs at the lots on Minerva and beside Bell. Where are the employees of the downtown businesses suppose to park? The curling club is free parking for now, until they have tournaments, etc. Or until the town makes that change as well. Are we supposed to take a cab to work so we don’t get a parking ticket? Are we supposed to use our breaks and lunches to move our cars around to avoid hitting the three hour time limit? The town did not notify the businesses and did not advise them of an alternative parking option for the employees that keep the businesses running.

  145. Kathryn Henderson says

    I haven’t tried to get hold of the town but there is a very nasty deep hole on Florence Street down by high school. Really makes a nasty noise if I forget it’s there and drive on it.

  146. Nancy Long says

    Is it just me? Or has it become more difficult to reach people at the Town of Huntsville. I’ve filled out the road concern report, a week ago. No response. No follow up. No way to contact by phone.

  147. Michelle Ferguson says

    Should this travesty of justice and disrespect to Mrs. Head actually be approved I will be an adjacent property owner to the reserve. Of course, it would no longer be the Nelson Head Nature Reserve land as those boundaries would have already been compromised.
    I have an extra 10 acres of inaccessible land, the same as the Tilstra’s. With a significant stream, wetland and rock outcropping this would enhance The Muskoka Conservancy land portfolio. Now they would have 20 extra acres for the price of 4 acres.
    I could certainly use the million dollars the land swapped two acres on Town Line Rd. could generate. Or, is this only a deal for a Town of Huntsville employee? How much cash would I have to pay forward? Who would I pay it to?
    Thing is … a million dollars would not sway my objection to having the Nelson Head Nature Reserve original generous donation from Aldine Head changed.
    Greed is poison to the Soul.

  148. Wendy J Brown says

    I am also against the land trade I think its terrible that they want to change this gift that was given so generously. But then again remember a certain politician who wanted to sell off the park that was given to the town to remember the men that fought in the 1st world War. It’s to the point where I wouldn’t be surprised if no one wants to donate land anymore or be careful to wrap it in so much red tape its protected,

  149. Nancy Hines says

    After reading the information regarding the Nelson Head Nature Reserve, I wish to thank Aldine Head for her generosity in donating this parcel of land to the citizens of Huntsville. We wish her many years of health and happiness.

  150. Patricia Wainwright says

    Email sent to Huntsville Planning Committee re Nelson Head Nature Reserve

    To the Planning Committee, Mayor Terziano and Council,

    I am writing to object to the rezoning application of 25 Town Line Road West, which will in effect, change land intended to be preserved in its natural state to developed land.

    My name is Pat Wainwright. I am the grand-daughter of Nelson Head and the niece of Aldine Head. I grew up in Huntsville and attended HHS before attending university and eventually moving to Vancouver Island.

    In 2012 my aunt generously donated the 9.18 acre parcel of land (25 Town Line Road West) to the Muskoka Heritage Trust, now called the Muskoka Conservancy. She donated the land, as a family legacy, and so that it could be kept in its natural state and be a piece of undisturbed land for town people to walk through. In conversation with Conservancy staff and directors at the time, she and I, were assured that the property, to be called, Nelson Head Nature Reserve, would remain as is and be protected as is. Muskoka Heritage Trust director, Kristie Virgoe stated, “We will be protecting it from development, having it in the ownership of the trust.” (quote; What’s Up Muskoka, September 5, 2012)

    The proposed land exchange and application for rezoning, (Z/09/2021/HTE), do not match the original intention of the donation or the agreed upon conditions. This proposed transaction brings to question the trustworthiness of the Conservancy as well as the Town of Huntsville’s role in endorsing this exchange by agreeing to the rezoning application. Mrs. Head, and our family, strongly object to the development of the 25 Town Line Road West property, part of the Nelson Head Nature Reserve.

    We appreciate your sincere consideration of our concerns, and urge you to support the original intention of the donation by rejecting the Application No.:Z/09/2021/HTE.

    Thank you.

    Patricia Wainwright (nee Antcliffe)
    Nanaimo, BC

    Addendum; Thank all of you who have been offering Aunt Skip your support. She has felt very alone and minimized in this process.

  151. Scott Young says

    Just two quick clarifications on some recent comments on the Nelson Head Nature Reserve.
    First, the land exchange will not mean that the nature reserve will become land locked. It will still retain the majority of its road frontage on Town Line Road and all of it on Brunel Road.
    Second, there are no buildings on the nature reserve and the site of the old Head homestead will remain protected.
    We encourage concerned people to read the town’s planning report which features some useful sketches for anyone who is interested in learning more.

  152. Mike MacDonald says

    I would like to say thank you to all the supporters AGAINST the proposed land swap involving the Nelson Head Nature Reserve property. Mrs. Head is also very grateful as she thought she was in this alone in this battle of keeping her wishes intact.

    A comment in response to Scott Young’s most recent post :

    “since it was brought to our attention, we will be erecting a plaque” – maybe to your attention Mr. Young, but the conservancy knew about this in 2012 when the land was donated. You might have not been the director at the time, but don’t make it sound that this is a new request all of a sudden. Your organization has been negligent for 9 years in this request. Your organization has also been negligent in ensuring the zoning was changed as stated by other commenters.

    I sat in Mrs. Head’s kitchen on Thursday and had a conversation with this generous woman. She told me that approximately a year ago she and a woman representing the conservancy went to her lawyer’s office and discussed this. Mrs. Head made it clear at that time that she wished the property to remain “as it is”. Since then she has been contacted by the conservancy telling her “how wonderful this would be” and “how someone must be crazy not to think this was a good idea”.
    I asked her what her wishes were today? She told me that they hadn’t changed since the day she donated the property, “to remain the way it is”.
    While I was there she called Scott Young and to him exactly that, that she wanted the property to remain the way it is. She also told him that any further communication in relation to this was to go through me.
    That was on Thursday the 10th at noon. Since then, the same woman that had been in the Mrs. Head’s lawyer’s office has called her. Ms. Abbott is a volunteer for the conservancy, and once again tried to tell Mrs. Head what a wonderful thing this would be, etc., etc.

    My response to Muskoka Conservancy and anyone affiliated with them – DO NOT contact Mrs. Head again. She is feeling bullied by you. She had made her wishes for the property to you in black and white, no further explanation required. Any further communication will be considered harassment, and to the best of my knowledge is a criminal offence.

    Mrs. Head is aware, as Mr. Young has pointed out that ultimately the decision is in the hands of the Town as she donated the property and no longer owns it.

    I sincerely hope that that the councilors vote to quash this request, or as Ms. Botham has stated, who in their right mind would donate any land to the town or any organization if their wishes with it aren’t going to followed through.

  153. Allen Markle says

    In the ‘Who We Are’ portion of the Muskoka Conservancy mission statement, I don’t see the part that clearly announces that the program will swap what has been donated to it, as it deems fit.
    I don’t have access to the agreement they have with the Head family, but I doubt such a clause was in that agreement either.
    I believe the Conservancy is a good program and does good work, but I feel this is bad example of what they do. If it is a land trader, that should be noted in the mission statement, because I’m sure people who leave it land ‘in trust’ would like to be able to trust the program.
    Is this ‘swapping’ common practice? How many times have they done this already? Is this to establish precedent?
    The little stream still trickles as it did when I was younger, and the spring is protected from everyone but the owner of the land, snugged as it is behind the property entrusted to the Conservancy by Aldine Head.
    The Conservancy should get the land rezoned as was to have been done years ago and give up this foray into trading donated properties.
    People should be able to trust that their wishes are adhered to.
    The plaque is a nice touch. Whos’ land will it be on?
    Allen Markle

  154. Susan Zimmer says

    Regarding The Nelson Head Nature Retreat,

    As the town gets busier and more development occurs, the land is being swallowed up. I can’t think of another beautiful piece within the town core that isn’t being eyed up for future development. The Nelson Head Nature Retreat is visibly beautiful from the road and should not be touched. Giving away 2 acres on Townline Road which will be developed in exchange for 10 acres that is land-locked doesn’t seem fitting. Having spoken with Mr. Scott Young from Muskoka Conservancy last week regarding the property in question, I may be a naysayer and narrow-minded but I can live with that. No hard feelings.

  155. Robert MacDonald says

    I believe the original intent was to have this property available as a natural park like site visible for people walking or driving on Brunel Rd., NOT to be moved back behind more houses out of site, with the proposed swap. Natural property across the road by Forbes Hill is another good example of poor future planning by the Town.
    It is never too late to start to get things under control.

  156. JOHN WYDRA says

    I’m going to add my 2 cents to the property exchange at Brunel and Townline. After watching the denuding and raping of Forbes hill (which is sad but have to grudgingly accept because it was private property and all channels were legal) I’m glad the citizens are staying informed on this developement. On face value this exchange does not look like a bad idea. It doubles the size of the park, but it goes against the wishes of the benifactor, Ms Head. I have another option. Lets start a crowd fund to purchase the other property and add it to the existing park. It is land locked, very difficult to develope thus its value is deminished except as a natural park. Here in Huntsville we are fortunate to live in all this surrounding beauty but if we keep giving it away we’ll look like Toronto soon. We have one large park, Hunter’s bay trail and a few other small ones large enough for a picnic table and a park bench, but none compare to tranquilty and serenity of this property on Brunel. Take a walk in it. It takes you away but be carefull. It is wild and rough.

  157. Nancy Long says

    I’m in agreement with others who do NOT want this land swap. And again, I reiterate, the lack of Town of Huntsville’s initiative in maintaining and providing recreation space for the residents here. It is deplorable and will only get worse.

  158. Scott Young says

    Last year, through the efforts of volunteers and donors, Muskoka Conservancy added conservation protection to approximately 400 acres of wetlands and forests in Muskoka.
    It’s not always smooth sailing , but we are proud of the work we do.
    At Nelson Head Nature Reserve, we are simply trying to do more of the same thing— protect more space for nature. That’s it. Plain and simple.
    It is surprising to us that there’s any opposition to this, but we accept that everyone has a right to an opinion.
    There will be a public meeting next week. If the town decides that expanding the nature reserve is not in the best interest of Huntsville, we accept that.
    And if that happens, we will just carry on working hard with a cast of dedicated volunteers and supporters to identify and protect more conservation land elsewhere.
    Oh and yes, since it has been brought to our attention, we will be erecting a plaque at the Nelson Head Nature Reserve regardless of the outcome.
    No hard feelings.

  159. George Hines says

    Land Swap 139 Brunel rd and 25 Townline rd
    The issue here is with the Muskoka Conservancy. I often wondered who owned this property and did not know that it was available to the public to walk on. I question the MC why they never had it re-zoned and a plaque stating it was The Nelson Head Reserve. Basically they have done nothing to this land since it was donated.
    Regarding the land Swap we don’t know how much money they will receive in the exchange for for land. The board of directors must realize that the land Jeremiah Tilsra and Margaet Stead will get can create 7 new residential lots under the current RR2 zoning with a value of $1.4 million. Surely they wouldn’t just Swap land for land. Money generated from this land Swap could be used to make the Reserve an enjoyable place to visit. Perhaps something could be done with the old stone house.
    Probably a Public Meeting should take place and the prior to going to the planning committee.

  160. Frances Botham says

    Re: A. Head land swap 25 Town Line Rd and 139 Brunel Rd
    I am appalled at the arrogance of the Muskoka Conservancy employee, Scott Young’s comments. He tells us, the people of Huntsville, that this land swap is a really good thing for nature and all the residents of Huntsville? I am sorry, sir, but you assume and you are wrong.
    Aldine Head generously donated this 9.18 acres of land to the Conservancy with the specific desire to keep this property intact with only minor adaptations such as walking trails. She is the donor and those terms and conditions could not be more specific. Why would there not be compliance? I thought the Muskoka Conservancy operated with a code of ethics of the highest standards. This makes one question that, doesn’t it? Mr Young, if you wish to comply with developers wishes and work with them, you should do so, but not under the guise of the Muskoka Conservancy. One cannot help but wonder where does the Conservancy Board of Directors stand on this?
    If this proposal usurps Aldine Head’s initial intent for the future of this property, then who would ever want to donate any land to the Conservancy again?

  161. Peter R. Dirks says

    IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT OUR PRIMENISTER TAKES THE RESPOSIBILITY IN FIENDING A NEW GOVERNAL GENERAL FOR OUR COUNTRY , IF WE HAVE A CRISIS IN OUR COUNTRY ON THE POLITICAL LEVEL , THE GOVERNOR GENERAL HAS THE FINAL DECISION.

    THEREFORE WE NEED A NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL NOW !!

  162. Terry McCaffery says

    I am urging all who are against the proposed “land swap” deal on the Town Line road to email Kirstin Maxwell-Director Of Development Services at the Town Hall to voice your concerns about this matter! The more people who do this will strengthen our case that this deal is a bad one for our town!

  163. Wendy J Brown says

    I have a question that I can’t seem to get answered. Are there any by laws or rules about boarding houses when the owner dosnt live there? Are there fees , are there inspections?

  164. Michelle Ferguson says

    Thank you all for your comments and calls supporting Mrs. Head.
    Mr. Young, The Muskoka Conservancy is negligent in not zoning the property conservation land nine years ago when it was donated. Had that been correctly done we would not be having this discussion.
    The facts you have stated as reasons why it is a good idea to swap the land are all reasons why a building permit would not be issued for the property. It will always be protected by whoever owns the property. Your involvement is not required for protection.
    Mrs. Head wishes the property to remain as she donated it, as the original homestead property. She believed it had all been zoned as conservation land nine years ago. Her wishes should be honored.

  165. Brian Tapley says

    Don’t you love the phones today.
    1- You can’t look up anyone’s cell number anywhere so now effectively all numbers are unlisted.
    2- So you call someplace and then they want you to push a number option. well to do this you have to take the phone away from your ear and select the keypad and then push the number (3 operations and you can’t hear anything during this time) Then you put the phone back to your ear and guess what… the site did not wait for you do do this and your lost somewhere in answerland.
    3- Your multi hundred dollar phone has no ability to have a new battery installed easily but the battery in it now lasts for less than half a day if you don’t talk and about one minute if it is below zero outside. You do use your phone outside right??
    4- Any call for any kind of service will require you to remember a list of passwords and secret identification codes and finally you will get a sales pitch and an indeterminate wait so long the phone usually dies first.
    5-Then there is Murphy’s law that the call you get will have a bunch of critical information to be conveyed and it will come to you as you are hanging half off a scaffold with a paint brush in one hand…. such a great place to take notes critical to your car insurance or mortgage or some such item.

    I remember the old “dumb” phone. The one that did nothing you did not tell it to do and worked nearly always and you could look up a business or personal number easily.
    Maybe Siri does not like me as she tries but is often of little help.

  166. Em Arde says

    Hmm. Scott’s explanation make a lot of sense. The logic seems pretty sound. And the end result of the proposed land exchange seems to be very much in line with the Conservancy’s mission. Thanks for clarifying, Scott.

  167. George Hines says

    I never realized what was happening with this piece of land until today. I Agee with those opposing this swap of land . Make sure you look at the agenda for the mtg for June 16/ 21 and take part in the Zoom mtg. This is your opportunity to voice your concerns . The Agenda is usually posted on the Friday before the mtg

  168. Ron Waines says

    OUR MISSION

    Plain and simple, our mission is nature conservation in Muskoka.
    We envision a healthy, resilient Muskoka that conserves natural spaces for our own and future generations.
    To achieve our mission, Muskoka Conservancy is a registered charity and a Canadian corporation that operates as a land trust.

    That means we acquire ownership of properties and legally registered agreements with private property owners to protect land for nature conservation purposes, forever.

    I just read the above statement from the Muskoka Conservancy website. Note the word “forever”.

    Enough said. Respect the wishes of the person(s) donating the land.

  169. Scott Young says

    Everyone is entitled their opinion, but in my opinion the proposed land exchange is a really good thing for nature and all the residents of Huntsville.
    In a nutshell, MC proposes to exchange 2 acres on Townline Rd for 10 acres of adjacent land in order to nearly double the amount of protected land that makes up the Nelson Head Nature Reserve.
    The added conservation land will also protect the headwaters of the small creek that runs across the property.
    Currently Muskoka Conservancy (MC) owns approximately 9 acres that was donated by Aldine Head. When the opportunity to expand the nature reserve from 9 acres to 17 acres and protect the headwaters of the small creek came up, as a nature conservation organization, we felt it was our responsibility to seriously consider the offer. We sent a team of volunteers with biology and ecology backgrounds to the site. The more we looked into it, the reasons why this land exchange makes sense for nature conservation only became more clear. The key reasons are:
    • a stream flowing through the nature reserve has its headwaters on the backlot we seek to acquire. The exchange will ensure this spring is protected.
    • Natural properties tend to have reduced ecological values near their edges, particularly when those edges are hard up against urban development. Exchanging a small parcel adjacent to urban development for a larger backlot parcel not only increases the protected area, but it will also reduce or soften the so-called edge effects ensuring that more of the nature reserve has a chance to be natural.
    These combined enhancements mean the Nelson Head Nature Reserve will not only become larger, but it will become more resistant and resilient to pressures like drought, pollution, and invasive species after the lands are exchanged. From a natural standpoint, both the quantity and quality will be improved.
    I hope you will understand and appreciate that we are acting only with the intention of protecting more nature in Huntsville.
    Scott Young
    Muskoka Conservancy

  170. Allen Markle says

    It is mostly just shouting at the wind with our council. If there is any method they can imagine to clear cut or pave over the land in the name of collecting taxes they will do it. And rarely is it to the peoples advantage. The land that was bequeathed to the Conservancy is worth a lot of money in todays world and we, the people, won’t realize much from it. Some annual taxes on more condos, while the developer makes millions. It was donated to the Muskoka Conservancy to be green space but where is the dollar return in that? Council would have to create a park and they are not so inclined. And then maintenance!
    If council is set on dumping the land, do it at fair market value, but to trade it for something that is useless, is ludicrous. What the town receives in return will be of no value, that seems obvious, because if it were, the developer would use it himself. Maybe he could just apply for a 66′ easement across the green space.
    But it seems council is loathe to own anything that has to be maintained and has an annual cost of operation. The library and firehall must draw frowns. Maybe we could just lease them?
    Volunteers restored the old train station, the town spend a bundle to repair the damage that the lack of maintenance had caused, and then dumped it for a toonie. They do seem to want to get their moneys worth!
    Not that long ago, council considered repurposing land allocated as the site for a war memorial. A private citizen placed his own wallet and a lawyer in the path of that little foray.
    About a month or so ago we were made aware of ‘dynamic thinking’ and thinking ‘outside the box’ when plans for a duplex in a farm field was being considered. This rental property is to be allowed in exchange for a garden that will operated on the land and the promised produce to to donated to a charity. This time council will receive some taxes and root crops! I sent a letter to a councilor about this and received neither a laugh nor a grunt. And certainly no reply.
    I don’t have land I would bequeath to the Muskoka Conservancy. Ten men and sharp sticks couldn’t make me. Enough said.

  171. Mike MacDonald says

    In response to the well written comment by Michelle Ferguson about the proposed land swap involving the Nelson Head Nature Reserve, I would like to ad that this proposal is ludicrous.
    Knowing Mrs. Head and her late husband for many years, her generosity in donating this parcel of land which used to be the location of her family’s homestead, was meant to be left in the natural state that it currently is so that it could be enjoyed by the residents of Huntsville and for animals and vegetation to have a undisturbed place to live.
    To think that the Muskoka Conservancy feels that it is “Ok” to do a “land swap” or “exchange” with I believe Mr. Tillstra, so that he has a “easier “ which in turn would be a more profitable piece of property to develop, begs to question “what is in it for them.?”
    In my opinion there must be something, because why else would you even consider it?
    I’m sure that Mrs. Head would have second thoughts about donating this parcel of land knowing that something as disrespectful as this is even being considered.
    As Ms. Ferguson has suggested, I urge anyone who believes this proposal should NOT go through, to email the Town of Huntsville and The Muskoka Conservancy and voice your opinion.

  172. Bob MacDonald says

    In regard to the proposed land swap, at Brunel Rd. and Town Line Rd, It is very hard to imagine the Town Planning and there high payed staff would even consider such a thing after all their recent blunders.
    Is anyone steering this planning board, it makes one think not.

  173. Michelle Ferguson says

    It is necessary for me to avert my eyes when driving past the destruction of Forbes Hill. What was once beautiful dense forest is now to be home for yet another multi-unit building project to house those who can afford it. Certainly not affordable housing. This destruction of land may have been averted had the people had the opportunity to voice their opinion and have their suggestions heard. The voice of many, or so we like to hope.
    With the hope that many voices will be heard I urge all residence of Huntsville to strongly object to the proposed land swap with the Muskoka Conservancy to a private land owner as posted in the Huntsville Forester May 27/21.
    With a generous heart Mrs. Aldine Head donated 9.18 acres of land, to be called The Nelson Head Nature Reserve, on the corner of Brunel Rd. and running west up Town Line Rd. to the Heritage Trust (Muskoka Conservancy) for the citizens of Huntsville to enjoy undisturbed land in town for people to walk through. Her wish was to have no trails or motorized vehicles or parking and the land to remain as it was when her family lived there (see – Huntsville Forester Archives Sept. 5, 2012 – Heritage Trust (Muskoka Conservancy) gets Huntsville land donation).
    The Muskoka Conservancy mission statement states their intention to ‘protect land for nature conservation, ‘forever’. It is bewildering why, and how can they, now decide to swap two acres of this donated land to one private land owner.
    The land in question to be ‘swapped’ will always be protected by any current owner as it has little value, is land locked, and is unsuitable for development. The two acres of the Nature Reserve fronting on Town Line Rd. has considerable monetary value which would benefit only one property owner and take away from the 19,816 (2016 census – many more now) citizens it was originally bequeathed for. The one property owner would not only benefit financially obtaining the two acres on town services (possible eight building lots) they would get a tax deduction on retained property and still have the land in back yard of their home for enjoyment and use as desired. This is wrong.
    So, I urge all citizens, the voice of many, to email planning @ Town of Huntsville regarding June 16/21 – 25 Town Line Rd. and 139 Brunel Rd. file Z/09/2021 (see – notices of consent B/23-24/2021/HTE) and strongly object to this land swap prior to it being a done deal. CC your council. Rally your friends. Save this forest and honor Aldine Head’s wishes. Thank you.

  174. tim robertson says

    Why are known Air BNB and private cottage rentals not being enforced during the lockdown. We have a local property on Lake of Bays at South Portage that has had several vehicles arrive every weekend for the past 2 months. (they are never the same cars) The property is listed on Air BNB at $500 per night. Specific rules include no cottage rentals during the stay at home order. An e-mail to the Township By-law officer received no response.
    Who, then, is controlling this situation.

  175. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Can you sense an election coming? Today’s National Post article by John Robson, “In Canada, our governments don’t do hard” may help to set the stage.
    Oh yea, another descriptor buzz word “hard”, which I gather refers to such things as “hard skills”- you know figures, economics. That, including a picture of a smiling JT with hand bent at the wrist is sure to attract (really? Will there be a follow up photo-op with DF or EO’T in football uniforms or combat gear?)
    I have abhorred the “hard” vis-à-vis “soft” skills binary (you might read this as masculine/feminine or one set of skills as more important than the other). We need both, not either/or.

    Robson does a decent job of summarizing this dynamic in his last paragraph, illustrating the paradox which presents to us as Canadians. He says, “So is keeping national and provincial governments solvent; saving the economy from collapse while protecting the vulnerable from COVID; holding Canada together while acknowledging, and when possible compensating for, past wrongs; maintaining national security in a hostile world; and preserving liberty as the only arrangement compatible with human dignity or effective public and private responses to challenges.”

    Can’t help wondering if he would like to see more yelling, screaming in Parliament and on the upcoming campaign trail (the “hard” persona). We have only to remember the petulant screamer from the US –who gave some of us nightmares in his effort to appear leader-like. Watch the spin folks.

  176. Oliver Klimek says

    I have been a resident of Huntsville for 5 years and I am very happy to call this community my home. I like to spend time in River Mill Park but there is a problem…goose poop (sorry for the strong language). Has the town ever tried to solve this problem? Can anyone tell me the history of this issue?

  177. Susan Bobyk says

    Hi,

    Total change of conversation. I like to run and bike ride regularly in Port Sydney and I just wanted to thank all the vehicles that slow down and/or pull over into the over lane when they go by. Summers a busy time and we all like to be outside as much as possible. It’s greatly appreciated.

    Thanks! Have a safe summer.

  178. Em Arde says

    How about some tit-for-tat on the whole climate change / carbon footprint reduction stuff? I have chosen to be child free. Having children is about as carbon- and trash-generating a choice an individual can make. So I would like a free pass, thanks, on all the proposed carbon restrictions and other save-the-environment initiatives, Let me continue to use my fire pit. Let me keep my gasoline-powered car and lawn mover and weed whacker. Let me leave my furnace hooked up to natural gas, and skip the whole solar-panels-on-the-roof thing. Let me enjoy my delicious Keurig coffees without trying to shame me because we could stack K-cups to the moon and back, or some such thing. I think I have done my part and then some, just by not selfishly foisting upon this Earth another resource-consuming, waste-generating human being,

  179. Chas Clark says

    The Proposal to Ask Huntsville Town Council to Declare a Climate Emergency as Proposed by the Climate Action Muskoka.
    A small group of activists have made a presentation to the Huntsville Council that they should declare a Climate Emergency, and in doing so, accept and comply with their 17 page manifesto. I have extracted what I think are some significant points in this document.
    General
    • Diversify urban areas into walkable non- car dependent communities.
    • Reduce carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.
    • Tackling climate change will impact peoples’ lives and change our lifestyles.
    Comment: So no cars in Huntsville and we all have to walk or bicycle unless we own an expensive electric car. Zero emissions means no wood fires or heating by oil or gas only solar or wind power to heat your home.
    Buildings

    • Passive housing with net zero requirements by the use of carbon smart materials.
    • Build affordable social housing.
    Comment: Huntsville is struggling to provide affordable housing and building costs are increasing daily. The dictate to use carbon smart materials will only push up the price further.

    Economy

    • Implement and utilize a participatory budget process
    Comment: Does this mean that Climate Action Muskoka sees themselves involved in the Council budgetary process or what does it mean. As with all utopian ideals, there is not one costing of any of the proposals to show what the real cost of implementing this would be.

    Education

    • Economic benefits of a greener economy including improved health, increased employment and business opportunities.
    Comment: What facts support this statement?

    Energy

    • Installation of solar panels on Muskoka residences and all municipal buildings.
    • Develop a 100% renewable energy digital smart grid to provide fewer outages and lower and predictable energy costs.
    • Provide incentives for the use of heat pumps in retrofits and require their installation in all new builds
    Comment: With little wind in winter and loads of snow on solar panels, there is little hope that this avenue would provide sufficient power to the community nor heat their homes in a cost effective manner. Where is all the extra electrical power to come from for all the expensive electric cars we will be driving and the infrastructure to support them? As for heat pumps, the MTO fitted the Almaguin Information Centre with this system. Within 2 years, the system was removed as it did not provide sufficient heat for the staff and the electrical costs of running the many pumps continuously for 24 hours a day was astronomical.

    Food Security

    • Support local year round food supply projects to build Muskoka food sovereignty.
    Comment: In the past, people built cold stores for their root vegetables to last through winter. It is difficult to see how this could develop into a year round proposal with the frosts, cold temperatures and snow that Muskoka gets every winter. If this is a move to hydroponics, a system that uses lots of electricity and water to grow vegetables in a heated building, them this method only increases the cost of the vegetables and can only produce a limited amount unable to sustain the Muskoka population.

    Health

    • Reduce air pollutants by vehicle traffic and winter salt use.
    Comment: At last, one I agree with!

    Tourism

    • Develop laws to reduce the use of fossil fuel powered boats, jet skis and speedboats to reduce noise and carbon emissions and quiet lake periods of the day.
    • Advocate for a renewed train service and improved bus service between Muskoka and the GTA and between communities in Muskoka
    Comment: Good luck with that one regarding water traffic. I presume that the big heavy diesel carbon producing trains would be replaced by electric trains with an electrified line running from the GTA to North Bay at a cost of many billions.

    Transport

    • Convert all the Municipal fleet to electric vehicles.
    • Council staff to use bicycles, E bikes or small evs.
    Comment: Can you imagine the cost of an electric snowplow that can do the job as well as the current diesel one and would they ever manufacture one?

    Vice President Al Gore gave dire predictions in 2008 that the ice caps would be melted by 2014, Miami would be flooded and countless ocean islands would be under water. It hasn’t happened. My apologies for my lengthy diatribe but I feel someone must speak up against this Orwellian and utopian vision of a happy electric future. If passed, it will have sever implications for us all especially in terms of cost as our rates will explode and low cost housing will be impractical and unaffordable. I ask that Huntsville Council reject a declaration of a climate emergency.

  180. Anna-Lise Kear says

    According to John Ivison (writer, National Post) this morning, JT’s recent apology to Italian Canadians is “going to the empathy well”. Wow, having “empathy” is now political rhetoric for what? weakness? who knows? Watch the buzz words. Now “empathy well” is a “catchy” political bludgeon one can use – call your enemy “empathetic”. I say, “pathetic”.

  181. Brenda Begg says

    I’ve had only positive experiences eating at our Huntsville Food Trucks, last summer. It is a way to support local folks, have a break from prepping and cooking, and is an outing in a safe, outdoor setting. Food trucks have been around for many years (and I do mean MANY). I have happy memories of ordering French fries at a food truck in Hailebury. Those fries at the food truck next to my grandma’s apartment building were the highlight of my visit (next to seeing her).

  182. Ryan Vallentin says

    Bonnie,

    Algonquin Cafe has both a food trailer and a permanent restaurant.

    Canvas Brewing has added a food trailer to the side of their patio (they don’t own the food trailer) called the Fox in the Hen House, also owned by an existing local business

    Boston Pizza has two food trailers on their property.

    Food trucks and trailers add to the town in a positive way.

  183. James Wagg says

    Reading the opinions on Food Trucks is very interesting. I have a question what about Free Enterprise?
    Let’s face it this Pandemic has been very hard on the restaurants everywhere in an industry that has such a high failure rate. Is the answer to get rid of the competition? The town is tasked with the decision as to how many and where these food trucks can be located.
    But the deeper question is should we block some young entrepreneur from trying. The success of any business has less to do with competition and more to do with a person rising above it.
    As for loyalty that comes from the quality, quantity, service, and the value you received for your hard earned dollar. Honestly would you eat over-priced lousy food just to support a local restaurant? Successful restaurant owners know this and strive to repeat it daily, it is no different for food truck owners.
    I do agree that the town planners have to look at how these additional businesses enhance or detract from the beauty of Huntsville. And make the right decision for whats best for Huntsville. I also agree I am blown away by the number of pot shops we have(maybe that is the reason for the food trucks) Just my thoughts Be Safe

  185. Ryan Vallentin says

    I disagree with Jaime’s comments regarding food trucks. I don’t feel that food trucks and trailers take away from brick and mortar restaurants. The food trucks cater to the consumers that don’t want to sit down in a traditional restaurant or have fast food at the few franchise offerings. These customers are not going to the restaurants regardless.

    To address your assumption that the food trucks only take advantage of the peak summer season, I agree, but that’s okay because the peak summer season is when we swell in population and restaurants are already too full. Those same food trucks shut down for the winter and local patrons either go to the brick and mortar restaurants or fast food franchises anyway.

    I believe it adds more options to the town locals and visitors alike, during the peak season only, when restaurants can not fully accommodate the number of customers. Food trucks become overflow, and they disappear during the season that restaurants really need to be busier.

  186. Bonnie Branton says

    Huntsville, PLEASE take care of our ‘Brand’; we’d like to continue to be proud of this town.

    Food trucks offered some assistance in ‘distanced’ food takeout during this Pandemic, Thank You, but don’t let them be a permanent feature all over the town of Huntsville for our future. Stop the draining of income from our long term businesses. They’ve taken care of us, they now deserve our care in return.

    Jamie Jordan made some great points.

    I believe we must value:

    Loyalty – to our established restaurants & their employees, and their shopkeeper neighbours & employees who are usually ‘visited’ or ‘window shopped’ before or after a lunch or dinner.

    Pride – ‘beautification’ of our town would not include allowing more & more food trucks, but would include more & more ‘windows’ to our privileged views & outdoor activities.
    How about a Volunteer-staffed new Visitors Centre in a prominent location (part of our new ‘Streetscape’?)

    Role Modelling – our young population
    have frequently followed their parents lead here in Huntsville & have joined, taken over or opened their own businesses.
    – helping to stem the tide of our young
    people permanently leaving our town.
    This should be a point of pride for Huntsville!

    Huntsville-
    Take care of our ‘Brand’ – please.

  187. Susan Harkness says

    I completely agree with Jamie Jordan’s comments on May 16th regarding food trucks in Huntsville.

  188. Marg Winchester says

    Should we not be more worried about the number of pot shops that have been allowed to come to town. I’d rather Huntsville be known for providing visitors the opportunitiy to enjoy a meal of their choice than a pot shopping opportunity of their choice.

  189. Jamie Jordan says

    I was very interested in the front page story of The Huntsville Forester this week about food trucks. There are towns like Huntsville that have a natural beauty about them which is their core value. It is what draws people from all over the world. On top of that are the citizens who come here, develop businesses and like layers of leaves create a rich environment that draw more people to take root here. But there are other towns, like Niagara Falls (it may be different now but I worked there one summer years ago) which seem to have lost track of that core natural beauty and allowed a shallow soil to take its place.
    Food trucks are tacky in my opinion. I think that we already have too many of them. The truck owners, according to the article, were all in favour of competition but how do you compare the overhead of a place like The Moose to the cost of operating a tiny food truck which is only here taking advantage of the best season, summer and disappears for the rest of the year. I don’t believe there is a single visitor to Huntsville who comes here because of its food trucks.
    A town with too many food trucks will actually prevent development of long term restaurants which are of course preferable.
    And why is a long term restaurant preferable? Because it rents or builds in permanent buildings which if full will cause the construction of more permanent buildings. I can’t imagine that a food truck is taxed as much as a local restaurant but if they are I’d like to see those figures. Long term restaurant businesses employ way more people. Long term restaurants invest in Huntsville. They donate to service club projects, other institutions like the Hospital and of course to sports teams just to name a few. There are dozens of quiet behind the scenes acts of generosity that they provide without asking for publicity, where there is a great need for a person or family going through a hard time and we never hear about these.
    With all that our permanent restaurants have been through over the last few years, flooding and the pandemic I think they should be getting more support from the town for their continued innovation, hard work and loyalty. If anything we should be cutting back on food trucks at this time in support of our permanent businesses, not allowing more trucks which will make it difficult for a permanent restaurant to survive.
    Finally, the most important issue is what is the feeling that a visitor to Huntsville gets when they arrive here? Is it a kind of jaw dropping reaction to how beautiful the place looks, which it does and how clearly the people who live here are taking care of both the natural and business environments. Or is it a feeling of tackiness, that the quick buck is clearly more important than the long haul values?

  190. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Hello; there are 2 things that come to mind for us during Nurses Week 2021.
    1] Give a huge THANKYOU to nurses you know and those you see this week.
    2] Next provincial election in Parry Sound Muskoka and elsewhere, vote, and Please vote out this Conservative government.
    RNAO (Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, a professional organization and not a union) reminds us that this Conservative government’s “Pandemic response” is “too little too late”.
    “The work of nurses has been particularly hard-hit by provincial missteps”. I would only add, that frontline healthcare workers in LTC should be included in this group too.
    Thank you.

  191. David Wolfe says

    Did you miss Earth Day this year?
    Last year is also difficult to remember because Covid has taken over our lives. Earth Day happens every year in April, not the 4/20 but around the same time.
    This time last year it was unique because human activity had grinded to a halt. The sky was clear and blue, there was little sound of noise or smell of traffic in the air. Wildlife came back into our (their) world to explore, so last year’s Earth Day was a great experience if you love the environment.
    Earth Day represents sustainability, not waste, and a plan for future generations. This year I came up my street to see in front me, every driveway with a newspaper stuffed into a plastic bag. This was not a new sight. Every couple years I have to complain to have this delivery stopped in my driveway. After lots of complaining it stops but starts again in a few years.
    Some will pick them up and use the flyers or read the newsprint. Some will use them for fire starters, too much ink makes it difficult to burn, and bad for the environment. Some will find them when they are snow blowing, that aggravates. Some are thrown back into the recycling and some are just left to rot on the street or in the ditch.
    If single use plastic is banned will this practice of blanket delivery stop? I hope so! It is a waste to deliver to everyone when not everyone uses it. Simple.
    Please set up a system where what is manufactured is consumed, let people decide if they want it. Don’t keep throwing what I don’t in my driveway and wasting our natural resources. Please. 

  192. Allen markle says

    Mr. Marschdorf:
    Do you believe that any of these pronouncements from our Health Authority is much more than government people bouncing off walls? I don’t. Nor do I believe that any of our government operatives have had time to run any kind of actual research.
    Yes. No! Yes. No! flip flopping this quickly suggests maybe looking at the question for a day or two and then making a pronouncement. We are never offered any proof, only their ‘sound’ decision.
    We have friends and relatives in England and they are getting back to visiting again whereas we are approaching having a 45% vaccination rate. And that is only the first shot!
    If our health authorities were simply to watch, they might learn something worth telling us.
    But we seem to have governments and government officials who believe that Canadians only believe what we hear from them and not what we can see happening around us.
    But don’t lose hope. They could say something different tomorrow. Who knows with this shower?
    So we have to keep ourselves safe. Mask, wash, maintain a distance and we will muddle through.
    Best of luck to us all.

  193. Hans Marschdorf says

    I wanted to get this off my chest regarding the Health Authority’s decision to stop the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine rollout:

    The claim by the authorities in yesterday’s Zoom conference was that “VITT [Thrombosis] data is evolving in real time”. Seriously? Do we think that we Canadians are genetically different from the Brits or the Danes, so that we can only rely on our Canadian case counts? If chickening out is what they want to do they could have done this a while ago! 242 cases in 28.5 million vaccinated in the UK is less than 1 in 100,000, to be precise 0.8491 in 100,000. Only 49 cases of death, which means 1.7 per MILLION. To base a decision on the much smaller sample size the Canadian vaccination system provides shows a disturbing lack of understanding of statistics and genetics. Stopping AZ now means giving up on the piloted distribution system via pharmacies and medical practitioners in rural settings where deep temperature refrigeration is an issue. Pharmacies and GP offices are the ones with close contact to their customers and able to convince them out of their hesitancy. I took the AZ shot from my Huntsville doctor 2 months ago and am still grateful I was given the opportunity and will accept AZ as a second dose if offered to me without hesitation. I felt comfortable in the hands of the nurse practitioner and the doctor I always see. The authorities should complain less about vaccine hesitancy and focus more on actions to counteract it. That would include abandoning erratic decision making and inconsistent communication. I just read on CBC that Ontario will receive 250,000 doses of AZ next week. So, how will you communicate to us that we should take it after all. As it must be clear from what I wrote above, there’s no need to convince me, but you need to convince 250,000 Ontarians plus as many residents as required to use up the doses still sitting in fridges of pharmacies and doctors offices approaching expiry dates. Happy flip flopping… Here’s a hint: Four months gaps are not supported by any scientific study. 3 months is the maximum study period. The US trial results showing 100% efficacy against serious illness and 76% overall efficacy against any infection were based on 28 day intervals. More might well be better as the British studies published in The Lancet, a medical journal, claimed, but 100/76 % sounds good enough for me. I’ll take it.

  194. Mike Stevens says

    Wow,I hope that our seasonal residents and cottages are not reading all these negative comments.Let’s remember that we are a tourist destination.These folks pay lots of taxes already for the privilege of being here..I don’t see a lot of other industry creating jobs for Muskoka other than tourism

  195. shamdowar says

    personally seasonal cottagers pay more taxes than locals we contribute more to the economy 10,000 in taxes means a lot to the town its the seasonal cottager building Huntsville not local as for the hospital the big donation is coming from the seasonal individual, the wining doesn’t mean anything to it does not affect us it just work up some locals blood pressure. the town council is on track building the town as the Hamptons of Canada to attract the rich and famous and filter out those who don’t want to be part of the change. as for social distancing the locals need to use commonsense i was at ESSO station on Hwy 60 a local was blocking the exit when i asked to be excused her response is don’t you know social distance how stupid could one be your blocking the exite also there is the kFC where the cashier is racist the next time i’m there i will defiantly record her behaviour toward ous and post it on social media sometime when she sees ous she runs to the back and askes the cook to serve ous then she come out and stand there a few weeks she had the courtesy to help a customer take his food to his truck while not wearing a mask this is not the end of this why should we be subject to this type of behaviour and why is this even serving customer.

  196. Debbie Nicholls says

    Have we come down with ” Covid Brain “?

    As a permanent resident of this beautiful town, I am concerned that a few year round residents are of the opinion that they pay the lion’s share of taxes to live in paradise.
    I am only taxed by property value as is across the border for anyone owning property in Huntsville. This assessment pays for the infrastructure in the area, the schools, the hospitals… everything that WE, as property owners reap the benefits of. We do not pay taxes based on occupancy … pray that never becomes the criteria. 12 months of road, school, hospital etc usage versus 5-6 months seasonally?

    Think about it. Taxes are a download from the federal to the provincial to the municipality. It is an equation based on a wish list that is not based on a seasonal versus year round occupancy.

    Be thankful that we have a strong tax base, for the most part compliments of the high value of waterfront homes.

    These high assessed properties keep our unfrasture improvements manageable.

    Thank you to our effective blended community.

  197. Em Arde says

    How nice to see all the extra vehicles in various neighbours’ driveways this weekend, for Mother’s Day. Lots of good, unhealthy mixing of members of different households, from different municipalities. Nice to see how everyone’s selfish self-interests continue to drive their behaviours. Boy, people must really love these lockdowns, because they seem to want them to go on forever.

  198. joann Purdie says

    re : cottagers
    Firstly, I apologize to all those who are tired of seeing my name in your “Speak Up” section.
    I really thought, with all the nice and supportive comments I have had the pleasure to read, that the majority had come to the conclusion, that the cottagers and local community had a mutual respect, and support for each other. I truly believe that we have formed friendships here in the community.
    My response to the previous note, is that this-is the first time the words “ice cream and Italian food “have ever been found offensive. Of course we support all the local shops, builders, caterers etc ,etc. I guess I should have taken the time to mention everyone.
    PS, again not sure how this is important, but my parents are MD’s not me.
    My taxes are based on property and location etc. like all other property owners. I am not educated on the response of an extra “seasonal tax” or the reaction that might occur as a result of it being introduced.
    Finally, as I have said before , Karen, I think you are in the minority, and I am sorry that you have this dislike of the local cottagers.
    When I am allowed to come up- my first stop will be the ice cream shop.
    joAnn

  199. Lesley Hastie says

    Adding to Nancy’s point, about non-residents helping out, visitors and seasonal residents know that when they come here they have access to excellent hospital care, yet do nothing to support it financially.
    A few dollars tax, maybe part of the accommodation short term rental tax, from every visitor would make a huge difference in eliminating the deficit and paying for capital costs of our Huntsville Hospital.

  200. nancy long says

    While reading the comments here this morning, I cannot help but think about the divide between the seasonal residents and permanent residents. Joanne Purdle’s comments have really made a point with me. As an educated doctor, she feels that buying ice-cream and italian food while she’s here is supporting our economy. I wonder how many other seasonal residents think that’s appropriate support for our economy. I really believe that we need an extra seasonal resident property tax. And then we can use that money for the permanent residents to have appropriate access to parks that include water frontage and other recreational facilities. My point is that buying ice cream and pasta doesn’t add up to enough and the government who is supposed to represent residents needs to be involved in order for our permanent population to enjoy Muskoka too.

  201. Jacquie Howell says

    It is with interest, I have been following the comments. I feel that perhaps, there is blame being place on the wrong people. Our seasonal residents should be welcomed. They own their homes and I feel certain that when they are here they are following the correct Covid protocol. (many have been here for a year. I have concern about SHORT TERM VISITORS WHO ARE HERE FOR A VACATION!!!! – they may not have symptoms but can be carriers who spread to our workers in food pick up or curbside. Our motels//resorts/hotels seem to be full, I hope this is with essential workers only – not weekenders – check the parking lots – most should be empty on weekends – However walking downtown last Sunday it was not Visitors that we encountered but young people in groups – no masks and hooting and hollering, bike riding – enough said Wear masks – physically distance STAY SAFE

  202. Mildred Tanzini says

    Regarding the comment about ‘whiny’ commercials from teachers’ unions.
    Surely there is little more important to our society than a sound, safe education system. When politicians show little regard for students, teachers and a safe learning environment they need to be called out and the public needs to be made aware of their policies. Complaining about the inconvenience to a minute of your TV viewing speaks volumes as to why politicians like Doug Ford feel empowered to abuse and short change our students and teachers. Your complaining at least tells me you were listening.

  203. Evert McIlwain says

    Joanne, Bobbie and Kathryn. It is very difficult to have a cottage property and not be able to visit it during this pandemic. It is great to hear that there are those who say they follow the protocols when coming to their cottage or visiting Muskoka. Following Covid protocols of washing your hands, wearing a mask and social distancing should stop the spread of Covid as you have said . People can be asymptomatic, not know it and let their guard down. In Muskoka we are up again in numbers. However someone is not following the health protocols or Covid would not keep spreading whether in Muskoka or anywhere else. The government has given us an opportunity to make our own choices and “be sensible” but for many they appear to have made the wrong choices. This is why we keep going into lockdown multiple times because of poor choices as individuals and the government. If we would all shelter in place and not travel unnecessarily we may have a change to beat this.

  204. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Hello again; Bottom line, it is time for a change in Ontario and Parry Sound Muskoka.
    Key points:
    1] our public health care system had been eroding and imploding for years
    2] for-profit ownership and management has served the investor & shareholder over the people for whom they claim to provide service and care
    3] when money should be returned to these services and care of the vulnerable (e.g. children, elderly), they line the pockets of others
    4] we, as taxpayers, pay this metaphorical beast of greed & profit
    5] the political party who best looks out for big business is the current (non-progressive) Conservative government – they have continued the Harris legacy (federally, Mulroney-Harper legacy); big business and social conservatives support this agenda
    6] ideologically, they are driven to de-regulation, to make it easier to profit & then fail to act on the legislation in place with oversight penalties
    7] they prefer the private sector, falsely believing they operations of “ethical” efficiencies
    8] watch for the party platforms that seek to restore & strengthen publicly owned and operated health care
    9] my human values come from another place, rather than from personal, political motivation
    10] It is time for a change!

  205. Bobbie Dyment says

    Thank you Kathryn Henderson for your kind words of support for Joanne Purdie.

    Our governments need to give us more credit as adults, allowing us to make our OWN choices and be

    sensible in every regard concerning the current situation.

  206. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Here we go again folks: Bob Hepburn writes in today’s Toronto Star,
    DF “is locked in a bitter new fight that has received little public attention, but could soon cost the jobs of thousands of nurses who work as care coordinators and result in pay cuts for others who continue in those jobs…. there are proposed regulations in a recently passed bill that… leaves the door wide open to privatized care co-ordination, threatening publicly delivered home and community care across the province.”
    “Currently about 4,000 nurses and other health-care service professionals work as care coordinators in Ontario. They work directly for public health agencies, helping patients and their families access a wide range of health-care services at home and in their communities.”
    So, guess what, transferring this service to the for-profits could result in lower pay and poorer working conditions for yet another nursing service sector of Ontario health care.
    Had enough of privatized health services yet? Conservatives love to sell anything publicly owned and operated. Please remember this is 2022. DF Conservatives do not listen to nurses -a repeated empty slogan from his last campaign.

  207. Kathryn Henderson says

    Joanne Purdle i live in Huntsville and if I had a cottage here and I lived in the city I would certainly bring my family to the cottage. They say that wearing the mask and keeping 6 ft apart should keep us from getting the covid so keep coming up. We love the tourists.

  208. George Gilley says

    Is it too much to ask to be able to watch TV one evening and not have to listen to the whiney commercials paid for by various teacher unions (ie teachers) criticizing our provincial government. You would think that an election is immenent
    Surely this money could be better spent on any number of worthy causes

  209. joAnn Purdie says

    re .Cottagers
    Hi Bobbie Dyment,
    Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind note. Our cottage family has always tried to support the Huntsville, Dorset and Baysville community. We have never come during a lock down and are always isolating and safe when we are allowed to come.
    It is so nice to finally hear a nice comment. So many times in the last year we have wondered if we chose the wrong area to build our cottage. Some of the comments have been so hateful and upsetting.
    I guess like most topics, the negative opinions are those most published.
    Again thank you, it makes me hopeful that the town does want to see us in the summer, if we are able to return, kind regards joAnn

  210. Allen Markle says

    I just drove past the posted, permit application for a duplex to be allowed on rural property and thought again that I don’t share councils’ enthusiasm for the project. As I understand it, a garden plot will be established on the land and produce from this will be donated to a local charity. Accolades I’m sure.
    But, in exchange for this charitable donation the applicant will be allowed to build a rental duplex to house a manager and farm hand?
    There are the names of donors listed in our hospitals and hospices who receive only a charitable tax deduction slip for their largess and many more unnamed who donate time and money for the sake of giving back to their community.
    Without an actual written agreement with the applicant, how does council know what is to be donated? How much? For how long? It seems this is a very open ended understanding. There was a ‘what-if’ mentioned in council, but the assertions mentioned all seemed to hinge on the property remaining a producing farm.
    If the novelty of this project wears off, the rental duplex in the field will still remain.
    Might council and the community have been better served with issuing a permission for a couple of mobiles on the property, so that ‘if and when’ the donation ends, the units can be removed and this field remain fallow again.
    If this is to be the precedent for rural land, I’ rather see an old barn than each field with a little duplex-bunkie.

  211. Em Arde says

    I wonder if anyone in Huntsville who is under 55 has been vaccinated here yet. I sure hope not, because before they opened it up to those 40+, we registered in the 55+ wave and yet, to date we have heard nothing from the pharmacy or from our GP. Is the supply here so low that we haven’t even gotten all the 55+ people who wanted a shot at least booked for a vaccination appointment?

    Meanwhile my sister’s family, and my sister-in-law’s family, they are all under 55 and they are all vaccinated … because it seems they live in the “right” postal code.

    The message I get from this is: If you follow all the guidelines, if you sacrifice your comfort and your freedom for the good of the community, if you hunker down and isolate, then your reward will be to continue to be exposed to the risk of COVID, and to suffer the worry and anxiety that comes with it.

    But if your area has flouted the rules, and ignored the guidance, and has let the virus spread like wildfire … well, congratulations, let us reward you with early immunization.

    Billy Joel had it right, I think.

  212. Ray Vowels says

    I was not aware that I said anything bad about the cottage owners. We all know what they bring to the area and to our businesses. All I asked was that if they are coming up right now please stay at your cottage. We all know that some do this but a lot don’t this is the problem. As far as being well off financially anyone that owns a cottage around here now is for sure a lot better off than most of our year round people. Most of us have been priced right off from ever buying lake front property.

  213. Bobbie Dyment says

    Joann Purdie, I cannot agree with you more. First, taking a literary position has much more impact without using abrasive and disrespectful terminology. Letters addressing your position embarrassed me.

    Our Huntsville community is in “God’s country” and it’s where people come to relax, enjoy nature and what it has to offer in the way of scenery, water activities, a slower pace … not to overlook the kindness and variety of boutique shop owners and a vast selection of restaurant cuisine.

    My husband and I would still be considered “newbies” to Huntsville (Oct., 2017) but we’ve adopted the thrill of Spring meaning fresh faces from “elsewhere”, cottage owners returning to reap the benefits of Muskoka, which boosts the local economy and there’s a vibrancy that exudes throughout the town and beyond till the colour of Fall starts to pop.

    Yes, we have ALL been dealing with an unprecedented time for the last 13 months and it has resulted in a conundrum of reaction, retaliation, fear, accusation, anger and more. Being a former cottage owner, I choose to believe those who vacation /live in this beautiful area are here to appreciate nature and, in kindness, give back in every way. Joann, your note emitted hurt and I am so sorry. These opinions expressed by those who were not kind, I truly believe are not typical of those of us who welcome you, your family, friends to continue to compliment Huntsville with your presence and support.

    May your stay with us during the coming Summer months of 2021 be comfortable, relaxing and safe.

  214. Patricia Munro says

    I work at financial institution in Huntsville.
    When you put in your debit card, it tells me where you reside.
    I always engage in conversation such as “ what brings you to our beautiful little community?”
    Sudbury client : I’m here to see my new granddaughter!
    Richmond Hill: I came to have a look at a boat! I need 1200 dollars.
    Toronto: My kids still live here , I came for a little visit, and I haven’t seen them in a month!”
    The list goes on and on, and I have to pretend to smile behind my mask and say “ oh that nice.”

    I guess I’m asking why is it that they decide to stop in and stand in line to take out 20 dollars or bring in a bag of rolled coin, or pay their tax bill? Didn’t they think of that before they left their own city or town?
    I serve over 125 customers every shift . More than 60 percent are traveling from out of their jurisdiction.

  215. Edward Butikofer says

    I listened to Kathlien . Here is what I feel. My wife and I are in a retirment Home in Huntsville. I belive that as we want Government to look after us (Luck at Covis spending) we should expect to pay our share. O toole and CUT TAXES. does not seem to understand what is going on. Even just childcare will cost a lot and save families a lot . Much better than Tax Cuts. Also it does not seem fair that Ontario builds Hospitals but expects charity to equip them. A few of can and will donate BUT everyone of us benefit. So if its for rhe common good then pay for it by Taxes.

  216. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Please be skeptical of the National Post’s article claiming that DF is a changed man. I suggest not.

    “Ford has passed a new law that allows his wealthy donors to give twice as much. In the middle of a pandemic, this is his priority. Not paid sick days, rent relief, climate action, or a vaccination strategy for all, but lining his party’s pockets from the rich and well connected.” This is what he and his Conservative party do during a pandemic. Ironic that Commentary accuses federal government with political plays during a pandemic, while ignoring what is happening provincially.

  217. Barb Armstrong says

    An idea.

    I’ve heard a few stories of Snowbirds and vacationers coming back from Florida this April and not staying in the Airport Hotels set up for quarantine because they didn’t like the look or cleanliness of them. (that should probably be looked into) I’m wondering if perhaps it’s time to just have a few army buses ready and waiting for them at the airports. Anytime anyone gets off a plane on Canadian soil, pick them up in the army bus, drive them to a ‘tent city’ or barracks somewhere, and let them quarantine there. It worked for the cruise ship people last spring.

    Maybe we could take it a step further – if you want to buy a plane ticket, or perhaps at the boarder if you’re driving, you need to sign a waiver and provide a credit card and/or your permanent address. You will then have your CC charged with sufficient funds to cover the cost to ‘house you at the barracks’ and the rest of us won’t foot the bill.. because we will, financially or with our health/lives. if you don’t have enough room on your CC – it can get added to your property taxes. If you don’t have enough money to pay – either DON’T TRAVEL or DON’T expect to come back to CANADA until the pandemic is over.

    I know there are folks out there attending huge rallies (hundreds of people in Barrie for instance) and protests about lockdowns and wearing masks, etc. because it’s against their civil rights and liberties. Well, first, no, it’s not, if you read “our” constitution and second – what about the rights of the rest of us?! The ones who don’t want to get Covid from all the anti-maskers, travelers, and spreaders out there?! Where are OUR rights?

    And okay – a political shot – WHY was the ban not put on flights from Pakistan and India BEFORE we had 2 cases in Canada? (one in BC and one in Quebec – both of which will probably have spread by now). It’s this kind of lackadaisical, “should we? maybe we’ll offend someone? but will it hurt the economy?, what if they get upset with us and don’t vote for us again…” crap that is literally KILLING Canadians and the rest of the world.

    I say call in the troops – get the military involved with quarantining anyone who wants to enter Canada in all provinces – maybe that will finally stop all the non-essential spreading of ‘death’ to our people and our health care system.

    So tired of all this – hoping the new double mutant strain from India doesn’t sweep Canada now.

    Stay Safe.

  218. Robert Graziano says

    I want to thank the very kind and nice staff at the Summit Centre when I had my first covid shot. I’m not the best candidate for needles but the staff there were great from the young man at the entrance to the ones directing me where to go and did NOT very the injection one bit.I feel we do not thank our medical people or police enough…so THANKS! P.S. It was the best 75th birthday present anyone could wish for.

  219. joann purdie says

    Hello Ray, James, and buddies.
    Firstly, I did not mention or imply that I had travelled during the restrictions or current “Stay at home” . We came to our property before the new rules were in place.
    Second, coming from a family of doctors, I am more than educated on the implications of my first vaccine shot. I think you should not try to give out medical advice.
    Next to use terms like “arrogant ‘ is rude and hurtful, and as usual everyone from the city is must be “well off”., I was thoughtful enough to not say any sarcastic or mean comments in my note. You really should know that not all people from the big city are ‘well off or arrogant’. It is truly sad that you and Ray are “not alone in your thinking”
    I am sure my few dollars will not make a difference, but seeing how you and your local pals think of your cottage neighbours, I will plan on rethinking my local purchases. As far as future projects on my property, my big city contractors and suppliers are polite and gracious, unlike yourself.
    What a shame, that you need to use such inappropriate wording to try and make your point.
    joAnn

  220. Gerry Lannan says

    I understand that Doug Ford’s popularity is plummeting; perhaps someone isn’t praising him enough

  221. James Wagg says

    Reply to Jo Anne Purdie
    My Thoughts
    Congrats on getting your first vaccination. But lets be clear on what that means. The vaccine does not prevent you from getting or passing on the virus, all it does is lessen the possibility of you having a serious or lethal outcome.
    I was born and have lived most of my life in Huntsville, and I totally appreciate what tourism as a whole means to us, be it cottager or visitors.
    We work very hard to build beautiful cottages, have lovely shops, wonderful restaurants, and fun activities to make a great experience. To you it is a vacation for us it is work, I hope you appreciate us as much as we do you.
    As for the lock downs, I do not believe in them. I think we should have prepared for the inevitable, rather then thinking we could stop it.
    But here we are with a stay at home order. The key component is that we restrict travel to essential only.
    Stay where you live only go out when absolutely necessary. Pretty Simple.
    For anyone to use the excuse that you spend money at your vacation area and there fore can ignore the travel restrictions is arrogant. It sounds like the old adage “I am well off the rules don’t apply to me”.
    The Government keeps saying we are all in this together. I hope this resonates with everyone.
    FYI Ray is not alone in his thinking.
    We will welcome you back when this is behind us.
    But for now Stay home Stay Safe.

  222. Evert McIlwain says

    Reply to Jo Ann Purdue – Yes, full time Muskokans do welcome cottagers but right now is not a good time for cottagers to spend time in Muskoka . I am very happy to hear that in previous times your have supported community businesses. You state that you now come to your cottage with necessary supplies for your stay and have been first time vaccinated. Perhaps you even stay at your cottage and don’t venture out and into town. You or others (cottagers) could be asymptomatic and still be contagious to others who have not been vaccinated. It is evident, even now with the lockdown that grocery and pharmacy stores and food take are busier than usual. I know it must be difficult to stay away from your cottage and this beautiful region. Please be an example and follow the public health guidelines, stay at home in your area, don’t travel as requested and keep yourself and others safe.

  223. Peter R. Dirks says

    When are we getting a new Governor General in Canada ?
    The structure of our government requires that we have a representative of the Queen ..

  224. Ray Vowels says

    Reply to Jo Ann Purdie Once this pandemic is over we all will welcome all the cottagers back but until then a lot think it would be nice if you just stayed home. If all cottagers did like you say you do there would be no problem trouble is a lot don’t. Maybe it’s just the weekenders that stay in motels or rent cabins that for some strange reason want to spend a lot of time in town. Myself i stay home and away from town on weekends so an just speaking from hearsay when i say our town is packed most weekends. I was in the building business for many years so know first hand what cottagers bring to the area.. it’s just this is a bad time for us all and when we see what is going on in the south it scares us to think it could happen here.

  225. jo Ann Purdie says

    Hi Ray ,
    Looks like here we go again.
    We are from the dreaded city, and we did come north to check on our properties. We are’ first shot vaccinated’, we did not stop our car, we brought our own groceries, and then drove home.
    We “cottagers” make sure we keep ourselves and our neighbours safe.
    I am one of the “people” who keeps the small downtown shops busy in the summer, and who planned my daughters wedding using local venues, florists ,photographers etc, who built my cottages with local builders and tradesmen, ( when I could have easily used Toronto builders.)
    Most cottagers are good people, who do all they can for Huntsville and the area. I am sure my very high property taxes help renovate the local library and pave the road to the school.
    Yes Ray, you decided to live in an area surrounded by beautiful lakes, so cottagers come with the territory. We are not the problem, we are the solution to keeping small resort towns healthy.
    I am convinced you are in the minority with your complaints. This is why when this health scare is over, I will forget your remarks and continue to go downtown to eat some Italian food, get some ice cream and enjoy all that Huntsville has to offer.

  226. Chas Clark says

    Thank you Mr Whillans for your lengthy diatribe and rather condescending conclusion. Not once did you mention the lack of vaccine as the main contributor to the outbreak Covid-19 in Ontario. Only sufficiently vaccinated people will provide what i believe is called herd immunity.

  227. Anna-Lise Kear says

    I am deeply concerned for our health care staff during this time, for patients, families, essential workers.
    What is confusing to me is DF and this government’s lack of learning. There was much to learn after the first wave. Is it a matter of their capacity to learn? Or is it a matter of their intention to remain ignorant and filter the best advice of many of the “elites” through their political ideology?
    I suggest, that the latter might be the problem. The needed paradigm shift in understanding has not been demonstrated in policy and in poor pro-active planning – and that is what is required of leadership during such a crisis!
    The desire to learn from mistakes, be pro-active, not just reactive means that the Ford government needs to be fully engaged in the priorities of this pandemic, not catering to developers and accrediting colleges from amongst the party donors.
    My question remains, why has the Provincial Conservative government failed to learn? Is it ability or intention?

  228. Paul Whillans says

    Chas Clark…..This has been the problem with Mr Ford’s story and those such as yourself (and Mr Mackenzie) who support him this is not a case of perfect hindsight this was most predictable by “the science”; experts in public health and finance and most importantly by other countries. I refer you to a study Kochancyk and Lipiniaki in Nature on January 28th. It looked at 25 countries’ and 10 US states’ response to the pandemic. Some countries (10 of them) used a strategy to eradicate the disease (i.e. locking down hard until community spread reached zero). Others (like Ontario) used the strategy of suppression (just enough restriction to keep the number “reasonable” until vaccinations were available). A third set of jurisdictions (only a very very few) implemented a strategy of targeting herd immunity. The findings were that not surprising. There were many many fewer deaths in those countries that chose to shut down until community spread was zero. But perhaps more surprisingly, they did vastly less damage to their economies, employment and psycho-social stress.

    This, Mr Clark is not simply perfect hindsight. On August 7, Neel Kashkari who is the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Michael Osterholm, who is the Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease and Policy wrote an op ed in the New York Times. Their call was for the same strategy used by these 10 successful countries predicting without it there would be more deaths and cases AND any recovery would be slower and employment would remain for years. They made it clear that it would be cheaper for the government to underwrite all of the economy for 3 or 4 months than to subsidize most of the economy for a year or more. But what they were famously saying is exactly what has been know for 75 years……pandemics are bad for business.

    Statistically Ontario was within 2 weeks to a month away from reducing community spread to zero last July…..but the Ford government couldn’t wait that long. Had he waited; had he listened to the experts, Ontario too could be like those 10 countries….Covid free; allowed to freely see family friends and attend large sporting events….essentially back to a normal life

    As Kochancyk et al said in their report “the idea that there was a tradeoff between public health and the economy was just an illusion”

    And apparently you and the Ford government/conservative party are the last to know

  229. Chas Clark says

    It is very easy to criticize and with perfect hindsight how to handle the pandemic. Premier Ford is walking a tightrope trying to be fair to all the province by balancing the pandemic needs against the need for people to work. I think he put his finger squarely on it when he said that if they had enough vaccines, then there would not be a need for a lockdown. Canada, a G7 country , is still number 26 in the countries that have administered the vaccine. Don’t blame Premier Ford for the abysmal performance of those in power in Ottawa responsible for procuring the vaccine.

  230. Elise Vautour says

    I just wish our Walmart in Huntsville had an outdoor bench. I am partially disabled and waiting for a cab/bus is hard on me as I am unable to stand for too long. I’ve inquired with the staff but they say that the owner of the building contracts out the building to Walmart. I will look into that. The Walmart in Bracebridge has one and is covered which helps greatly during rainy days and/or in winter. Not all of us own vehicles. The more calls the better. Thanks for listening. 🌞

  231. Barb Armstrong says

    While I fully agree the government is making a great many mistakes and risking our lives in the process, there still is public responsibility and accountability to watch for as well. Huntsville was down to one active case at the end of March / early April. What Happened?!?! How are we now at 20 cases? Doug Ford has done a lot of things wrong or sometimes a little too little and a lot too late, but I don’t think he caught Covid and came up here and coughed on 19 people!

    Come On Folks! Be MORE Careful! The VOCs are particularly nasty, hitting much younger age groups, and hitting harder. We can’t get complacent just because the nicer weather is approaching. See Anna-Lise Kear’s post, sign the petition, but above all else – Stay Home, Wash, stick to the ONE house hold gatherings. If we stay strong for just a few more months we can all be vaccinated and get together again!

    The cases in Huntsville are because some people in Huntsville, somewhere, made the mistake of thinking it was okay to not wear a mask, to stand that little bit closer to their neighbour or friend, forgot to wash their hands before touching their face – it’s NOT okay right now!

  232. Lesley Hastie says

    Time to say goodbye, Mr Doug Ford. Your particular decision making and analytical skills do not tally with what is required during this COVID-19 third wave catastrophe. We are in the midst of a disaster and It is very clear to everyone that not only did you NOT do what doctors have been desperately urging you to do, you actually did the opposite in February, and opened up.
    You still are not providing sick leave for those vulnerable workers in hot spots.
    You were TIRED you said. Well it’s time now for you to have a rest.
    You say you do not hesitate…now is the time to not hesitate….RESIGN
    You say you do not shy away from doing what is necessary. Please do so, RESIGN.

  233. Anna-Lise Kear says

    RNAO (the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario) has a message for the Premier today. If you are as concerned as I am about the government’s responses during this third wave, please consider going to the following website and sending this action email. You do not have to be a nurse to sign this petition, just a member of the public.
    https://rnao.ca/policy/action-alerts/do-what-must-be-done-premier
    Thank you for considering this issue, in light of patients, families, and our health care system.

  234. James Wagg says

    I have lived in the west end most off my life, our area was mostly low to middle class with a lot of older or post war homes. But the one thing we had was a place to swim. We called it The Deep as it dropped off quick. This was a little piece of shore line owned by the Avery family that allowed us to swim there, and eventual denoted it for the purpose of a public swim area aptly named Avery Beach.
    A decade ago the town decided to add a boat launch to take some of the pressure off the launch near the High School that has since closed. The use of this landing has increased tenfold to the point were families trying to use the beach are dodging trucks and trailers and good luck finding parking.
    Now the town in their wisdom have purchased the hanger next to the beach and look poised to add more boat slips right beside where adults and kids swim. What part of BEACH did you miss. I ask anyone who has enjoys swimming at this little piece of beach to write the town council voicing your concerns for the close proximity this new docks to our swimming area.
    Let’s speak up before we lose it.

  235. gerry lannan says

    Because of my advanced years, I got my covid 19 vaccination 5 weeks ago; I go nowhere except the Metro; the staff at Metro have not had their shots yet; there’s something very, very wrong with that picture.

  236. Ray Vowels says

    Brunel Rd, is bad for people walking on the wrong side of the road to start with then wearing dark clothing to boot. The bike riders are just as bad for not wearing reflective shirts they are very hard to see if they are in a shadow even in daylight and a lot of them will not ride the shoulder it’s a wonder to me that there is not a lot more being hit or run off the road. I think they need to be licenced and have insurance just the same as car drivers if they want to ride the road and that means having to take a test so the know the rules of the road.

  237. La'Nor Lovegrove says

    I agree with Rachel.
    A couple of years ago my husband and me were driving out Brunel Rd., went around the corner heading toward the locks. A couple, walking their black dog, were on the shoulder just off the road. We were about four feet away from them when our head lights caught something that flashed. It was then we saw them, dressed all in black. Fortunately for all of us, we were well on the road and they were on the shoulder. A happy ending.
    Never the less, for a few minutes it was frightening.
    People, did you ever wonder why burglers, etc. always wear black at night in the movies.
    SO NOONE CAN SEE THEM.

    Be safe,
    La’Nor Lovegrove.

  238. Rachel Markle says

    The weather is getting nicer and the days are getting longer but the sun does still go down. It would be greatly appreciated if people would consider wearing high visibility clothing when they are out during twilight hours, a high vis vest is cheap. Even the most cautious motorist can’t see you when you’re dressed all in black or dark colours and your out for an evening jog down the middle of the road.
    Even if your out walking your dog high visibility clothing goes a long way to keeping everyone safe.

  239. Brenda Duncan says

    Well, here we go again…another lockdown! Why is it that us small town, rural folk understand what is necessary to stop this virus. The large majority of us are compliant.

    Why don’t the people who live in the city get it? If everyone did ‘the right thing’ right from the beginning, we wouldn’t be in this mess. I am not painting everyone, from the city, with the same brush but the large majority of them are not compliant!!! What part of this pandemic don’t they understand?!!! Now they are being rewarded for bad behavior by everyone over 18 in Peel and Toronto getting vaccinated. I understand why the Government is doing this but we would not reward our own children for behaving badly. I think this is just setting precedence for the same thing to happen should there be another virus that surfaces! (Hope that doesn’t happen again in my lifetime!)
    I think the teachers, in all of Ontario, should get their vaccinations. They are essential workers especially for the well-being of our children. We need our children to go to school. We need our teachers to teach in person. Why not make it safer for them to go into the classroom?
    I don’t know…maybe I am just grumpy because we have to go through this again because of some people who think they are invincible!!!!

  240. brian tapley says

    It is supposed to be the COMMUNICATION AGE and we have all kinds of neat tools that can communicate, but in actuality, we can communicate less today than 20 years ago in some ways at least.

    Why do we not have a directory of cell phone #’s like we used to have for land line phones?

    Why is there not a registry or directory of email addresses matched to people’s names?

    If you’ve ever tried to find someone these days, when land lines are getting to be a thing of the past, you will rapidly realize that communication is not actually the goal of the companies selling all this technology.

    Such listings might go a long way toward eliminating scams, since the perpetrator would not be anonymous.

    People will scream about “privacy” but really, can this not be accommodated somehow and still make this work better?

  241. Norma Stahls says

    I applaud the stay at home order it just should have been months ago. What we need is for people to understand that we are all in this together and follow medical advice. I want to enjoy this summer as I am sure everyone does.. Patience is running out for everyone so why won’t people help us move forward The only way we get out of this medical emergency is stay at home now and when we open up again MASK UP, SOCIAL DISTANCE, HAND WASHING GET VACCINATED WHEN YOU CAN , AND GOOD OLD COMMON SENSE . Think of the medical staff and availability to hospital services let’s do our part .
    I truly empathize with business owns and staff but if we don’t get this pandemic under control they will suffer loses greater than now so let’s help them .
    Stay healthy and safe

  242. James Wagg says

    Albert Einstein: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
    And here we we are again, yet another lock down. And what will be the result? The same. The virus, like a stealthy cat lays in wait til we pop our head out of the hole and it hits us with another wave.
    To say we are tried of it would be an understatement.
    Hey Government at all levels rather then trying to stop the inevitable, why didn’t you prepare for it?
    A year ago we were in the first wave, you talked about developing vaccines, getting more ventilators, expanded bed capacity, more rapid tracing, and controlling the influx of virus to our country.
    Year later we are still in the same boat. The wealthy travel at will weather it is going abroad or bringing the virus from hot spots to communities who through sacrifice have kept their numbers low. A relative of mine waited 5 days for test results losing wages for her and her spouse only to find out it was a common flu, we wonder why people might lie about feeling slightly under the weather. If our greatest fear is overwhelming our hospitals, then why weren’t we expanding, we have military MASH units why aren’t they active. Vaccines what can we say, someone voted him in, Lets not make that mistake again.
    Be Safe.

  243. Sharon Burgess says

    It is my 65th birthday on Thursday April 8th. I can’t even go out for a nice dinner now. Had lunch reservation with my sister and my 86 year old Mom, to go have a nice lunch. Now it is cancelled. Getting tired of all this.

  244. stan dronseika says

    Could it be that your community guidelines might just be a tad too broad? Could it be that our community is made up of slightly sterner stuff; and lack a sense of humour?

  245. jerry paris says

    Why does Justin hate Canadian businesses? He said that there were no places in our country that could produce vaccines, but it turns out there were three. One in the prairies producing for manitoba, one in toronto, and one in montreal.The one in toronto, he was willing to give 5 million, the one in montreal, a hundred and twenty plus, but it was said it would cost 330 million to se.t up and produce a vaccine.An american copany will supply vaccines some time in 2022,from the greater ottawa area and now Justin is opening the wallet big time to a french company to set up in toronto area. Why not to a canadian company? Justin only wants to invest in foriegn businesses.

  247. Kathryn Henderson says

    I would like to know the rules for putting an opinion on here. I answered someone’s opinion but my opinion was not posted.

  248. Ray Vowels says

    I wonder what the Ford Govt is thinking by locking down the entire province starting on Sat. I guess Mr ford wants to get up to the cottage on Fri along with a lot more of his friends from the city. You can bet Fri night the hwy will be jammed with people coming north for the weekend and we will be the ones that suffer from it. Huntsville has not had a case since march 21 st but I’ll bet we get a bunch after this weekend. So much for the people of Muskoka doing what we are supposed to and not spreading covid 19 around much. This lock down is sure going to hurt if not end all hope for a lot of our small businesses in town and that is sad because there is no reason for it at all. All they should do is close the hwy off at Barrie on Fri night and stop all the people from the infected area from coming up here spreading it around.

  249. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Hello again; Don’t be fooled by DF’s folksy manner, the Con Ford government plans to invest in LTC in the Province. Wonderful news? Well keep wide awake, because this will go into additional beds for the for-profit sector.
    If you have been satisfied with the for-profit performance in Ontario LTC during this pandemic, (especially the death rates, lack of preparation, insufficient staffing) and the deficiencies in preparing over the summer 2020 by the DF government in advance of the second wave, then having the for-profits take more of the corporate welfare pie will make no difference to you and yours.
    If you DO have concerns, please listen and consider the platforms of any party but Ontario Conservatives before voting.
    We remember what the Mike Harris years have done to LTC, Doug Ford has no different agenda.
    Please stay alert and stay well. Thank you for reading.

  250. Edward Butikofer says

    I wonder what is going on in Retail. There are empty shelve everywer. Prices on some items are thru the roof. Yet we dont hear much of why or what . Any ideas

  251. Evert McIlwain says

    Kathryn H. The government has provided us with infection control guidelines. There is nothing left to figure out…we’ve been given the guidelines – wash your hands, wear a mask, social distance and get vaccinated. It’s up to us, as people, to follow them. The virus is spreading because people are not following the guidelines. The more vigilant people follow the guidelines, the lesser the infection rate will be, decreasing risk for the public and therefore allowing business to reopen safely. This is every Canadians responsibility.

  252. Ray Vowels says

    I see Freshco is going to go with just reusable bags. Now I’m wondering just what people will use for kitchen catchers if all the store go that way. We use the grocery bags for all the kitchen garbage and from what I have seen most deteriorate within a few weeks if left out in the sun so i’m not sure just what the problem is I think they are much less of a problem than the green plastic garbage bags most people put out for pick up each week.

  253. David Ferguson says

    Ms. Keetch,
    With respect, I have a couple of comments about plastic grocery bags.. Firstly, they are very useful for kitchen garbage, pet waste etc., and I assume many people use their bags for such purposes. I know I do. Now that they’re not supplied at my grocery store I will have to purchase “kitchen catchers” or such like.
    Secondly, plastic grocery bags are recyclable, and always have been. Can you say the same about the reusable bags we’re now forced to purchase? And where do they end up when no longer usable?

  254. Kathryn Henderson says

    I would like to see all the stores and restaurants opened up before we lose all our small businesses. Government has had enough time to figure out this pandemic. Enough is enough. Let’s get the Lieing liberals out and start saving Canada, Canadians and Canadian jobs.

  255. Susan Keetch says

    THUMBS up to Freshco, they have gone to only reusable bags, no more plastic. They still sell bags at a very reasonable price. Wish the all store would follow suit. Thank you Freshco.

  256. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Will someone give DF a metaphorical bump on the head? Again, he does not listen to the professionals. Because he is tired of the situation, he opens up areas. Let’s hope our younger adults will be safe.
    Let’s change this government at the next Provincial election, in mass. DF is trying his best, I am told. Well, seriously his best is not enough in my books. Thank you for reading.

  257. Brian Tapley says

    Why is it that back in the 80’s Credit card interest rates where about 20 to 24 % and believe it or not, banks paid interest on your savings account of maybe 5% and you could get a GIC for slightly more, maybe 6 or 7%.

    Now, banks pay interest of zero on your savings. If you manage to find a GIC paying more than 1% you will discover you have locked your money in for the next 50 years BUT IF YOU LOOK AT YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT YOU WILL SEE THEY ARE STILL CHARGING 22.9%

    One would think that if all other interest payments, heck even loans have dropped and car companies love to give you an interest free loan for 5 years if you grace their brand by buying a new car, well you could be forgiven for thinking maybe, just maybe credit card interest rates might follow the trend?

    Any banker care to explain this and put their name on the reply?

  258. Harry Oswin says

    Just wondering why gas is 10 cents/litre cheaper (119.9) in Bracebridge than it is in Huntsvile (129.9)

    I’d be happy to be educated on this.

    Thanks!

  259. Brenda Begg says

    I might add, I’ve been told that the public washrooms in Huronia mall in Midland (a small mall) and Georgian Mall in Barrie are open.

  260. Brenda Begg says

    Thank you for this avenue to ‘Speak Up’. I went to the mall this afternoon and was surprised to see a sign posted on the front door advising that their public washrooms are closed. Closure of washrooms on and off during the pandemic has been addressed in the Toronto Star at least four times. Truck drivers and others have been impacted with the closure of washrooms. We are encouraged to (e.g, shop local) yet some washrooms are closed! I think most people are capable of, and know how to safely use a public washroom. For goodness sakes- open the washrooms.

  261. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Mr. Whillans; you are absolutely correct. I apologize to anyone who may have been injured by my remarks. I should have more clearly identified the context of governments or how leaders are chosen.
    My statement was not meant to generalize well, it was specific, intended to open discussion on how humans choose, if we can choose, those who lead us.
    I was addressing the person about his comments concerning the monarchy, his choice of words was “bullies”. Individuals who abuse the advantage of their greater power over innocent lives, causing trauma are bullies and much more. I hope this clarifies my post.
    Thank you Mr. Whillans for bringing to my attention how my comments might have been interpreted by others.

  262. Ryan Vallentin says

    James, the age of consent in Canada was raised from 14 to 16 in 2008 for the first time since 1892

    The Harper government did that to help protect our young people. If you are referring to the age rule exemption that would allow a 14 and 15 year old to consent to sexual activity provided the age difference does not exceed 5 years, that is to protect prosecution for close in age consenting relationships. I can agree that 5 years is excessive, but we certainly don’t want a 16 year old’s life destroyed by criminal records and sex offender registration because of a sexual relationship with their 15 year old partner. Do you remember your hormones at that age?

    I believe the Harper government made the law better, just not good enough.

  263. Paul Whillans says

    Anna-Lise Kear………”Bullies were invited to be so”. I suspect that you may want to re-think (or more likely withdraw) that premise. I could give you a extensive list groups and victims (including but not limited to rape victims) who would not only dispute that by take great offense (as do I)

    I suspect that you were trying to be “academic” but your statement does not generalize well. I would in fact categorically that bullies are never invited to be so…………..NEVER

  264. Brenda Duncan says

    Here I go on another rant! Today it is about the high school kids. There are many of them who walk to McDonalds or Little Caesars or Subway for their lunch. I think it is great that there are so many of them actually getting out and getting some exercise. The thing I don’t think is great is their incessant littering.
    While out for a walk myself at lunchtime, I witnessed a number of them finish what they were eating or drinking and discard their garbage on the ground! Seriously!!! This is a disgusting act coming from someone of their age!
    I know that they probably don’t read the Doppler so I am imploring their parents to sit them down and actually ‘have the talk’ with them about proper behavior! Thank you.

  265. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Mr. Iannan: Hi, I was not trying to change your mind and opinion, just to broaden the concept.
    It takes ‘ 2 to tango’, as is said. People get what they ask for/need in leadership and ruling systems.
    Bullies rule because they are allowed to or because people don’t understand any alternatives.
    Hugh Holland’s remarks in Mr. Mackenzie’s article about the monarchy are worth a read.

  266. gerry lannan says

    Hi Anna-Lise;
    You are obvious much better at writing than I am (and I mean that as a compliment);I agree with everything you say, but it doesn’t change my premise about the origin of royals.
    Gerry

  267. James Rockwell says

    Okay so this question/comment is going to be a shock to most citizens and readers. I’m hoping Scott Aicheson can help to answer; why on earth did the Harper Conservative government change our age of consent laws? Why in this age of domestic human trafficking, right from our own back yards, did they change the laws to allow an 18 year old to “date” a 14 year old? Not only is it disgusting and completely bizarre, it’s also a blight on our society. Time for the feds to change this horrible law.

    I have seen first hand 18 year old men lure and groom 14 year old girls. This is just wrong!

  268. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Mr. Inannan; I realize your post is rhetorical. Perhaps a history book from the library would help. Kings, nation states in Europe. Many, many battles for territory. Canadian history and territorial fights on behalf of France, England, the Vikings, etc. It has always been about land, resources, and dominant culture — I am sure that is obvious. People/nations wanted kings and installed them to help fight their enemies. They wanted military leaders to protect them from invaders.
    Class systems, ignorance, superstition, lack of any education keep people oppressed and keep them dependent. It can also be a learned dependency over time.
    How would people know about any form of shared power? Might meant right.
    At the heart of all of this is human nature, greed, fear, anger. What else could be more obvious?
    The bullies were invited to be so. How was human nature to change? How can it change today?
    The monarchy in Britain is not the despot now, there is shared power with Parliament. People get what they want, sometimes benevolent, sometimes tyrannical. What lessons can we learn from the autocracy and self-serving of a malignant narcistic sociopath and former leader in the USA republic?

  269. gerry lannan says

    please help me here; I’m trying to figure out where royals originated; I can’t believe that God created royals and peasants; I can’t believe that ,through evolution , we evolved as royals and peasants; so where did royals get started? well, here’s my theory–a very long time ago in prehistory a gang of bullies got together and gathered more and more bullies with them to control larger and larger areas of land which they controlled, occupied by ordinary peasants who only wanted to be left alone; the lands became so big that they called it a country and made themselves emperors and kings and made their sons and daughters princes and princesses and so it goes. prove me wrong.

  270. Kathryn Henderson says

    Peter Dirk the liberals and NDP have the majority. The conservatives don’t have much voting power. Maybe next election. Trudeau is being Trudeau.

  271. EDWARD WOOLVEN says

    A major advantage being linked to Barrie is availability of access to their hospital .

  272. Peter R. Dirks says

    What is Justin Trudeau doing in getting into the Battery production with Quebec ?
    $ 50,000 000.00 of our money will go a long way in getting our covet 19 problem resolved.

    Where does the Conservative Party has anything to say about this ?

  273. Allen Markle says

    A few days ago someone on the radio ask what we the listeners thought would be nice as the Covid threat diminishes. We have had so many false starts that the question is a bit premature, in my opinion. But it will happen so I thought of some of the things I will appreciate.
    I will like to hear the news and not have this Covid diet every half hour and hour. Though I’m sure they will come up with something else to present ad nauseum.
    I will appreciate an end to the speculation and not actual news, that has become the forte of the CBC.
    Not having every doctor with an opinion being given the opportunity to present it on radio or television will be a plus.
    Hearing that we are now receiving a steady stream of vaccine deliveries will be appreciated.
    It will be great to know that the inoculation of everyone is proceeding apace and that at least 100,000 people a day are getting the ‘jab’. With Ontario’s population of 15 million, we will be done in 150 days or 22 weeks! Justin and Doug; can you deliver? I’ve worked night shifts and am more than willing to be there at 3:00 in the morning for my shot.
    It will be great to talk on the street, unmasked and closer than two meters. I’ve found it a rather novel concept to need a mask to enter a bank!
    I want to be able to sit down in a hall full of bid euchre players and say “Shuffle-up and deal!”
    It will be great to drive for Muskoka Seniors again.
    Until then there’s nothing for it but to wash my hands, wear a mask and keep my ‘bubble’ small.
    Just my opinion and wish list.
    Stay safe everyone.

  274. Bev MacWilliams says

    How long are we prepared to give Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government a pass on their complete failure to secure the vaccines to protect our citizens. I have heard from many supporters of the PM and his government that they are doing their best. Their best? Their best is worse than most 3rd world countries. As a business owner, when I hear we are doing our best, that is code for we are in trouble. Doing your best in the private sector isn’t good enough, you have to be the best to survive. We now are seeing the political spin that we are ok to get by with one shot for 4 months. Really? Everyone who are expecting second doses are now going to be significantly delayed. The government has now shifted to plan B ( the default) which is the failure of plan A. Let’s call it what it is, as a member of the G7, we are in last place protecting our citizens by providing adequate cover doses. Everyone was critical of the US in their distribution of the vaccines, now they are the model for the rest of the world. This government has failed us in this regard, more preventable deaths will take place. The Prime Minister and his party will spin this failure as problems that were out of their control; they will say they that they did the best that they could and many people will believe that and give them a pass. I won’t! This is serious business and I expect that my government will deliver, they didn’t. Their best fell far short of what I expected. They need to be held accountable for this; it is shameful. It is time to throw out the incompetent. Oh by the way where the heck is the budget? Is there something that is being hidden from Canadians? You want to believe it there is.

  275. Susan Keetch says

    Just wondering why Huntsville has I think either 3 or 4 marijuana stores? Anyone know?

  276. Brenda Duncan says

    Since everyone is focused on Covid and getting the vaccine, I will focus on our road conditions. Well, not entirely, I am focused on getting the vaccine too.
    I know the potholes are a yearly thing; however, this year they seem exceptionally large and there seems to be more of them. They also ‘seem’ to be ‘fixed’ within a short period of time. The only thing is that some asphalt is dumped in the holes only to have it pushed back out again with each passing car. I am no engineer but there has to be a better solution for a more permanent fix. The current way of doing this most certainly helps with justifying jobs and job creation which includes not only the Roads Dept. but the mechanics who end up fixing our vehicles! I am sure there are going to be more accidents when people are focusing on the potholes instead of where they are going or who is in their way!
    If anyone has a solution for these potholes, please, please, please contact our Roads Department!!!
    While I am on the road subject, I am asking drivers to be aware of the people walking on the sidewalks and ask that they either slow down or move over to avoid hitting puddles which end up hitting the pedestrian. I, for one, was the recipient of one such driver today who, whether intentionally or not, soaked me with muddy water between Canadian Tire and PetValu!!! I was totally not impressed!!!

  277. Lynn Bennett says

    Every 5 years like you I get myself off to the ServiceOntario office, line up, get a number, wait to be called to the counter, and have my photo taken — the process of renewing our Health Card.

    Why are we not using this system in partnership with e-Health Ontario to prioritize (they have our health records) and book every citizen’s vaccine appointment? As taxpayers, we have invested BILLIONS in these technologies!!! Where are they now? And, why are we not putting them to use?

    Ford and his team are failing every one of us. My 85-year old mother called and went online to book her appointment in Simcoe Muskoka on the day they opened up and while we are very happy her friends have gotten their shots she is still to get an email or a call to tell her when she will receive hers.

    This could have been oh so simple — an automated outbound call from our government vs. her trying to get through to a call centre that kept disconnecting her or attempting to bring up a website that kept crashing!

    While we have been struggling through lockdowns and watching our local business shutter, Ford has had at least 8 months to figure out a booking system and test it — sorry FOLKS and FRIENDS they are proving every day they are not up to the job!

  278. jerry paris says

    I have recently seen people saying the perfect solution to government in Muskoka is to have one council, such as a regional, with no need of local representation.
    This reminded me off a time when some regional reps brought up the idea that to lower the costs of water and sewers every taxpayer should pay a fee to water and sewers costs to the region while still paying the costs for their own wells and septic systems If it not been for local reps, those not in the towns on municipal systems would be double taxed. All planning would be done and services would be moved to Bracebridge for those north or south in Muskoka. One government for the area may not be the best idea.

  279. Kathryn Henderson says

    James Rockwell I totally agree that the lockdowns are political. I think they are wanting the small business to go under. They must have a plan that won’t be good for Canadians.

  281. Ralph Cliffe says

    Ontario pharmacists start a COVID-19 vaccine program this week at 330 locations to provide the AstraZeneca vaccine to customers aged 60 to 64 as lockdown restrictions ease in two major regions.

    Does this include Muskoka?

    What happened to those 65-79 age group. Don’t they count.

    Information received is so screwed up a lot of people are going to be missed.

  282. James Rockwell says

    Okay so now I’m confused, was the emergency brake a real health issue? Was a week really enough to nip the virus in the bud? This whole gong show seems it’s absolutely politically driven. If you’re going to lock us down, then LOCK US DOWN, but you’re going to pick and choose then just leave us alone.

    Real lock downs work, this patch work of political optics does nothing

    Adios Mr. Miller, don’t let the door hit you on your way out of office….

  283. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Hello Mr. Rockwell; I think it was a year at Humber College for DF. That is what used to be on the Ontario government website, after he was first elected. I am guessing that science was not on the curriculum in his program at Humber. I suppose high school football coach was preparing him in some way for local leadership. Just a thought. Until and if ever the Conservative party actually becomes “progressive” and “conserves” the environment, until there is more science -biology, earth, and has some more women, I will not be voting PC.

  284. James Rockwell says

    Can somebody please explain to me how Norm Miller has been reelected over and over, while doing absolutely nothing for this area? C’mon people over 50 who for some reason feel voting blue is a birth right and necessity. Time to change it up, let’s remember this next time around how Norm and his conservative cronies have done nothing but harm to Muskoka. It would be really great to have a premier who has more than two weeks at Sheridan College and inherited a family business under his belt. My goodness, make this insanity end!

  285. Alex Kudryk says

    We are all in difficult times right now with COVID 19 pandemic!! I would like to commend all those who are TRYING to implement the safety standards of keeping social distance and wearing of face masks and washing hands and sanitizing. What bothers me is when I go to the grocery stores in the Huntsville area I see people leaving their grocery carts in the parking lot and not returning them to their storage areas where employees pick these carts up and take them in to be sanitized fir other customers. The other things I have noticed is people are leaving their latex gloves and face masks in the carts or in the parking lots expecting others to pick up after they use these PPE . It’s not fair to the employees to pick up your used masks and gloves. Would you want to pick up used syringes or other personal PPE that have been discarded ??? I think not.
    Please be considerate to those that serve us!! They are also risking their well being for wages fir their family or chances on contract this virus that is running ferociously.!!
    Please take a moment to consider those that are at the stores and location so we can get by!! As mentioned we are ALL IN THIS TOGETHER , so please let’s all do our part !!!

    Al KUDRYK a concerned citizen of our Community

  286. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Hi again. I commend the Toronto Star investigative reporting into LTC, Ontario. I would encourage all to read Sat. Feb 27, 2021 front page, “Higher Death Rates in LTC homes tied to For-Profit ownership, analysis shows”. I encourage all to read the whole article; here are a few quotes only.
    “”the pattern is consistent in the data from the entire pandemic and is even clearer in Ontario’s second wave, during which an even larger gap between the poorer outcomes at the for-profits relative to the non-profit and municipal facilities.”
    “The Star used…’Stratified analysis’, with dozens of combinations of characteristics – 81 separate tests in all.”
    “Staffing cannot be understated. We know that they [for profits] have lower levels and lower quality of staffing within the for-profit sector and we know that they’re paid less too.”
    “Homes … can keep money for profit from a fourth funding category for things like housekeeping and administration, and from premiums charged to residents from private rooms.”
    “Research from both the U.S. and Canada has found that for-profit [LTC] homes, on average, have lower staffing levels compared to non-profits.” So, if you need to look for care for a loved one, avoid the for-profits in Ontario, if at all possible. I sincerely hope that the outrage over this issue, dating from the Mike Harris years will be front and center in our next Provincial election. Please listen and dissect the party platforms during the campaigning. Choose better for our elderly people.

  287. Brenda Begg says

    The rise in numbers of Covid cases is alarming. Yes, please stay in your own community for the time being, unless (e.g. you have a medical appointment). We have a small, but wonderful hospital; but, it has its limits. Our frontline workers (this includes cashiers, taxi drivers etc.) are physically and mentally exhausted beyond the pale. We’ve only been out of lockdown for a few short weeks and already we’re on the cusp of another lockdown. Not good for businesses. Not good for people’s mental health. Not ok. Use Zoom to connect. Use the old-fashioned telephone to connect. Pen a letter. Use email to connect. It’s a small price to pay. For your sake and the sake of others, don’t take ‘calculated risks’. Yes, please stay in your own community.

  288. Evert McIlwain says

    I agree the Huntsville community, not just the cottage community do care about the well being of it’s citizens, the health of it’s economy, and protection of it’s environment. It is difficult to see that “those venturing up to Huntsville to spend time at their cottage” are careful to quarantine when on a weekend the grocery stores have line ups, parking lots are full and the main street was jammed with cars and people shopping. So it would appear to me that people are not safe harboring, quarantining at their cottages and around their property, ensuring that they had sufficient supplies as to reduce exposure. These are difficult times but in order for us to get through this pandemic, avoid another shut down you need not to have unnecessary travel outside of your community.

  289. David Wexler says

    Huntsville is very fortunate to have a longstanding and supportive cottage community who care deeply about the well-being of its citizens, the health of its economy, and the protection of its beautiful environment. Those who do venture up to Huntsville to spend time at their cottages are for the most part, extremely careful to quarantine up here, as they are as worried as are local residents about getting covid.
    Let’s not point fingers at one another and instead continue to socially distance, wear appropriate face-coverings, wash and sanitize regularly, and hope for a day when our governments finally secure enough vaccines and have a published plan for protecting us.

  290. James Wagg says

    Lets get ready for lockdown #3.
    As we enjoy the freedom from lockdown #2 we forget there is still a pandemic going on.
    The weekend was a beautiful winter days, and what did I see a flurry of cars coming from the south, rows of snow machines waiting to cross roads, and full parking lot at Deerhurst.
    Relaxing the conditions of lockdown doesn’t mean going hog wild. For you from the GTA you are still in a stay at home order but feel you have the right to come here potentially spreading the virus. How about think of others for a change.
    You came here before Xmas and our number of cases over doubled, and here you are again.
    I get it I too hate being restricted but that’s where we are. Don’t think we are clear of this yet do your part by staying in your own zones.

  291. Ray Vowels says

    I have lived in Huntsville for over 50 years and sold a few homes and as yet have not had a real estate company pressure me into selling. I have always called the company of my choice and asked them to give me an idea of how much I could expect to get for my home. So to try and blame the realtors for the high prices in my view is not fair. Yes they will list your home for as high a price as they think they can sell it for and we all would do the same thing but in the end someone has to be willing to buy at the set price or sometimes even higher. I don’t see much sitting on the market and not selling so the price asked must be ok.

  292. John Barr says

    Hey Huntsville, don’t let the realestate industry con you into selling your property.
    Where are you going to live then?
    These real estate companies are interested in nothing but profits at the expense of people who’ve owned for many many yrs.
    Let the property owners with the big Buck property sell. They will be the ones trying to con you into selling at their profits.
    So be aware of both the realestate company’s and other capitalists trying to get rich on your hard earned investments.
    Cheers from someone who cares!

  293. Susan Keetch says

    We passed by the Huntsville high school yesterday and were shocked to see that about 50 kids in the parking lot gathered with no masks and no social distancing. Is there no monitoring of this area? Perhaps you need the medical department to start giving tickets for the blatant non compliance of rules that everyone is suppose to be following. Maybe the high school should also be fined for letting this situation happen.

  294. Brenda Laking says

    There is a new telephone scam on the wires. She claims to be from Home Warranty Ontario, talks about the carbon footprint and wants to put $88.05 in your account. She just needs your deposit information. DON’T GIVE IT TO HER. HANG UP!

  295. Larry Funston says

    As we headed grocery shopping around noon today, we passed by numerous groups of 10+ high school students gathered outside the pizza restaurants – all without masks. If we are to beat the spread of Covid there must be adherence by students not only inside the school but outside also. I know the schools have no jurisdiction outside of the schools, but do the police or other authorities not have a way to discourage these inconsiderate actions? This is especially important as more contagious variants start to appear.

  296. brian tapley says

    Real estate companies!

    We all know that real estate agents have a talent for “bending” the truth to fit their desires and needs and most take this with a sort of grim chuckle and something to the effect of “buyer beware”.

    Blatant lies, belong with Trump however.

    A recent listing for a property on Lake of Bays, a tiny little property with about 90 feet of frontage and less than an acre, a property with no possibility of any expansion on the site for virtually anything but maybe a garden shed, a property totally hemmed in with other private property as far as the eye can see in all directions….

    Well the listing said that the property was “surrounded by crown land”.

    I don’t know if the owners, who are now over 2 and a half million dollars poorer in some bank’s cash, actually checked out this fact but if they did they would find that there is no crown land within a mile of this place in any direction.

    What there is, and I seriously doubt this was clearly disclosed, is a 66 foot concession right of way adjacent to the North. Leading to water this piece of property can be used by anyone on earth to access the water but nothing can be built on this land and no privacy controls can be placed upon it.

    The municipality has a policy of “not closing such right or ways to water” and so this situation will remain as it is for all the foreseeable future.

    By way of a bit of a comment, this lot has already encroached upon this public land with fill needed to create their driveway. This was done over 10 years ago and the by law department of the time did not feel the need to enforce the protection of this public land at that time, allowing this encroachment to proceed at no cost to the lot owner of that time.

    More recently, the bulk propane tank for this property is located on the public road allowance, a precedent creating situation, and again as of this date nothing appears to have been done about this. So, in Lake of Bays, if you want to put your propane tank on the public road allowance, this appears to be perfectly ok.

    I’ll bet the realtor never mentioned this fact either.

    Considering the amount these realtors collect in fees one would appreciate it if they were at least truthful in what they tell customers.

  297. Ellen Duncan says

    Brenda, I do agree with you regarding the dogs and owners. I live near the Legion and their park
    is regularly used by the puppy population. Come on owners, tidy up your puppy.
    Ellen Duncan

  298. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Thank you Chas Clark for your factual posting. Mr. Ford has plenty to do for Ontario health besides travelling to US (and his border issues with travel at this time) to pick up vaccine- its still ludicrous, though understandably frustrating rhetoric and meant to depict DF as an action guy.
    2 points 1] Mulroney government sold the Toronto Connaught Lab industries, a vaccine producer – might we have had a ready facility to take on the production of COVID vaccine, if a longer view had been taken by the federal Conservatives?
    2] DF’s attention should be on LTC health sector – the missteps of the DF government with a deficiency of planning over the summer months, lack of comprehensive inspections, and not taking the kind of action for violations of care standards (actions which are already legislatively available to his government), mainly in the for-profit homes has failed to mitigate the second wave, as it could have.

  299. Brenda Duncan says

    I am really happy to see so many people out getting some exercise in this beautiful winter weather. It is so good for the mind and the body.
    There is only one problem…people taking their dogs for walks and not cleaning up after them. Until someone invents a device that dogs can pick up their own do-do, owners have to take responsibility to clean up after them.
    I walk around the frisbee park and sometimes play the game but it is just disgusting to see the amount of doggy do-do along the path! It is even more disgusting when the frisbee lands in a pile of it. I know I should be working on perfecting my throw but until I do, I would appreciate the frisbee landing on clean snow!!
    It is not just out at the park, it is on the streets in town. Someone even put up a sign, by Fairvern, telling people to clean up after their dogs! How sad is that?
    Come on people….you took on the responsibility of having a dog, do your part and clean up after them!!!
    It is hard enough during these lockdowns, let alone this kind of ‘crap’ adding to the stress!
    While I am at it…does anyone remember what side of the road to walk on when there are no sidewalks? Yes, facing the traffic!!!
    Okay, I feel better now but will feel better once people start taking responsibilities for their pets!!!
    Stay safe!

  300. Chas Clark says

    Today , February 3, 2021, the BBC announced that from December 1, 2020, the Covid-19 inoculation has been given to 10 million of the 15 million of those identified as priority individuals . The program will be completed mid February with 1 million inoculations being achieved per week. The UK target is to raise this to 2 million per week for the UKs population of 66.7 million.
    (source BBC, Wik1pedia)

    Canada has achieved 996,000 inoculations to date for its population of 37.9 million. Canada is now 27th in the world for its inoculation program behind the US (yes, even with President Trump), the UK and even small countries like Serbia and Poland. We are told a new production facility will produce vaccine by next year and our deliveries of vaccines has stalled. (source Global News, CBC News)

    Mr Ford’s idea of going to the USA to get some vaccines does not now seem so outrageous.

  301. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Dr. Hastie; I have suggested to MPP Mr. Miller that the provincial government’s inaction in LTC appears to be one of moral bankruptcy. I share your thoughts.

  302. Ian Hastie MD. says

    It has been extremely distressing to watch the Covid 19 outbreak unfold at Roberta Place in Barrie. Despite the LTC home being overwhelmed by the virus with almost all residents and staff now affected , our Provincial Gov’t had persistently refused enlisting offers of military assistance offered by the Federal Gov’t.
    Is this because they fear yet another damming report by an authoritative independent body? ( Federal to boot.) Are they concerned that recurrent, severe deficiencies might be revealed to the public at large?
    These deficiencies would likely rest at the feet of the MOH and the Province.
    If so, this is not only shameful, political self interest but a dereliction of public duty.

  303. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Seriously, recently reported that DF says he will drive down to the US to pick up more vaccine! His hyperbolic statement indicates his frustration level with vaccine distribution. Well, DF, I’m frustrated with your government’s inaction in LTC, from the spring 2020 forward.
    I have a thought Mr. Ford, why don’t you stay in your office, govern, and increase staffing, training, testing, tracing, inspections in LTC? It will have greater effectiveness than driving to pick up vaccine for the province! Just a practical thought for our former football coach, business man, and Toronto city councillor.

  304. Barry groomes says

    I would like to bring to attention what my wife and I went through 2 weeks ago today. Our 2 dogs Tallie(beagle) and Lynkin(silver lab) decided to take off for a run on Monday January 4 2021 at 8:30 pm . The wife and I jumped in the truck and drove all the roads around Madill church road looking for the 2 dogs until midnight. No tracks because of a skiff of snow that had fell. We gave up for the night hoping they would come home. We were woke up the next morning with a phone call that one of our dogs was possibly lying dead on the highway in the southbound hwy 11 about 100’ north of the Stephenson road 12 intersection. We jumped in the truck and headed down there from our home on Madill church road. We got there but nothing. We had found what I thought was my dog buried in snow in the snow bank. I dug it up to find a lot of blood but no dog. I called Fowler’s construction highway maintenance office. I was talking to a guy by the name of Neil. I told him what I was looking for and would like to know if it was my dog or a dead deer. He took my phone number and name and said he did not know but he would radio the patrol person and find out and call me back. My call to him was at 9:06 Tuesday January 5 2021. We continued looking for the dogs hoping the best. We found Lynkin 2 hours later at Thermoseal he was scared wet and cold and didn’t want anything to do with anyone until we pulled up and he came to the truck. It was then I figured the blood was from my beagle Tallie. We took Lynkin home and waited for Facebook to help us locate Tallie. Friends were great by contacting whoever they could to help us with locating Tallie. I found out at 8 am Wednesday January 6 2021 that in fact it was Tallie-bug that had been killed on the highway. The notification did not come from the highway guy. In fact the highway guy Neil called me that afternoon at 1:45pm to say yes it was our dog that they picked up. I told him I wanted her back so I could bury her. Neil says well she’s in a garbage bag .. I said I don’t care I want her back. Neil says well we took her to a pit in gravenhurst and she’s buried. I said where is she I will go dig her up? Neil says ok ummm I will make a call and I said good let me know. To this day he still hasn’t called back.
    So after multiple calls and texts from friends with contact numbers I get a boss at Fowler’s office in Bracebridge on Thursday January 7 2021 He tells me that the company policy for a domestic animal killed on the highway is to dispose of it immediately and if it has a collar and someone calls the person can have the collar back and that’s it. But because I was looking for my dog to bring home to rest he apparently made a call to the pit in gravenhurst to tell them I was coming to dig up my dog. I get to robinsons Quarry about 1:30pm and talk to the head guy and he directed me to the spot that Tallie was supposed to be buried in snow. He informs me tho it may not be a good scene because of bald eagles and coyotes and wolves that come there to feed on the dead carcasses that are thrown over the bank. The Robinsons guys were great and in no way am I blaming them for anything. But after not finding anything Thursday I made plans to go back Friday and a buddy was coming to help me dig. We moved a lot of snow but still did not find her. As we were leaving we spotted a garbage bag in a snow bank along the plowed road and it was Tallie. We also found out that Fowler’s patrol did not bury her they tossed her over the gate at the entrance to the pit. The loader guy never seen the bag until Wednesday morning when he was clearing that part of the pit.
    We brought her home and made arrangements for cremation and that part of our family will be with us always. The problem is with Fowler’s Highway maintenance policy of disposal of domestic animals. It took 28 1/2 hours for them to get back to me about my dog. But yet the patrol person that picked Tallie up had a meltdown about having to pick her up. That is understandable but they kept telling me that it was unidentifiable as a dog. But yet the person that started the ball in motion Tuesday morning apparently seen something with beagle markings while driving by at 100km per hour. But the Fowler’s patrol according to Neil said they couldn’t tell it was a dog. The part that needs fixing is the policy to take someone’s pet which is part of the family and toss it over the bank to let the animals feed on. That is not right. There is no reason that my Tallie could not have been taken to the yard and put in a snow bank for the day to see if anyone called. In the summer they could have a small freezer to put the animal in temporarily. Another thing is they never scanned the dog for a microchip. The microchip would have identified Tallie and we would have had her in a couple hours. Fowler’s don’t own a scanner so when people pay for a microchip but it doesn’t do a bit of good because of their policy. The way this was handled by Fowler’s Construction highway maintenance office was terrible and I don’t want any other person to go through this. The handling of the domestic animals to be just thrown over a gate at a dump site. Their excuse was we didn’t know it was a dog but yet the pit guy seen that it was a dog by having a quick look in the bag on Wednesday morning and when I looked in the bag I could tell it was as Tallie by just looking at a foot. Fowler’s screwed up and the guy that initially was supposed to radio the patrol person (Neil) has no compassion and not a person that should be dealing with the public at all. No Microchip Scanners , No Return phone calls and not actually burying the dog like they said they did. Fowlers CHANGE YOUR POLICY. Because I’m working on having it changed for you like it or not.

  305. Jay Faulkner says

    Yes John, this is exactly what is happening here in Huntsville!
    Even though we were all given the dramatic Provincial alert “Stay At Home”! THIS IS THE LAW!
    Cross country skiers are arriving up here utilizing motels/hotels and even Arrowhead Provincial Parks own cabins of which there are ten. These are booked solidly for the winter and there is no sign that the reservations have been cancelled!
    The problem is not the actual skiing and utilization of the Park. The problem is that these out of town folks are utilizing grocery stores, liquor store, drug stores and in the event of an injury will most certainly use our hospital!
    Its just insane for this government to be so concerned about our wellbeing but at the same time be complicit in promoting and allowing the above to take place! Very very strange!!

  306. George Gilley says

    Thank you Susan for your note about the town plowing Forbes Hill Road. It was rediculous and dangerous to have this sidewalk as a skidoo trail forcing people to walk on the road.Now if dog owners (a few) would pick up their dogs messes our walks will be even more enjoyable

  307. Allen Markle says

    Was on the way to my mailbox the other day when I noticed a vehicle stopped at the railroad tracks. Unusual, inasmuch as most people sail across as if there is no stop sign there. Then saw something silvery make an arc out the passenger window.
    So I proceeded to investigate. At first I could find nothing, but then spotted a silver can on the snow. Waded down to retrieve an empty Molson Ultra can.
    The car had driven past me with the passenger window still down and I could see the driver plainly. I also got the vehicle plate number. Drinking while driving. Indiscrete littering.
    Guess I should be grateful for the extra 10 cents.

  308. John Draycott says

    Resorts & Hotels remain open

    The general info
    Given on CBC news as I just
    Watched it,is that Ontario residents
    Are not to be traveling except for essential reasons.
    Hotels & resorts are open here in Muskoka during this
    28 day lock down.

    I phoned One of Huntsville’s largest resorts and sure enough they are open. When I asked them why they are open for business & reservations they 
    Said they are open for people to go there & self isolate but they have to book for
    Longer stays.
    That short term stay was not allowed but longer
    Stays were .
    So does that mean people are allowed into our community from Urban centres (when they aren’t supposed to be traveling unless essential).How can it be justified for people to travel from where there is a higher concentration of covid – 19 , possibly 
    A-symptomatic but with covid then go to our grocery stores and potentially spread covid in our local
    Community. One could say well the hotel would be feeding them but there is no one out there monitoring
    Hotel stayers from traveling to grocery stores as they wish. It makes no sense to go from your residence in the city to sit in a small resort or hotel room to self isolate for two weeks unless you have alterior intentions like holidaying cross-country skiing or what ever… and yet us local community members are supposed to follow the rules of the lockdown. It would be easy to check who is booking into resorts & where they are coming from. You can be sure it isn’t the locals booking these rooms… there would be no need. These people booking into these resorts should be fined for unnecessary travel. It would be easy to trace.And the hotels & resorts should be shut for the duration of the lockdown. If a private resident holds a large gathering they can be subject to large fines & yet a resort because it is big business seems to have a loop hole that allows it to have travelers come & set up a perfect storm for more spread of covid. Is this Ontario Government serious about stopping the spread of covid or are they just good at token gestures ( even tho it originated in China we can learn from them. China had a serious lock down and pretty much put the brakes on covid in about 2 months. Is
    Our Provincial Government playing a little shell
    Game with us 
    ( speaking out of two sides of the
    Mouth) jeopardizing the health of the local
    Community ?
    This needs an immediate response .

  309. Rob Millman says

    Ms. Huddleston:

    As perhaps the individual with the most contrarian comments; I would like to thank you personally for publishing every single one.

  310. Susan Gammage says

    I’d really like to thank the town for plowing the sidewalk on Forbes Hill (usually a snowmobile trail); and for plowing the track in the old soccer field at Lions Lookout and the path through the woods down to Camp Kitchen. It makes walking a lot easier for those of us seniors who do this loop every day.

  311. Gerry Lannan says

    Hugh;
    Could Doug Ford do anything so egregious as to elicit even a hint of criticism from you;
    after being elected as Premier of all (some) of the people, he rolled back he $15 an hour min wage;
    he stopped the living wage experiment;cancelled 2 paid sick days;reduced inspections at LTC homes from yearly to every 3 yrs; emasculated coservation authorities to allow developement. I wonder if any of this might have affected the rate of covid spread..

  313. Ryan Vallentin says

    Hello Dawn,

    First off, thank you for your great work

    Secondly, perhaps you could shed some light on comments that “don’t meet our community standards” as there are a few individuals who feel they are unjustly censored. It may help them, and other readers, to know what types of comments do not see the light of day.

    I personally believe that the Doppler, that is a privately owned media outlet, is well within their rights to refuse posting comments that either spread hate, list non-proven ideas as fact, or incite violence. Censorship is not always a negative method, sometimes it is very necessary to keep the peace.

  314. Karen A Insley says

    Ray V. Whew! It was becoming lonely as the only one getting censored on Doppler! Counting how many times: lots! Welcome Ray!
    Wasn’t it Alice’s restaurant, that Arlo Guthree sang about, ‘if 2 are on the bench, it’s considered a movement, 3 it’s a…’? Is anyone out there a 3rd? Who would have thought, we’re now in the same Company with the POTUS? Is there a C medal for that? Funny, that movie was protesting Vietnam war, & it brought back memories of being censored for protesting then at the local assembly at H high school! My, how details may change but times just seem to stay the same? Wasn’t quite fully awake then, but by grace, am grateful now!

  315. Kathy Kay says

    I was encouraged to see that the track by Lions Lookout is ploughed and sanded. Such a gift for those needing a safe place to walk while the inside track is closed! And for joggers, etc. Great way to support the community’s physical and mental health.
    Now, can we get Cann Pond cleared for skating? Lake Vernon is frozen over so expect shallow Cann is almost ready. I was disappointed to see the change shed isn’t in place yet, not a good sign. Is there a decision regarding clearing the pond?

  316. Barb Armstrong says

    January 10th, 2021

    World cases 89,731,755
    World deaths 1,928,334
    US cases 22,138,995
    US deaths 372,522
    Canada cases 657,323
    Canada deaths 16,869

    Ontario – let’s hope the numbers are down again, because “they” were predicting cases over the 4,000 mark by the end of the month, this is the 10th, and on the 8th, we already went over 4,000.

    The now three new variants/mutations, are scaring people more than ever because of their capability of spreading faster. According to research released by Bloomberg, if you keep washing, masking, and distancing – and now add ‘avoid travel on buses, subways, and going inside’ with other strangers, I’d assume, then you might stand a chance. The problem is – while none of them seem more deadly, if you get a whole mass of people getting sick faster, and the hospitals are already overloaded, they can’t care for anyone and they’ll turn people away, a lot of people won’t get any help. The medicines will run out. The healthcare workers will get sick and probably die from the constant exposure, and we’ll all be screwed.

    So, please, let’s take this more seriously than we ever have before.

    There are essential workers out there, Canada – medical workers, front line workers, truckers, and the guys that work on those trucks, and the ones that keep food flowing in the stores, etc. “ESSENTIAL” people – they need the chance to stay healthy.

    They can’t do it with everyone else being stupid, careless, thoughtless, selfish, bored, or frankly, even just lonely.

    If they can’t safely work in their environments because of a stupid person ‘needing’ to be in an essential person’s bubble without a mask and/or closer than 6’, or feeling it is their ‘right’ to go ‘inside’ a store and not do a curbside pick-up – we’ll all be screwed. This is not the time for selfishness. This is not the time for stupidity. This IS the time to be SCARED.

    For Example – on Saturday, January 9th, 2021 – In Barrie, Ontario:
    “Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on its Integrated Stroke and Rehabilitation unit. Seven patients who recently received care in one section of the 40-bed unit have tested positive for COVID-19, along with two staff members who are safely self-isolating at home. – The unit is closed to new admissions and transfers.”

    The words “Closed to new admissions and transfers” – means if anyone needing help due to having a stroke – not Covid – a STROKE – cannot go to RVH’s unit. Think About That. When we shut down the hospitals due to Covid…they can’t open for car accidents, strokes, heart attacks, etc. When we exhaust our medical people and overload our health care system with Covid – there is no where else to go for help.

    Let’s work together to DROP the Numbers. Flatten and REDUCE the Curve. BE SCARED – WASH hands and groceries – DISTANCE more than 6 feet now – WEAR the MASK. … Be Scared – We need to Fix This.

  317. Steve Lehman says

    Kicked to the Curb
    Every month a national auto parts chain sends me a bill for an ancillary service not provided in the store proper. Every month I drive across town and pay it the old fashioned way, with cash. I do it this way, not to make a political statement or lack of knowledge of online protocols, but because it works and I usually end up impulse buying something I forgot I needed anyways.
    This past Saturday morning, because of the pandemic lockdown I knew I wouldn’t be able to enter the store but was hopeful that with the curbside service I could just hand them my bill with enough money to cover it and they would shortly thereafter bring me a receipt. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when a young man came outside and politely informed me that I could enter the building through the garage service bay doors and pay with cash there. I was doubly happy because I had brought an outdated product with me with a questionable sku that I hoped they could replace with a generic product.
    But, alas, it was not to be. As two of the three people behind the counter watched the third one process my payment, I asked if one of them would mind finding me the product I needed. “I’m sorry sir, but we are offering curbside pickup only. You’ll have to go online, order it and then come back and pick it up at the other doors.”
    Well, you can imagine all the things I wanted to say but fortunately I was basically speechless so I just replied, “Well, that won’t happen”, took my now processed statement and exited the store as the three stood and watched.
    Now, I get that how retail stores deal with these unusual times is a work in progress. None of us has all the answers and if we think we do then we haven’t asked all the questions. But I also know that in retail, service is the single most important product offered. That is why Webers Burgers is so successful – they have an unbelievably basic menu offering but the service is absolutely beyond reproach. Every customer is treated like a somebody.
    By placing my order face-to-face at this store I was cutting out the ‘middle man’ of online shopping. I was there with cash, getting my product would have involved no more effort than if I had ordered it earlier online and yet, apparently, all the black and white rules had to be followed.
    Tragically, through no fault of their own and no matter how much they try to adjust and adapt their business plan, some businesses are going to fail in the next few months. If the customers aren’t there, they just aren’t there. But when a customer is there and yet is made to feel like they shouldn’t be, well, that just doesn’t make sense.

  318. John Murray says

    Just in case those that chose too risk the lives of others and flout the law. The OPP were out yesterday conducting another “RIDE” check point in Huntsville yesterday afternoon. I for one appreciate their commitment to the cause to rid these muppets off our roads.

  319. Bonnie Branton says

    Re : ‘GATES placed on Lions Lookout
    Hill (a traditionally used toboggan hill.)

    Silas you’ve made an important observation of the danger newly placed gates pose on Lions Lookout Hill.
    Years ago my young daughter tobogganed down a hill with a chain link fence (& steel posts) far down the hill.
    She hit a steel post and suffered a complex ankle fracture requiring surgery. I was told her ‘growth plate’ was involved & her leg may not grow the same length as her other leg.
    Thankfully, that wasn’t the outcome.

    You are a very socially responsible teenager Silas, to point this danger out for others and I want to

    THANK YOU.

  320. Denise Cooper says

    PLEASE, figure it. out but get the kids back into the classroom. Betweem the Union and the Health Department surely there is enough brain matter to make this happen.

  321. Silas Knappett says

    Hello
    I’m just curious as to why there are gates blocking the lions lookout hill as many people go tobogganing there and may end up hurting themselves. Many people are trying activities outdoors instead of indoors during COVID and as long as I can remember the unused winter hill has been a toboggan hotspot. I understand if it’s to stop vehicles, but it could hurt someone. Maybe if they moved it back a bit?

    One of the few teens who doesn’t just sit on screens,
    Silas

  322. Chas Clark says

    I have just read in this week’s Forester (January 7) on 5 Huntsville Decisions to Watch in 2021 that the Huntsville Town Council aims to keep rate increases below 1.84 %. We have had a year and still ongoing with the dreaded Covid, where business, people working and schoolchildren have suffered immensely and where many people are on a financial borderline between survival and collapse. To even think of a rate increase when the council services have been reduced and the Covid restrictions are going to continue until the population is vaccinated (your guess is as good as mine) beggers belief. Lets have a zero budget increase this year to help those business and people who are continuing to suffer.

  323. Patrick Flanagan says

    If you are like me, you wonder when the scourge of COVID 19 will be behind us so we can resume a somewhat normal life. Will it happen in the spring, or will we have wait until summer? The answer is that it will happen when we develop herd immunity, that is, when a high enough percentage of the population is immune to COVID either because they have already recovered from it or, preferably, they have been vaccinated. It’s time for some COVID math.

    The herd immunity threshold for COVID is unknown, but experts suggest it is likely to be at least 60 percent. As the population of Ontario is approaching 15 million, that means we need at least 9 million people to be vaccinated. Twice. So we need 18 million doses.

    Yesterday, 10,350 doses of COVID vaccine were administered in Ontario. But we are just getting started. Let’s assume we can ramp it up to 50,000 vaccinations per day. That should be easy, as we have had nine months to prepare.

    At 50,000 per day, we can complete 18 million vaccinations in 360 days. Almost in time for Christmas 2021.

    Of course, if the herd immunity threshold is higher than 60 percent, or if we cannot deliver 50,000 doses per day, seven days per week, then the goal line will not be reached until some time in 2022.

  324. Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says

    Ray, to date we have posted 224 of your comments. However, as I’ve noted in the past, comments that don’t meet our community guidelines will not be posted.

  325. Ray Vowels says

    I have said this before and i’ll say it again but likely doppler will not post it . For some reason they never post a comment I make on nay story. So this is the last time I waste my time posting my opinion on this site.

    Talk about censorship.

  326. Brenda Begg says

    Re Anna-Lise Kear’s December 30 comment:
    You are correct that “responsible businesses will take action to protect their employees and customers.” However, without naming theses local stores/businesses, there are several who are NOT monitoring the number of customers who can enter and/or customers without masks. When I see a family or group without masks it’s highly unlikely that all of them have health issues that prevent them from wearing a mask. So, I leave that store. When I see that the store is crowded and physical distancing is challenging, I leave that store. Something’s wrong with this picture.
    Thank you ? to the employees/staff of stores and businesses who have been diligently working hard since the beginning of the pandemic to keep customers and staff safe. Those are the businesses that I support.

  327. Anna-Lise Kear says

    *Correction* My apology, Rod Phillips completed his MBA at Wilfrid Laurier and his undergrad at Western University. Not sure where he was when ethics classes were happening; resigning really was an after thought, following the disclosure to the public about his vacation time abroad, while the rest of us in lockdown. All in elected leadership need to walk the talk that they expect of their citizens.

  328. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Mr. Peter Dirks; Either the Monkman School of Business did not teach Rod Phillips about transparency and hypocrisy , during his MBA, or he missed the classes.

  329. Peter R. Dirks says

    Minister of what ? For a Finance Minister of our Province , to take a vacation at this time is ::

    # 1 not a two week vacation , but a 4 week vacation, taking the rules of 14 day isolation into account.
    # 2 Ho is paying for the isolation time and looking after his responsebilities ?
    #3 If he is so stressed out in his job , why not try to be a Doctor or a Nurse.
    #4 If you want to work in politics and be accepted , you will have to be responsible .

    I hope that no additional payments of any form get considered .

    All of this gives the hard working politisions a bad reputation they due not deserve.

  331. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Carol Corry; I truly understand your possible frustration. We can assume that tracking and tracing of known positive COVID cases is being done by our burdened health units. Because Community acquired COVID is with us, we have to be vigilant in following health unit directions – still. Labelling these directions as “guidelines” is too wishy-washy, in my opinion. Take them as “directives”.
    Responsible businesses will take action to protect their employees and customers. Those employees/customers who do not feel their safety is properly protected, should first speak to their employer/union rep – if little happens to enforce health unit instructions, then they should contact their health unit with concerns.

  332. Carol Corry says

    Why are these COVID cases kept Secrets we should know where these people have been or are in our community, where they at the grocery store, or bank , that I might have been at and when?

  333. Brenda Begg says

    Em Arde, Anna-Lise: It is very disheartening that lives are needlessly lost to Covid. We are now in Lockdown. Despite urgings and desperate pleas from Health officials and government, there are still people who disregard best practice such as: mixing households indoors, no masks, nonessential travel to other communities cities, towns, States, overseas and so on. An indoor Christmas gathering of 20 people from different households certainly flaunts the rules- to say the least.
    If we don’t behave, we’ll be riding the roller coaster of Lockdowns for some time. Sadly, there will be more needless deaths, a strain on our hospitals and frontline workers, in addition to permanent shutdowns of some restaurants and other businesses.

  334. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Dear Em Arde; stupidity, selfishness, and a sense of invincibility (they need a ball cap and cape to go with their superpower) seem to abound! Thanks for keeping sensible concern front and centre.
    Our out-of-town family shut down the plans for time together here in Huntsville the week before Christmas – writing on the wall. Yet, I witnessed, at a local meat store, a twentysomething couple requesting a larger fresh turkey because they had 20 people coming over! The owner and all those of us physically distanced in line, with masks could only shake our heads – each of us was thinking the exact same thing.

  335. Em Arde says

    Why don’t people care? Sadly, if I threw a snowball from my yard I could probably hit the house where a neighbour recently died from CODIV-19 complications. Those poor people. And yet, despite the province-wide lockdown that started yesterday, other neighbours still have family up from outside the area (even though indoor gatherings of multiple households are prohibited). And I just watched another group of neighbours, including at least a dozen adults and children, head over together to a nearby hill with their toboggans and sleds in hand (even though outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people or less). SMH.

  336. jerry paris says

    Wind turbines are unable to work well if the wind is too high or low or gusty. The turbine in pickering was often stopped, with blades feathered, es the unit only produced effective power 8 percent of the time according to hydro, not 18, or 80 as wind generator friends want you to think.drive toward Winsor and you will see dozens resting.

  337. jerry paris says

    I lived in Pickering when hydro put in the wind generator, that at that time was the biggest in Canada. That generator produced useable power * percent of the time, while next to it were nuclear generators that can produce power on demand, but are also capable of carrying a base load. solar cannot carry a base load and only works when your panels are in the sun and not covered with snow. If we are to go green go nuclear with no green house gases, and cheaper per kw.

  338. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Full disclosure, I am not a card-carrying member of any political party.
    My concern is that we keep the travesty of LTC in this province under full sunlight. The Ford Conservative government has been tone deaf on the environment and for-profit LTC during these times. More money, more LTC beds, more community services – for example may represent only a fraction more than previously presented by provincial governments (be careful to question the announcements).
    I can imagine the for-profits “licking their chops” at the thought of new builds in LTC sector, more management opportunities, more investment for better dividends. DF continues to favour the for-profit investment model and this will not change (e.g. sending in a for-profit company, with record inspection violations of their own, to manage another nursing home at risk).
    So folks, I seriously ask you to consider at the next Provincial election that we all pay attention to which parties offer a transition from for-profit to non-profit ownership and management of LTC facilities. If we’re really observant, we will also watch for the same in our home care community services.
    Thank you for your consideration of my thoughts.

  340. Em Arde says

    Anyone running a home business should know that business income is not the same as revenue. Shame on those who used their revenue amount to apply for CERB when their business income would not have qualified them, and who now claim to have been confused by the term “income” and that the CRA is being unfair in asking them to repay the CERB money they had accepted so disingenuously.

  341. Martin Calderon says

    Response to Jerry Paris Re: Zero Emission.
    Jerry, you are correct regarding the pitch to try and sell electric cars and the misuse of the words zero emissions.
    Where I think you are incorrect, I believe coal fired electric plants have been mothballed.
    I know diesel fired electric plants do exist especially in the high arctic.
    With the advent of electric cars we need to also change our electric grid to more renewable sources such as wind, and solar.
    Another area to look at is battery technology and hydrogen fuel cells.

    Great comments Jerry! Thank you for provoking thought and discussion

  342. Evert McIlwain says

    Kathryn…Conservatives, in my view, do a lot of complaining about everyone else…but I need to hear from you what is it they are wanting/going to do. You say “Conservatives are for Canadians” and then go on to list what you feel are all the deficits from the Liberals. Give me your list of Conservative plans to combat these deficits so I have something to compare them too…thanks

  344. Kathryn Henderson says

    The conservative govt is for Canadians. The liberal are liberally throwing money away and taking Canada down. They are not for Canada or Canadians. They spend money like kids I’m a candy store. They are killing small businesses, they are not helping the indigenous but can give away billions. And our vets were let down again this term. Liberals areote interested in filling their own pockets and other countries pockets.

  345. Paul Kuebler says

    Discounted Today and Gone Tomorrow

    The Progressive Conservative Government has decided to give a break to campers in Ontario. Wonderful, now the provincially run parks, which are already overbooked, will have less revenue to support their operations.

    https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59194/ontario-making-it-more-affordable-to-enjoy-provincial-parks

    The Alberta Progressive Conservative Government had announced in March that they will be closing some provincial parks and partnering or selling others to private interests.

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-alberta-to-close-parks-privatize-services-in-budget-cuts/

    Back in Ontario, while some may welcome the discount and increased affordability, mark my words, this is going to be short lived. Before the 2022 provincial election, this provincial government will make a similar announcement as Alberta and close and/or sell off parks, because they are no longer viable and are a burden on the taxpayer.

    This trend is not unlike the selling off of the 407 (an annual money MAKER) for far LESS than it cost to build it. The PC governments are about balancing budgets, no matter the long-term consequences. They sell money making government programs, handing them over to private interests, to later boast, they have balanced the budget, for THAT year. They have considered selling the LCBO and Ontario Lottery Commission, which bring in millions of dollars annually to OUR government budget.

    Just for a moment, let’s look at Health Care. Again, in Alberta, the PC Government is looking at privatizing Healthcare. In fact, there are already privatized surgeries occurring.

    https://globalnews.ca/news/7404348/ucp-private-healthcare-policy-approved/

    When you think about the private labs in Ontario, and the gutting of our Healthcare systems, we may be heading in the same direction.

    Bottomline, the Ontario PC government is offering a discount today, and tomorrow it will cost you MORE!

    “For the People”, I think NOT!

    Paul Kuebler,
    Port Sydney, Ont.

  346. jerry paris says

    Electric vehicles are called zero emission vehicles. They are not zero emission, they just move the emission point from the point where the car is to the point where the power is generated, think coal or diesel generation. So pleas stop using the term zero emission vehicle.

  347. jerry paris says

    We have one big problem with other forms of voting, namely coalition governments like we now have, where a party that a With coalition governments parties that want to spend do so without thinking about the country long term, think italy or greece as two quick examples.Let us canada to the list.

  348. Frank de Jong says

    Our MP, Scott Aitchison is correct, political parties should work together more often. It’s unfortunate that our electoral system (First Past the Post) pits parties against each other instead of building bridges between them. Most countries in the world use proportional representation (PR) because it encourages political parties to build on commonalities rather than accentuate differences. It does this by eliminating the problems of throw-away votes, artificial majorities and strategic voting.

    For example, while Scott eloquently praises the beauty of Muskoka, he ignores the worsening climate chaos which threatens to destroy all we love. The first past the post system forces many MPs to deny the existence of climate change to attract votes. If Canada switched to proportional representation, MPs of all stripes could work together on this and other issues without alienating voters.

  349. James Wagg says

    With the rising numbers in Simcoe Muskoka Region threatening to move us to the next level, you can imagine my shock watching our Mayor on Barrie news promoting tourism for Huntsville. We have done well keeping our numbers down, this virus is not carried on the wind or pops up out the ground. It is a person to person contact. So why are we asking for more possible infection to come to our town. I get it Huntsville is built on tourism and in normal times, invite them in, but this is not normal times. As for the money brought in by tourism, ask your self if we lose one resident of our town due to exposure from an infected visitor, is it worth it. It could be your parent or grand parent think about it.

  350. Kathleen Gilchrist says

    This Covid virus is getting worse. I think it is disgusting how the Town is inviting tourists to come here. No compassion for Huntsville residents that have been so good about isolating and abiding by the rules. Even the Health Doctors are saying NO.

  351. Martin Caldeton says

    I am a professional in Huntsville who is working as a taxi driver during covid. I have posted before regarding the large number of people not wearing masks. For a short period of time, this improved. Currently, with the influx of visitors I have noticed a steep decline in mask wearers. I have also noticed that people are more combative when asked to wear a mask. Please, please, put your mask on! I am trying to earn a living, not a hospital bed

  353. Em Arde says

    I saw the sidewalk plow come by today. And I watched as the poor driver had to stop every few houses and get out of his cab to move garbage cans and recycling bins off the sidewalk. C’mon, neighbours. Give the guy a break, and let him do his job interrupted. Put your bags, bins and cans on your driveway, so the road and sidewalk plows aren’t impeded.

  354. Tracey Stone says

    I just wanted to say a BIG THANKS to the gentlemen of GM’s service department!! I broke my windshield wiper the other day and would not have made it home, I stopped there and they helped me by fixing it and didn’t charge me for it!!
    Thanks again!

  355. Norm Vanstone says

    In answer to John Robinson’s comments about ALS, there is significant research being done in Canada at the Tanz Centre of Research in Neurodegenerative diseases at University of Toronto. https://www.tanz.med.utoronto.ca/als
    Some of this work is supported by the James Hunter Family ALS initiative. . Today I received an update from the Initiative. https://prdenpfe1.utorcsi.utoronto.ca/v.aspx?SI=142932&E=normvanstone%40hotmail.com&S=1&N=9028&ID=8651&NL=7101

    It is a lot more prevalent than most would believe.

  356. Anna-Lise Kear says

    In this time of COVID 19, I am very grateful for the opportunity to lap swim at the Summit Centre; the safety protocols in place are very good. Personally, I know of participants who swim as a primary or secondary treatment to the management of their diabetes, asthma, COPD, pre & post op surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disability, neurological disorders, and mental health challenges. Staff are constantly reviewing and revising protocols, in compliance with the public health authorities – and they do so, cheerfully! Promoting health, preventing disability, providing opportunities to sustain our level of rehabilitation, keeps us functioning and out of hospital, and supports us in our volunteer efforts in the community.

  357. John Robinson says

    My son Michael is in his 6th year with Lou Gehrig’s disease ALS. He will be 50 yrs old this month. He lives in the USA where he can get the proper care. Canada is lagging behind though Michael who is a doctor is helping Canada improve. He shocked us last night by saying 1 in 300 people in Canada will get ALS IN THEIR LIFETIME. This disease now is 100% fatal. It’s time our government realized how serious ALS is. Most die within 2 to 5 years. Michael is an exception as he fights on. Support your local ALS ASSOCIATION PLEASE!!!

  358. Harry Oswin says

    Yesterday, November 29th, was a glorious, sunny day here in Huntsville,

    The nets were still up at both Conroy and Meadow Park,.

    Thanks to the foresight of our Mayor, Council and the Recreation staff, a dozen folks at Meadow Park
    ( 8 more at Conroy) were able to play pickleball outside on the second last day of November.

    It may seem like a small thing, but during a Pandemic, small things loom large.

    Thanks again.

    Harry Oswin
    Brunel Rd.,
    Huntsville

  359. Barb Armstrong says

    Well stated Steve Lehman! It is ‘our right’ to breathe clean air, not the potentially infected breathe of someone refusing to wear a mask during a pandemic. It is time for all levels of government to start making the fines and jail time stick. It is time to teach these arrogant, disrespectful people that we ‘all’ have rights and freedoms. The right to a safe, healthy life being the most important.

    Stay safe this holiday season everyone. Wash, wear the mask, keep the distance, and exercise our ‘right’ not to spread the virus and our freedom to flatten the curve.

  361. Anna-Lise Kear says

    Thank goodness for the light that the Auditor General’s Report shines on the leadership of Ontario’s response to COVID 19- governmental-public health leadership. Actions which could have been taken, by authorities were not. I am not totally surprised; the RNAO (Registered Nurses Association of Ontario) was calling for the resignation of Dr. Williams in the early months of the first wave. Looking forward to reading this report, when I can locate a copy. I suspect that these were not just small missteps, we’ll see.

  362. George Gilley says

    What other town forces people to walk on the road while the side walk is left unplowed for skidoos
    I am referring to Forbes Hill Road east from Brunel to the turn heading towards the De Novo Center
    This is part of a two km route recommended to seniors as a walking route
    I have brought it to the attention of the town with no answer

  363. Kathryn Henderson says

    I would like to know why Terziano can’t let us taxpayers know how much rent we are getting for the newly town acquired kW pipe property. What’s the big secret? It is being bought with our money we have a right to know.

  364. Ryan Vallentin says

    Hello Em,

    I think it’s a combination of many causes for people to ‘ignore’ the arrows

    1) Ignorance, they just are too absent minded to realize the arrows have a meaning

    2) Arrogance, they just don’t care about anyone else and are just in a rush

    3) Started out the correct direction, but moved back against the arrow to reach items that were passed (I’m guilty of this all the time)

    4) Aisle was empty, so went the wrong way, and hopefully turn back around should another shopper enter (I’m also guilty of this, but if the aisle is empty, I really don’t care if I’m going the wrong way while it’s empty)

    5) Item within the first few feet of the aisle exit, pure laziness, don’t want to walk around

    All this aside, I’m very forgiving of people who are already struggling with mobility, these people need to just move along the best that they can regardless of arrows.

  365. Em Arde says

    Why do so many people seem to find it so difficult to follow the directional arrows on the floors in our stores? Are these people truly in such a hurry that they cannot abide by the rules like everyone else? Or is it that they just don’t care?

  366. Mary Spring says

    So excited to see that Huntsville’s Covid Isolation Quilt has found a permanent home at the Algonquin Theatre in downtown Huntsville. It hangs right beside the Canada 150 quilt that our community made in 2017. The Isolation Quilt tells stories of how people are managing during this pandemic. The stories are being compiled in a book that will be on display beside the quilt when our lives return to some sort of normalcy. Thanks to Matt Huddlestone who realized the importance of the Isolation Quilt and found a space for it. Thanks Terri Howell for preparing the quilt for hanging in this space. Thanks to the people who took time to create a square and to tell their stories. This, I believe, is history in the making.

    Huntsville COVID isolation quilt

  368. Edward Butikofer says

    I wonder if a lockdown is as bad as portraid. Lockdown go bankrupt. stay open and die is there a choice?

  369. Steve Lehman says

    It’s been fifty-one years since Richie Havens sang about freedom at the Woodstock music festival. This past week we were reminded about the seventy-five years that have passed since so many died to guarantee the freedoms that we now enjoy in this country, freedoms like speech and the freedom to congregate and protest.
    Unfortunately, during all these observances and commemoration ceremonies nothing is ever mentioned about the other edge of the double-edged sword of freedom, namely the painful sharpness of responsibility. That is perhaps why we now have fringe protestors irresponsibly endangering the lives of others by brandishing this sword of rights and freedoms and refusing to wear masks during this pandemic.
    Now, I get that none of us wants to live in a police-state. That is not the legacy our brave veterans died to bequeath us with and so our political leaders of all stripes have instead implored us to voluntarily do the right thing and collectively work toward the greater good. While I appreciate that this plea implies the government trusts and respects us as individuals responsible enough to make the right decision, in the real world it doesn’t work. That is why we enact laws to penalize people who drink and drive or don’t wear seat belts or drive distracted or carelessly discharge a firearm or a hundred other things. Left to our own devices, a selfish few will invariably and disproportionately affect the existence of so many others so perhaps the time has come for Trudeau or Ford or Kenney or all other hesitant political leaders across the country to take those few by the hand and penalize them into adulthood. I don’t think their right to breath out contaminated air supersedes my right to breath in air that is clean.
    Or perhaps we could take a cue from our southern neighbours, arguably the most litigious people in the world. At some point in time I believe it became a punishable offence in Canada to knowingly infect an unsuspecting sexual partner with HIV. If we were allowed to press assault charges against or sue anyone who could be proven to have known that they were infected with Covid-19 and yet refused to comply with safe health procedures and subsequently infected an innocent person, then perhaps that would be enough of an incentive to convince them to become a more contributing member of society.
    And speaking of the U.S. – if there is one good thing that can be said about this pandemic, it’s that it was quite probably the silver bullet that ended Donald Trumps hate filled reign. Without his totally inept handling of it, his re-election would have likely occurred and every ‘anti’ faction that existed or has sprouted over the last four years would have really blossomed and spread their poisonous seeds of anger even further into Canada. Anti-abortion, anti-gun control, anti-vaxers, anti-maskers and now, apparently, millions of Americans who are anti-democracy, willing to give up their faith in the election ballot system because of the ramblings of a master inventor of conspiracy theories who at one point suggested they drink disinfectant as a possible cure for covid. Hmmm. Does all this embracing of anti-everything make Trump the epitome of an anti-hero?

  370. Kathryn Henderson says

    This may sound stupid but it would be nice if at all the lights the turn and go straight sighs were hanging where you can see them and not just painted on the road which is usually covered with a car or snow. Just saying.

  371. Robert Paul Attfield says

    “Ontario continues pro-development anti environmental plan. ” This headline appeared in the Toronto Star Nov 6th. It uses the Minister’s Zoning Order to allow development in wetlands, forests, ravines and farmlands and conservation areas. This has not yet been approved, but because of the pro development policies of the current Provincial Government, it appears that those of us who care about the environment and the future of of the planet need to monitor and react strongly to attempts to weaken environmental legislation. Stay tuned.

  372. Debbie Kirwin says

    Have you heard? The District has now commissioned a Corridor accessible bus! It has been a long 8 years in the waiting. The District also has a new transit project to provide people living in rural Muskoka access to the major towns and it will be accessible. Now if we could just get Huntsville to move forward with the plans on their transit set out in AODA and their own 5 year plan (improvements for all) that was to begin two years ago.

  373. Bonnie Branton says

    As it was not prohibited-

    Porch light on, music on, Covid safety measures in place.
    Trick or Treaters had a much needed ‘near normal’ Halloween evening out.
    Parents drove their kids to end of driveway, where they waited for a clear spot to come up to receive their treats. So impressive – all masked (at least one), patient and VERY happy and delightful. Great job families!

  374. Em Arde says

    Oh my god! The uproar over Halloween has me shaking my head. We are in the middle of a deadly worldwide pandemic, and people are whining about trick-or-treating? Cancel the whole bloody thing, I say. Is it the end of the world if the kiddies have to skip a year of mooching candy from strangers? Dress up at home if you have an urge that needs to be satisfied. Pick up some candy when you are getting your groceries. Watch scary movies, tell scary stories, and gorge yourself on mini chocolate bars and Sweet Tarts until you throw up. Even though I am child-free, I have happily shelled out to the kiddies every year of my adult life … but this year the porch will remain dark and the doorbell unanswered. Sorry, but jeez, people!! Stay home, and stay safe. It is time for a serious reality check.

  375. Rob Millman says

    Good on you, Sophia! i watched a documentary the other day, “American Selfie”. A small portion of it dealt with the massive line-up to purchase the latest Apple hand-held. Unfortunately, it was held on the same day as a climate crisis march. Guess where the students (and a majority of 20- and 30-somethings) were?

    Most young people feel somewhat invulnerable: and they are not yet at an age where they’re concerned for their descendants. I have great-grand-children; and thinking about the world that they’ll inherit keeps me awake nights.

    Seeing a young lady like Greta Turnberg; and to a lesser extent, yourself; gives me hope.

  376. Sophia Andrew-Joiner says

    I would like to recognize the Fridays for Future movement that takes place every Friday at 11:30-12:30 at Town Hall. The same people are there every single week making a statement for our future. I am a high school student, I am the only regular student attendee. I would like to thank those who attend every week. I would also like to express my disappointment in the high school students for the lack of care for our OWN future! Soon, I would like to reach out to you with the names of the attendees because they have persevered so well and have donated their time and money into trying to get more high schoolers involved. Let me know what you think and what else I can include if you would like to do anything with this information. Thank you!

  377. Dr. Don Keedic says

    Rob Millman:
    Ontario PPM 150 does not allow for fast foods in high schools. The cafeterias that we knew as kids with fries and gravy are long gone. High school cafeterias can not make a profit. Students in Huntsville (used to) go to the arena at lunch because Oliver’s would sell items not restricted by PPM 150. Of course they return to the school and eat their poutine in the hallways.

  378. Rob Millman says

    Brian: Neither Mickey D’s or any other multi-national food conglomerate would ever be allowed to operate such a food wagon. Even a RFP would be patently unfair (as the net worth of the interested parties is so diverse). Perhaps, turning the cafeteria into a “food court” would be the best solution.

    But then you would have an indoor problem vs. an outdoor problem. And we all know which is, by far, preferable.

  379. brian tapley says

    I have to agree with Jacquie about the school kids wandering about with no masks or distance.
    These are the best and brightest minds we have and are being groomed and educated at great expense so that they can take over in a few years.
    You’d think they would be better at handling the epidemic issues.

    Why has no enterprising food cart set up in the High School parking lot? They could sell a lot of lunches and there is a vast open area up toward the lookout where kids can have lunch and be outside with no issues.

    The walk to McD’s and back would take up most of the normal lunch time, so not wishing to decrease McD’s obvious appeal it is still a case of much walking with little or no time to actually eat.
    Maybe McD could operate a reduced menu food wagon up near the school.. ?

  380. brian tapley says

    What is going to appear on the sand pile beside highway 60 in the swamp beside Kawartha Dairy?
    Whatever it is it looks like it will not likely flood.

  381. Ellen Duncan says

    Is it true that Algonquin Park had to close on Thanksgiving week end?
    We are so lucky to live in this glorious part of the world.
    ellen

  382. Chas Clark says

    On a lighter note. Why do the leaves fall and pile up on my garden when you never see a leaf on the Hwy 11 road surface? Can the MTO let us in on their secret.

  383. Rob Millman says

    Hello Lesley,

    Please be patient until the Main St. Streetscaping Project is completed. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised by the trees, benches, and new crosswalks that have been included (delineated by variegated paving stones).

  384. Lesley Hastie says

    What a lovely new road surface driving from the swing bridge towards King William Street! But when one looks around it is so sterile, austere.

    Please, when any improvements of this kind are being done, think trees. What a dramatic difference It would have made visually if trees had been planted there, on both sides of the road. Trees can provide shade and hence reduce the heat for pedestrians and parked cars, they absorb the carbon dioxide from combustion engines, and if the trees were Apple or other fruit bearing trees they would provide food too.

  385. George Gilley says

    My wife and I are proud responsible owners of a small Australian Labradoofle and enjoy regular walks with her
    We walk the Summit Center circle and parts of the Fairy Vista trail
    We are appalled and disgusted at the lack of consideration by some dog owners who do not “scoop” after their dogs. Do they not realize that seniors and children walk these trails ? These people that don’t clean up after their dogs are probably the same people who litter our environment with coffee cups etc
    We have also noticed the removal of refuse containers from these public areas. This by itself discourages clean environment habits
    Let’s all be responsible Huntsville citizens

  386. HOWARD Bargman says

    Canadian Tire Staff and management might want to take mask wearing more seriously. I brought up my considered concerns and was instructed to basically go back from whence I came.

  387. Norma Stahls says

    Disapponited and concerned for our community that some businesses are not following the covid 19
    guidelines .I have entered three businesses where employees did not wear mask in one I asked are mask not mandatory in Mukoka the reply it’s not a law.To the owner you lost approximately 100 dollars .
    By not taking the covid guidelines seriously you show little valve for customers or the community at large.
    I want all businesses to succeed I don’t want to be forced to buy on line. My hope is our community will pull together to get through this surreal time by protecting each other by wearing a mask , social distanacing etc.
    Stay safe
    Norma Stahls

  388. Sharin L Mills says

    According to the Doppler update of September 28, 2020, Huntsville has had a total of 20 registered cases of Covid 19. 11 of these cases are reported within one month–August 31 to last week in September.
    This is an obvious concern.
    What is our Medical community’s reason for this? (opinion or facts).
    Also, what would be the solution to avoiding such a significant jump in future?
    Our community is very caring and giving. We deserve transparent and honest information and direction. Please help us to help each other.

  389. Jacquie Howell says

    I personally do not object to the teenager being out at noon. I object to them not physically distancing or wearing masks. They and they alone can solve the concerns

  390. Ellen Duncan says

    I was speaking to a grade 11 student the other day and she is as frustrated as the school board. Students have a choice, stay in the class room or leave the grounds. Where else can they go but uptown.?
    No one seems to want the kids.
    ellen

  391. Jacquie Howell says

    Like many others, I drove through Town in Friday at lunch time. My reaction was shock. Stop blaming the school system They have excellent public health protocol. TEACH your teenage adult:/children the rules. We will have increased cases in schools BUT not from school activities. From behavior on the street, dock, cars and backyards
    Wearing a mask at ALL times outside your home would save lives and sickness. (Flu season is coming to complicate everyone’s health. Masks – Hand washing, physically distancing will be more important)

  392. Steve Ainger says

    What is on your menu for Thanksgiving? Will you have turkey or ham, perhaps a side of COVID 19?

    Since the start of the school year many college and university students in cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston and London have ignored basic advice with respect to COVID 19 (distancing, wearing masks). No doubt some of them have or will soon become infected. They may be asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms. In three weeks those students who can will be going home for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Its a great time for them to see their families and to reconnect with their friends. After this much anticipated break will they have infected those who they longed to see the most ? I encourage parents to discuss this with their children. Perhaps it would be prudent if they were tested before heading home.

    Residents of our area have done a remarkable job of limiting the spread of this virus. Lets continue to enjoy the success we have experienced. When planning for Thanksgiving be mindful of what is at risk. This may be the year to have fewer people around your dining table. You will have more leftovers to enjoy and perhaps better health as well.

  393. Evert McIlwain says

    We were driving by Huntsville Public School on Friday. It appeared to be recess time. There were dozens of children and teachers out on the playground, no masks, what appeared to be no social distancing. We are being asked to reduce the group numbers, limit our contacts to just the people we live with at this time. Why is this different for teachers and children? They need to be protected also I know that children have to be active and get outside but it is scary to see this in light of the rising Covid numbers.

  394. Em Arde says

    My family continues to maintain pretty strict adherence to the COVID guidelines, and thus we don’t get out much. So imagine my dismay when, today, I had to drive through downtown Huntsville at lunchtime. It was so disappointing to see hordes and hordes of school kids everywhere, clustered in large groups, with no masks on and making no attempt to physically distance from one another. They were laughing, talking, shouting in each others’ faces, without a care in the world … even though that world is in the midst of a devastating pandemic. What a shame.

  395. Brian Howard says

    As Residents of Huntsville for a chunk of the year, we are appreciative of the work that various Town Councils have done to create generally good aesthetics for its people.An amazing furthur opportunity presents itself in creating a new Park/beautification area in a high profile area of our Town,namely the area opposite the CIBC Bank Branch.Fully realise that a lot of money would be involved,and money is tight at the moment due to COVID etc.How about a campaign/lottery(if allowable) etc,etc,etc.Let’s not deprive future generations of developing in an environmental/aesthetic way an even greater and more attractive Town!.Let’s do it!! Thank you.

  396. Rob Millman says

    Mr. Calderon:

    I totally empathize with your situation. I would recommend that you purchase a large package of disposable masks, and refuse to carry any passenger who won’t wear one. It’s totally lawful for a citizen to impose provincial restrictions.

  397. Tam Evans says

    Responding to Mr. Rob Millman’s comment below: “With respect to the comments about shoreline erosion; I’m certain that it’s addressed in the OP. So what is required is a bylaw (if one doesn’t exist), and enforcement (if one does).”
    I found this resource, which is helpful. https://safequiet.ca/information/boaters-code/
    I’d still like to see bylaws that address seadoos specifically. I’ll keep doing some research and post what I find. But you’re right, enforcement if it already exists.

  398. Martin Calderon says

    I am a cab driver in Huntsville. Masks are mandatory in the town. Why do people think this doesn’t apply in taxis? I carry many tourists, essential workers from seniors homes, and many people who have just been to the hospital for various reasons. Protect your fellow citizens and wear a mask when you take a taxi

  399. Brenda Duncan says

    I would just like to send a ‘virtual high-five’ to the GFL (Green For Life) garbage/compost collection workers. They are super efficient and leave the area neat and clean after picking up. This morning we witnessed them actually picking up extra stuff off the ground which had blown out of our neighbour’s garbage. Glad to see that some people still have some pride in their work. Kudos to GFL for hiring such conscientious young men!
    Just glad to have something positive to talk about for a change!

  400. Ellen Duncan says

    May I say a huge Thank You to the volunteer staff at the Legion for a wonderful roast beef dinner last tuesday.
    Thank you to all involved. It was well run and very well received.
    Yummy.
    ellen

  401. Donna Hughes says

    I just wanted to add to the pot hole, or should I say crater holes on Britannia Rd. Yesterday, I had family members heading home after a visit and they said they were just about hit head on on the S curve as another car was on the wrong side of the road to avoid the holes. I myself have been involved in a head on at that very place over a year ago for the same reason. Insurance companies should start billing the township for all the damages to us and our vehicles. We should start billing the township for all our suspension repairs for avoiding the pot holes.

  402. Ryan Vallentin says

    Brittania is one of many roads that have more hot patch then original asphalt. Concession 4&5 is also brutal.

    The District of Muskoka is responsible for Brunel Road, the Town of Huntsville is responsible for most of the roads that connect to Brunel.

  403. Shirley Campbell says

    I wrote to the town recently about Britannia Road and did not receive a response. I mentioned how sections ( mostly curves) had potholes that were being filled in constantly. Cyclists, motor cycles, cars and joggers use this road. Accidents are happening as drivers want to avoid the holes. It needs to be repaved or at the bad sections for our safety and our car suspension systems. Thank you.

  404. Isabel wagg says

    look into how Huntsville promised to redo Brittania rd. A promise of 4 million. They have fixed burnel rd. That didnt need fixing Today I heard of another accident. Unfortunately it maybe a death. In pass, cars have been written off. I myself replaced my front end on my car twice. Pots hole are ridiculous. I’ve had several close calls myself. Drivers are stupid. People who live on the street are aware, Hope you have time to explode Huntsville. We ve also sent patricians

  407. Rob Millman says

    Would anybody with high-school-age children please answer a question for me? I heard somewhere that your children will be taking a single subject, 7 hours per day, for a month. Then presumably they would write the final exam for this topic. Of course, I could check this out for myself; but all the rules are in a state of constant flux.

    Thank you kindly.

  408. Susan Keetch says

    It seems very conserning that Airbnb rentals can have one set of guest move out at 11:00, the owner arrive at 11:30 clean the unit and a new guest move in by 4:30. I checked with Dearhurst and they have the same policy. I feel that this is not sufficient for proper protection. I hope schools that are starting have more intensive cleaning protocols.

  410. Allen Markle says

    Attended a show at the fair grounds put on by Muskoka Festival of the Arts and some of our local musicians. It was great. Locally we certainly are blessed with primo musical talent and have sponsors who are willing to support them. Heard a variety of styles and renditions of Tragically Hip pieces and it was impressive. Was particularly taken by the talent and presentation of Sawyer Lance. She never stopped moving! The exuberance of youth.
    A fine evening for some quality entertainment and I sure hope there is more. And when there is,I need tickets! Thanks to you all.

  411. Jim Sinclair` says

    Anyone know why the work has stopped on the excavation for that Hotel behind Wendy’s ??

  412. brian tapley says

    In a reply to ….

    Ryan Vallentin says

    August 17, 2020 at 8:21 am

    I have to admit that I have not managed to catch any culprits in action. I seem to have other things to do with my day.
    However I will grant that it is probably a small percent of people who make all the mess and still drink while driving .

    This said, I have to note that contractors time frame puts their vehicle in the right place at the right time to contribute to what I see and that, morning and night contractors are by far the majority of the traffic.

    Personally by the way, at our resort we do not use any chemicals to try to control bugs. We use birds and other insects to help control things like mosquitoes. We put up bird houses, and do our very best to foster the growth of things like dragon flies, which eat a lot of smaller bugs. About the only bugs we do attach with chemicals are wasps and nobody really has any choice with these as they are just not compatible with human activities and we simply have to remove them and the only way we can do this is kill them in specific sites. Locations where we can we just leave them alone.

    We realize that without the blackflies and mosquitoes though, there would be no fish, no things like blueberry’s and a host of other things that we do like.
    I would be remiss not to mention that the people who spray chemicals about to kill unwanted vegetation on lawns and vanquish mosquitoes from cottage yards, are themselves “contractors”. I realize that these people are pretty reputable and follow the rules of the day to be legal but that does not change the fact that what they are doing is generally not what nature would have done and I think nature is arguably more correct than a cottage owner’s personal penchant for a bug free environment.

    We are all guilty of changing our environment by virtue of us simply living in it. That is one of the limits to growth that we all face and ultimately it will control us at some point no matter if we like it or not. The world is starting to show the effects of us all pushing this limit. It is part of the cost of there being so many of us humans. It does not matter how careful you are with YOUR wrappers and coffee cups, the very act of driving to work each day, when multiplied by billions of us world wide, is going to do the trick.

    It’s tough and not nice and we may, perhaps most of us, feel that individually WE are not the problem, but it all adds up and in reality, the collective world wide “we” is the problem.

  413. brian tapley says

    Why does everyone pay lip service to the idea of safety and non-pollution but in reality people just don’t seem to care.

    In the regular part of the year, there is a parade of contractors out from Huntsville every morning and return at night. Following this parade one finds the Horton’s cups and wrappers arriving about the time the trucks turn off onto the side roads. These guys make their living from a clean environment that looks nice. That is part of what attracts tourists to the area. You’d think they would care more.

    Speaking of the tourists or seasonally adjusted owners. They or maybe their guests (Air B&B??) seem no better. I know this because normally I see a great increase in roadside trash as soon as summer arrives. Not just the wrappers and bottles, but whole entire bags of trash. Once again, these people all come here to be in “God’s country” where things are clean and pristine. You would think that since they have already paid for the dump with their taxes they might use it properly. Last week someone left a huge bag of diapers and trash plus another full of beer empties at the mail boxes at our fire hall. If they thought Canada Post would look after these…. they were sadly very wrong.

    A final point that sort of makes me sad is that if you think about it at all, single bottles and cans for alcoholic beverages are quite unlikely to just “fall” off the back of a truck or out a hole in the bottom of a car’s trunk. No, they are far more likely to have been thrown from a window. Maybe this is to get rid of any evidence? Regardless it means that even after 50 years of anti drinking and driving activities by the OPP and groups such as MADD, a significant number of people don’t seem to have received the message and must be drinking while driving. Even if it is only the passenger this is still not legal. This is depressing.

    I guess when we start seeing empty bleach bottles on the side of the road we will know for sure that Trump has paid us a visit and driven around our area. So far there is thankfully no sign of this.

  414. Rob Millman says

    I wish that I’d known about the mini-Art Show. Although I’m unfamiliar with Ms. Drieger’s work; I’ve always loved Marika’s various treatments of nature. They’re not photo-realism, but you could swear that you saw them somewhere; if only in a dream.

  415. JOHN WYDRA says

    My partner and I crawled out from under a rock this weekend (because of the covid) and went to see an art display in a yard on North Mary Lake Road. The artworks of Roxanne Drieger and Marika MacDonald were amazing and were worth coming out of isolation to see. We also were treated to a concert by the Muskoka String Quartet were the seating was well spaced as well as lots of lawn to sprawl out on.. We wandered the grounds enjoying the art displays, talking to the artists while listening to the strains of Beethoven and Mendelson and other classical favourites. I want to thank Roxanne and Marika for a totally enjoyable afternoon and for showing us that life doesn’t have to come to a standstill during a pandemic but that much can be created during such a timetime.

  416. Dr Carolyn Reinhart says

    Our wonderful Syrian neighbours of three years need accommodation with 2 bedrooms. Their landlord needs his condo back by the end of October. The parents both work, 1 daughter is returning to pre med university and the other post High School works locally. They have excellent references. My email: reinhartcarolyn@hotmail.com

  417. Ryan Vallentin says

    Brian

    I wish that you would stop singling out contractors in your rant. Your points about garbage alongside the roadways are true, but do you have any proof that either cottagers or contractors are the primary culprits. I am a contractor, and I know many contractors, and it is not reasonable to believe that we drive around littering all the time. Our vehicles have business names on the side, there are legal and social repercussions for behavior such as littering or bad driving. Of course there are bad apples in every segment of society, but I find it personally insulting that you believe I would rather toss my empty coffee cup out the window then discard it properly. Hopefully I don’t get a service call to your property, I’ve heard that resorts all use nasty chemicals to control bugs and I would fear for my health…. oh wait, is that a stereotype? No offence intended to our local mosquito control businesses, I know your products are safe for us.

  418. Winston Smith (Mr) says

    Went down to Toronto this weekend to visit with the grandchildren. My youngest celebrating her sixth birthday in fine style.

    And, of course, the discussion came up about school, going back to school or going to school and masks.

    Do they work? Whom do they protect and how and should kids be expected to social distance and what about the so-called aerosol effect?

    Can’t pretend the sampling was representative of anyone but the parents I met at social distance all wanted the kids safe and back in the classroom, a sentiment that seem to be shared by the children.

    But how to achieve that? There it all got a bit vague.

    Shrink the class size didn’t seem to be practical because you’d need to hire more teachers — presumably if you half the class you double the teachers, open the windows, install HEPA filters, mandate masks, eat lunch in the classroom and so on.

    Anyway it would be interesting to hear how your readers think the local school board is dealing with it because it looks like the TDSB is at loggerheads with the province and the solution down there seems to be delay going back and hope like heck a third or more of the kids opt for home school.

    Does that make sense locally?

    Two parents I spoke with, okay I overheard them speaking to each other, said they were going to send their kids to some fancy fee-paying school on account of how the class sizes were smaller. But are even social distancing and masks complete answers?

    Sure like to hear what folks who read your fine paper have to say.

  419. John Cassidy says

    You’d think that because boaters require a boating license they would understand proper water safety however I see about 15 boats a day go around the buoys wrong on Pen lake. Please remember to go in between the buoys and slow down/speed up NOT at the canal entrance but where the buoys are. One of these deerhurst kayakers are going to be killed by stupid boaters who don’t understand you go through them and not around.

  420. Brian Tapley says

    I am forever amazed at the amount of garbage that just keeps getting left on the roadways or other roadside spaces.
    In the last few days several bags of garbage left at the local fire hall. I guess protecting the residents from fire is not enough to satisfy some of them and they seem to want the fire department to remove their trash too??

    There is the constant supply of wrappers, construction waste and beer containers that spreads itself along our roads.

    All this seems to increase, along with the supply of fancy SUV’s and sports cars in the summer tourist season so I have to conclude that it is not just the contractor parade of Horton’s wrappers but the actual tourists who are doing this. It is hard to believe that individual beer cans just randomly fall off of trucks. Kind of depressing to think that these were all probably drunk while driving and then tossed… sort of a double insult to society here.
    The people come here from the city, call it “God’s Country” (whatever that might mean) and then proceed to drag all their noise, trash and poor driving habits along with them and distribute it about the land.

    You’s think if they spent a million dollars on their cottage they would care more about their surroundings? Maybe it is Air B&B in action? I can understand the odd contractor who is not from the area and is just here briefly but even then should know better.

    This is not to say all fit this mold, most do not, but there are enough folks out there who make Yogi Bear look smart to be a bit of an insult to our area. Can we maybe get some more of these to care like they should?

    To add insult to the injury, when one does pick up a few tossed bags and take them voluntarily to the dump, at one’s own cost of time, the District wants to charge them to YOU! Trusting as only the municipal bureaucratic mind can be they will not believe you picked this stuff up off the road and want to bill it to your account. Thanks for the help here.

  421. Robert Graziano says

    I agree 100% with Brenda Duncan about the local newspapers on people’s driveways. I has rield me for a long time and wondered why people just pick them up. If they don’t want the paper call them and tell them.I counted 12 papers on the same driveway one spring morning after the winter snow had melted. There is already enough litter on the streets and DON’T BLAME THE TOURISTS!

  422. Barbara Armstrong says

    Having boated past this resort several times over the past few weeks, and witnessing NO signs of even attempted social distancing on the waterfront, why does this not surprise me:

    https://www.orilliamatters.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/cluster-of-11-covid-cases-traced-to-group-visiting-muskoka-resort-2629867

    Maybe it’s time to smarten up guys. The pandemic isn’t gone. It’s still thriving and killing people. Don’t let sunshine and Stage 3 be your/our demise.

    PHYSICAL distance, wear the mask, wash, wash, wash your hands, don’t casually mingle, don’t touch your face until you wash your hands.

    It’s not rocket science. It’ll keep our numbers down and our families safe.

  423. Brenda Duncan says

    I have walked many of the streets in town and have noticed that a lot of people do not pick up their Forrester papers; they just leave them at the end of their driveways to decompose, I guess! How lazy is that?
    This is a free service for everyone so, at the very least, you could walk to the end of your driveway and actually bend over and pick the darn thing up and deposit it in your recycling bin (assuming you actually do recycle). If you are not going to be home for a while, please ask a neighbour or family to pick it up for you. If you don’t want the paper delivered, please just call the newspaper and ask them not to deliver it to your address. It will certainly save the delivery person some time. I am sure they are appalled every week, seeing the paper just, from the week before, just lying there.
    I know that this may sound petty to some people but it really irks me! I know that this is such a trivial matter at this time when so much is going on in the world but there is a simple fix to it, unlike a lot of issues currently happening.

  424. Ellen Duncan says

    Hi Rob, I understand Baysville Library is really nice also. There again, curb side pick up. I intend on ‘phoning both Baysville and Dwight libraries on Monday. I try to read the large print but will handle the normal
    Thank you for your comments, I appreciate another avid reader.
    ellen

  425. Rob Millman says

    With respect to the comments about shoreline erosion; I’m certain that it’s addressed in the OP. So what is required is a bylaw (if one doesn’t exist), and enforcement (if one does).

  426. Rob Millman says

    Thank you, Ellen, for your understanding response. I too am a senior, and an avid reader. At present, I am ordering my books from the Dwight Library for curbside pickup. That, however, is a special trip; whereas it would be far easier to go to the Town Library; as I’m there several times a week.

    I am also concerned that this air quality problem possibly started some time ago, and was only discovered when checking the ventilation system due to the pandemic.

  427. edward woolven says

    Remember back 10 years +/- when Muskoka was designated Norther Zone. The Liberal government removed that assistance when the area continued to vote Conservative. The present Conservative Government could restore the Northern designation due to costs being higher in this region. Returning passenger train service was a promise prior to election.

  428. Ellen Duncan says

    Rob, Thank you for your response to my Empire Lot. I do agree with you. I just get annoyed that a town our size is going without a Library during a busy time of year.
    I appreciate your thoughts. I am a senior who relies on the library delivery to my home. It’s a wonderful service and I (along with some friends) miss it.
    Ellen

  429. kelly zytaruk says

    Its not just the Seadoo’s. Wake surfing boats are becoming more and more popular and they are specifically designed to create an unnaturally large wave.

    I have noticed this summer that our shoreline is taking a excessive beating. Even though I have whips on my dock for my boat the waves are big enough to bang my boat into the dock.

    The problem cannot be addressed by individualizing any one specific watercraft. The issue needs to be enlarged to encompass respect for the environment and shoreline as well as the safety of swimmers.

    Where is the common sense and respect?

  430. Bonnie Branton says

    Re: Jet Skiis

    A Jet skier recently ran over & killed a gentleman out in his rowing skull.
    Please! – rules must be applied to ALL watercraft & operators.
    When I was rowing last week, I found the amount of wake lashing the shoreline, produced by high speed Jetskiis, was just as damaging as from a large boat. The loon & duck nests didn’t stand a chance.
    For shame…..

  431. Rob Millman says

    With respect, Ms. Duncan, I would suggest that the “Empire” lot is the most attractive piece of real estate in town. Ameliorating the air quality problem at the “relatively new” library would certainly be significantly less expensive than trying to move it. Also, you would have to find a buyer for the existing library, which wouldn’t be an easy proposition; given its location and configuration.

  432. Ellen Duncan says

    Has there been any movement on the old Empire lot? How about a “new” library.
    ellen

  433. Tam Evans says

    I agree with Ms Vargas’ comments below re: jet skis / seadoos. We have experienced people doing donuts in our bay on many occasions. My children swim there and I’m always worried they won’t be seen. Furthermore, the stink of the gas spreads to our deck and ruins our otherwise tasty-smelling burgers. Finally, the noise overwhelms the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. I don’t mind an occasional boat going by. But jet ski motors are loud! Are there any by-laws in place specifically geared to jet ski use? How far should they be from shore?

  434. Al kowalchuk says

    I would like to know why the water level is being taken down so much. I am on Pen lake and can barely get my boat off the lift.
    I have been here 50 years with levels staying relatively close now they are down about a foot.
    There is no threat of flooding from the melt right now so why are they dumping down to the south?

  435. Rob Millman says

    Municipalities have significant powers under the Ontario Heritage Act. Could the Town not extrapolate the normal uses (century buildings, archeological sites) to include areas of old-growth forests? The province has their “provincially significant wetland” designation. Huntsville, therefore, should at least attempt to designate these forests (and any other areas identified by the OP) as “municipally significant sites” under the OHA.

  436. Bonnie Branton says

    I also am on board with Ms. Mckays many pleas over the years to protect our wonderful trees.

    Huntsville, unlike Bracebridge & other surrounding towns, does not have a tree bylaw!
    One of our main attractions, for residents and visitors, is our wealth of natural assets. Mature trees and forested areas, that would take 100 years to replicate, should be treasured, respected and left for our children to enjoy also.
    Even the little town of Port Sydney has officially declared a knarled
    old tree at ‘Indian Landing’ a ‘protected’ treasure.

    The recent ‘clear cutting’ by developers at places such as Forbes Hill should sound an alarm –

    Please put Tree Protection Bylaws in place NOW.

  437. Robin Yule says

    Followup to Ms. McKay’s comment on tree destruction. I am not sure if there is an existing by-law that could be invoked in the situation she describes but point out that the existence of such a by-law would probably make little difference. There are two really big problems with the Ontario legislative system. 1) Municipal by-laws are very difficult for the town to enforce as penalties are very small (a cost of ding business for a developer) penalties do not exist or must be applied following a very long and expensive court process. 2) As opposed to most crimes, the perpetrator cannot be held responsible – any contractor illegally removing trees is innocent – the owner of the property must be charged. Contractors routinely knowingly violate by-laws because they are immune. Changing this and making penalties easy to apply would put a stop to many problems. There aren’t that many contractors and they are more aware of by-laws.
    All of this is a result of most politicians being strongly in favor of development at just about any cost. The OMB and its successor are prime examples of government for the wealthy developers and against the common man.

  438. Vivian Sammons says

    Just wanted to let everyone know what kind of an experience I had trying to put my 21 year old cat to sleep….. I phoned every vet from Sundridge to Barrie…with NO LUCK, because I wasn’t a client nobody would do it!!!! Finally I was lucky enough to get a call back from Cenntenial Animal Hospital in Bracebridge, they would do it….. took Chloe down yesterday and she was lovingly put out of her misery…. my last vet was Ron Strickland and she hasn’t needed care since…. sure is quiet in my home without my girl, but she is resting in my backyard….thanks for listening….

  439. Ruby Truax says

    I want to share a couple of stories that illustrate how this mask requirement is affecting some people.

    Last week an older woman came into my workplace wearing a mask, as required. Within a few moments, she started to have a panic attack, trembling, sweating, struggling to breathe. She was near tears as she gasped, “I can’t do this. I can’t do this.”

    I brought over a chair and a bottle of water and urged her to sit down and take off her mask. She said, “I can’t. We have to wear masks.”

    I explained to her that anyone who, for any reason, cannot wear a mask is exempt from the mask requirement, and was finally able to persuade her to take the mask off. Within a few minutes, her breathing steadied and she began to calm down.

    This woman did not know about the exemptions. All she understood was that she “has to” wear a mask now.

    The next day, an older man came in without a mask and his first words to me were, “My mask broke.” I thought he was explaining why he wasn’t wearing one, so I assured him that we were okay with that. But then he asked me if I had some tape or anything that he could use to fix his mask, and he pulled it out of his pocket.

    It was a disposable pleated surgical mask and it was soiled and worn. This man had obviously been wearing it repeatedly until the elastic finally broke. That mask certainly wasn’t of any benefit to anyone in the shape it was in, and yet he wanted to fix it so he could continue to wear it as required.

    This man didn’t know that this type of mask is only to be used once. All he knew was that he has to wear a mask now.

    In a press release, our health unit said that “SMDHU’s focus is on raising public awareness and educating people on the use of non-medical masks or face coverings in premises where physical distancing may be difficult.” But the two stories I’ve shared show that some of us are only aware of the mask requirement but not of the exemptions, nor of the different types of masks and how they should be used.

    If this mask requirement is about public health, there needs to be more education about exemptions and about the different types of masks, to protect people for whom a mask is contraindicated and people who are unknowingly misusing masks.

    null

  440. Carolann Mckay says

    Huntsville desperately needs a tree by-law to stop the rampant destruction of trees by developers and others who clear cut large areas of forested areas.

    Please attend at Conroy Park in Huntsville tomorrow (July 21, 2020), at 3:00 p.m. to protest the blatant destruction of the natural environment at Forbes Hill Drive.

    A reporter from the Forester will be there to take photos of the destruction.

  441. Allen Markle says

    Went to a Festival of the Arts presentation at the fairgrounds. Music of the Stones delivered with skill and enthusiasm. Timeless tunes and classic riffs. Loved it all. Mr. Spring and the boys were entertaining to the end. Loved it.

  442. Rob Millman says

    Ms. Varga, I empathize with you and your concerns. As a former property owner on Lake of Bays, one of my favourite trips (usually by canoe or rowboat) was down the Oxtongue to Marsh’s Falls. If memory serves, the speed limit was 10km/hr. Even back in the day, this was seldom respected by motorboats, but at least it was the pre-Jet-Ski era.

    Of course, these “toys” are promoted to the late teen-early twenty crowd as an activity to be enjoyed with the “liquid” part of summer. I respect this age group highly; but a few of them tar the others. One cannot treat a heavy piece of dangerous machinery as a toy. More respect for this particular watercraft must be included in the BoatSmart course.

  443. Brenda St.John says

    I was quite alarmed to see so many people in Shopper’s Drug Mart today without masks. I was only in there for 10 minutes or so and during that time I counted at least 7 people, ( 1 group of 3 in their early twenties, clearly blocking the rule!) I am unclear why this is so, if masks are supposed to be mandatory. How is “mandatory” being enforced???

  445. Tilly Varga says

    I am writing to you as a 40 year seasonal resident of the Oxtongue River. The wildlife is unique and plentiful. The river offers many unique experiences that one cannot enjoy on a lake. Any guests that have stayed with us are always enchanted by the beauty the river offers.

    As you all know tourism is ever increasing in the area. This is a good thing for the local economy – merchants, resort owners, restaurants, service providers and the list goes on and on. The area is an awesome place for vacation and relaxation and should be promoted. Unfortunately with the increase in seasonal population up here, there is bad that comes with the good.

    We have noticed that in the last few years the traffic on the river has increased. Again, this is a good thing. Majority of boaters that come up the river adhere to speed limits and are courteous. The one problem that the increased traffic on the river has also brought are Jet Skiers. Majority of them have no regard for the posted speed limit signs or any regard to the preservation of the river. I am no prude and actually I am a bit of a speed demon myself. I understand when you are 20 something years old, sitting on your jet ski, on vacation, it’s a beautiful sunny day, the water is the right temperature and in your mind you see the river as an awesome race track with it’s windy curves and the idea of taking that machine full throttle gets the blood pumping. I get it. The problem is that this mind set has caused some near misses.

    The most recent one involving my adult children. We watched 8 or 9 of them speed up the river. We heard them at Marsh’s Falls and knowing they were going to turn around to head back to the lake, my daughter got into the canoe and was determined to ask them to slow down on the way back. My son grabbed his “Go Pro” and hopped into our paddle boat to try and catch some footage. Of course, on their way back my daughter was yelling to slow down, but all she got were either rude gestures or one jet skier in particular almost ran her over. Further down the river were two paddle boarders trying to dodge them all too, as you can see on the video. It was very disturbing to say the least. This incident is what broke the straw for me to write. I know you’re all thinking, “well it’s not the first incident and not the last”. Unfortunately you are correct. I did call the OPP communications line on that day to report the incident but I told them not to bother sending anyone over as they were gone and we had no other solid information we could offer them.

    My family and I are convinced that there will eventually be a tragedy on this river. On the July 1st holiday we took a cruise down the river on our own boat. It was a beautiful day and it was a busy day on the river. When we rounded one of the many blind corners we came across a family (approximately 8-9 people with children) with 3 canoes. They had stopped on one of the many sandy banks for a break and a swim. Everyone was frolicking in the water. This particular area they were in has blind corners approximately 30 feet each way from where they were swimming. If a group of jet skiers (or even one) comes down the river at full throttle there is no way they would be able to stop or clear them in time. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. This is just one example of many over the years of how vacationers enjoy the river but are essentially sitting ducks on the water (literally).

    I also understand that the OPP does not have the funding to constantly be monitoring activity on the river. I remember as a teenager (approximately 40 years ago) we would witness OPP marine units on the lake and river several times over the summer monitoring the area, especially on long weekends. In the last few years we are lucky to see them once a year. The last time was on a rainy Saturday when there was truly no one on the river. Again, I get it. They were booked to go that day and it happened to be a rainy day. Bad luck, Murphy’s law – whatever the case it was a waste of time and money for those officers.

  446. Rob Millman says

    Congratulations, Mr. Lehman, on your well-reasoned treatise on active transportation. I don’t know if you’re a lawyer or a teacher; but you presented a strong case. As active transportation is considered by the OP as something that the Town should be endeavouring to promote; I feel that you should forward a copy to Kristin Maxwell, Principal Planner, Town of Huntsville.

  447. Sallie Moore says

    How I have missed the colorful corner under the flags this summer- always a beautiful sight!
    MANY THANKS to Helen Bastedo, her friends & neighbors, for their most appreciated endeavor!
    As a lover of flowers & plants, my drive- by now will bring a smile & warm thoughts of our caring community.

  448. David Ferguson says

    I held a face covering over my mouth and nose today at the Tim Horton in an effort to comply with the new legislation. I was told by the girl behind the counter to wear a mask tomorrow when I came in. ” Don’t worry”, I said. “I won’t be back”.

  449. Steve Lehman says

    Apple or Bell

    If Huntsville were a tech company I think it would be an Apple. Not including this summer, (for obvious reasons), it seems like the BIA of Huntsville has always strived to present some new activity or event every summer weekend to attract tourists, and their disposable dollars, to our town. This is very progressive and contributes immensely to the perception that we are a thriving community with a humming economy. Like Apple continuously generating consumer interest by tweaking and upgrading their smart phones, Huntsville strives to keep people spending their money here by introducing new tourist events or tweaking old reliable ones. Well deserved kudos are owed to all involved.
    Lately I’ve been reading and hearing about a consortium of public and private interests expressing an interest in developing some mountain bike trails. While I can appreciate that this is yet another app that may entice people to purchase the lifestyle that is Huntsville, I have to wonder if, in their excitement, the public interests aren’t neglecting the infrastructure that keeps people here and spending their money daily instead of just on the weekends.
    My wife and I ride our bikes a lot. I think we have pedaled in every province but B.C. The interesting thing about all those bicycle excursions, though, is that some of the most interesting afternoons we have spent, repeatedly, have been up in North Bay. That is a town that has recognized the long-game benefit of attracting recreational bikers. Not extreme bikers, recreational family bikers.
    From a wide two-way path with a painted centre line that follows along the shoreline of Lake Nipissing down to Callender to a four-lane section that is separated by a grassy median, North Bay has excelled in creating bike trails. To safely connect Nipissing University to the downtown, an elevated causeway was built over the four lanes of Highway #11. To connect the downtown to the expansive beaches and multi-use facilities of Lake Nipissing, an underground causeway was built beneath the several rows of rail lines that interrupt the otherwise pastoral continuity of the area. Bike path streets are well signed and painted.
    The parallels to what Huntsville could do are almost too similar as to be eerie. For instance, a causeway beneath the train tracks from Susan St. to the existing bike path would be very popular and would provide an alternative to the dangerous stretch of path from Centre St to Hunters Bay proper. A causeway over the Muskoka River connecting Cliff St. to Camp Kitchen would provide a much safer route than Brunel Rd. for high school students going to the mall or kids from Meadow Park going swimming at Camp Kitchen or soccer practice at Conroy Park. A study about creating a better trail eastbound out Hwy #60 to Canal Rd. and on to Lake of Bays, or maybe just over to the proposed new mountain bike trails, could bear interesting fruit. A future triathlon route perhaps?
    Now I will admit, these improvements would be expensive and not easily cost/benefit quantifiable. For a relatively inexpensive investment, however, a widening of the path and intense deforestation of burr bushes and thistle plants from Avery Beach to the impressive floating dock section would pay for itself ten times over in aesthetic value alone. In fact, a clean-up of that entire section of shoreline would bring families to the area for picnics and swimming, attracting the attention and interest of thousands of tourists as they slowly travel bumper to bumper along Hwy #11 north on a Friday evening. Almost like free advertising.
    I guess, in summation, the best thing about living in Huntsville is, even if none of these things ever happen, it doesn’t matter. Huntsville is such a beautiful town that it will always thrive. Our base attractions of clean lakes, fresh air and beautiful views will always ensure that people come here to spend money. In a way, I guess we are more like Mother Bell – as long as we provide the basic opportunity for people to communicate with nature, entrepreneurs will continue to introduce new apps they hope will be applicable to the area.

  450. Al Kudryk says

    Are You Going To wear your Mask ???

    Well I will because I do care for the well being of others. I know people feel that they have the RIGHT NOT TO WEAR A MASK !!! You also have the RIGHT TO DIE WITH THIS Virus !!! There are people out there who my not be symptomatic, and are carriers!!! Can you tell??? Probably not!!! It has been proven that wearing a mask does reduce your chances of contracting the Corona Virus.

    If you value your life and those of others please wear your mask and practice social distancing and the proper hygiene that is required by us. If we all do are part we will get through this TOGETHER!!! Just look to the south of us and see the dire straights that the people of the United States are in right now!!!

    Please listen to our Medicsl Health officials and if we work together we will overcome this Pandemic!!!

    Please stay Healthy and Safe !!!

    Al Kudryk

  451. Denise Cooper says

    I think we have the mask situation well in hand.

    Now let’s get the conversation going about getting our kids back to school.
    It is well documented that children are close to being immune to the virus. Let the educators decide the importance of children being in a structured learning environment.
    Keep this in mind “if the payroll stopped being on auto-deposit in the bank accounts, trust me they would be back in the classroom, and that applies to all workers, especially our Municipalities they can work with a mask on.

  452. Rob Millman says

    I would just like to add my congratulations to the Bastedos and their group of volunteers. Not only is that parkette located at a major secondary intersection in Town; but it is dedicated to the G8 (a group, in my opinion, of which Canada is fortunate to be a member).

  453. Allen Markle says

    The Library has an air quality problem. Bad air. Now when did I hear that last? Sept. 20, 2017 I believe, when council used ‘bad air’ as the reason to close the train station. The building was subsequently sold for $2.00. The library should be worth at least that, but these are Co-vid times, so who knows. But I have a tooney ready.

  454. Steve Ainger says

    Thanks is due to a local couple, Frank and Helen Bastedo. They noted that gardens in the town park at the intersection of Center Street and West Road (where the G8 flags are) had not been maintained this year. With the Town’s consent Frank and Helen rounded up a group of volunteers who donated and planted perennials. Have a look if you are in the area. The gardens look great.

  455. Ellen Duncan says

    I can understand why the resturants request that folks eat in their vehicle. I just wish those same folks would please put their garbage in a garbage container and not fling it out their vehicle window and have it land on the road.
    I’m sure MacDonalds and Tim Hortons etc. don’t care to have their advertising in the ditch.

    It’s too bad a few make it a mess for some.

    ellen

  456. Gerry Lannan says

    I wonder how many people had as much difficulty as I did making an appointment to be tested for covid 19.I needed it in order to visit my son in a group home. It seemed simple- just drive over to the summit center -whoops, that was last week only. I’ll just phone for an appointment; I searched every possible source I could think of without success; I finally phoned the Hospital to get the number; On Thur morning I phoned about 10/30; I was on hold a good 1/2 hr; At that point I was cut off; I called again about 230; this time I waited 11 mins + another 6 mins to exchange information; I got an appt for 240 on Fri; when I arrived I was taken right away; the folks there were great; I told the nurse how difficult it been to make the appt She said ” oh my gosh, all you had to do was call your family Dr. ” ; Who knew? This type of information should be displayed prominently by all media daily or weekly from now until the end of the pandemic.

  457. Jacquie Howell says

    Hope our politicians will do the right thing and mandatory masks or face protection for everyone (staff included) in all indoor locations and staff wearing masks on patios. A little late. Should have happened before July. GO FOLKS

  458. Allen Markle says

    Tricia and I took a drive out hwy. 60 last evening and overtook a vehicle with Alabama plates (headed for Alaska I suppose). When we drew alongside his car we saw he was wearing a mask….although the window was open. Who said our southern neighbors don’t pick up on a few safety tips. Good on you mate. But in your canoe in the middle of the lake I think the mask can come off. Have a safe summer.
    On our way home we thought we might grab a cone at the dairy but the drive-through was closed and the crowd at the front was a little too dense. No ‘social distance’ there. But who can lick a cone with a mask on? Go figure!

  459. Tracey Stone says

    I’m not happy at all that the is remaining closed!! Many other communities have reopened the pool and I think it’s our town’s responsibility to its citizens to open!! Yes I can swim in the lake but to do it safely I shouldn’t swim alone, please open the pool ?‍♀️

  460. Evert McIlwain says

    Mayor Terziano -please make masks mandatory in businesses and areas where distancing is not possible. Don’t sit on the fence like some other local politicians. Put our health and lives first. That’s the right thing to do if you care about your community. If you do that the economy will stay open. It’s not rocket science!

  461. Rob Millman says

    What more can be said about mandatory masks? I wear one for everyone else: Why can’t others return the favour? I’m an old dude with lungs ravaged by a violent attack of pneumonia. So I fall into the “most vulnerable” category. We seniors gave what we could for the “invincible” youth to entertain their present lifestyle. A small sacrifice on your part would mean so much. Thank you.

  462. ellen duncan says

    It was so good to see the flags around the property yesterday. Thank you Coldwell Banker for keeping a little bit of normal.
    ellen duncan

  463. JOHN WYDRA says

    We have been doing well in Muskoka as far as covid goes. However with influx of tourists to our region (I would like to promote the visits) I think to protect ourselves and keep our numbers low, I think we have to consider the mandatory use of masks in public places (especially indoors). Thanks.

  464. Barb Elliott says

    Happy Canada Day- Thank you to the Coldwell Banker Thompson Real Estate Team family and friends for bringing a little red and white “old normal” to the community today. So pleased to see this annual patriotic gesture staying Canada Strong!

  465. Sheila Hofstetter says

    Yes, I agree with everyone wearing a mask out in public. We can continue to keep our numbers low if everyone of all ages helps all of us stay safe from covid19.

  466. Evelynn and Larry Funston says

    Wanda, we agree with your comments – well said. There now seems to be agreement that wearing masks inside public areas and businesses protects others from you and thus if everyone wears masks then we would be protecting each other. This is so important now we are hearing more about asymtomatic – silent spreading of Covid-19.

  467. Wanda Roberts says

    I commend Mayor John Tory’s recommendation to make the wearing of masks mandatory in closed public spaces. He has considered the health and wellbeing of Torontonian’s going forward and I hope fellow members of his council support and pass this the motion.
    By today’s statistics the pandemic is growing globally and we have been told a second wave is inevitable. Our community leaders have a responsibility to keep abreast of all information regarding the pandemic but they must also be bravely proactive in setting new social standards that may not be popular but keep people safe. Wearing masks in closed public spaces is one of those measures that can slow the spread of the virus before it’s too late. Yes, there have been contradictory messages in the past regarding the wearing of masks but new guidelines should evolve with time, experience and the commitment of providing the safest environment possible for citizens.
    Our community has seen the return of cottagers and visitors and thus there are more people in grocery stores, malls and other retail outlets. Complacency has set in and I have had to remind people to respect the 2-meter rule on many occasions while grocery shopping. The community is now more open, there are more risks thus we need more guidelines. As citizens we adjusted to “No Smoking” rules for health reasons and I’m sure the wearing of a mask for health reasons will be no different.
    I am calling out to our Mayor, all of our elected officials and public health officers to seriously consider mandating the wearing of masks in closed public spaces. At the end of the day, we all want to say that we did all that we could to help each other as well as ourselves.

  468. Ryan Vallentin says

    Hey Rob, to add to your comments (by the way I’m in agreement with you 100%) people just shouldn’t advertise where they purchased their vehicle from anyway. It looks terrible on vehicles, the dealerships are not paying you for this advertising, and it marks you as a visitor when away from home.

    The worst offender is our local Dodge dealer with the stupid rear window stickers on all their Rams, it has the opposite effect of what they intended. Any dealer added stickers, license plate surrounds, or emblems just scream that the dealership cares more about advertising then about their existing customers.

  469. Debbie Kirwin says

    I too find mask wearing to be hit and miss and as a concerned high risk resident I find myself still in isolation. Rolston hands out a face mask to each customer at the front door. Perhaps the Doppler could do a series of articles on why stores are not enforcing masks as well, interviewing people who are not wearing them including names and pictures. I understand that our numbers are low, but with the influx of tourists combined with the attitude that we here in Muskoka are COVID-19 free, we should remain vigilant to avoid a second outbreak. I can only hope that a vaccine will be found soon.

  470. Rob Millman says

    I was appalled to learn of the vandalism toward non-local vehicles. Some less-than-stellar permanent residents are “keying” all vehicles not purchased locally.

    This is an illegal effort to disrespect cottagers, and to discourage them from vacationing in Muskoka. Of course, they contribute to the tax base for our area; in return for very little return. You have no way to know if they are self-isolating for 14 days; so to preemptively act as judge and jury is a desperate measure for bored people.

    I would add that my son, a permanent resident, purchased his vehicle in another town, and is now afraid to park downtown. Furthermore, the practice has extended to “keying” expensive cars (regardless of origin). Obviously, this is a senseless act of jealousy.

    I can only hope that you are caught; made to pay for the damage; and at minimum, sentenced to community service. Maybe, it will give you a sense of what real community is.

  471. Tamara de la Vega says

    Hello George,
    We are sorry you missed it. Here is the link: https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/covid-19-drive-through-testing-available-this-week-for-long-term-care-retirement-home-visit-requirements/
    We also included the news in our newsletter—a synopsis of all our stories—which goes out directly to subscribers via email three times a week. If you’re interested you can sign up here: https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/subscribe-to-doppler/

  472. George Gilley says

    Did our senior walk around the Summit Center yesterday (Thursday) and was surprised (pleasantly) to see a covid-19 testing facility at front entrance. There may have been announcements on the local radio however we had not seen any notifications anywhere
    What a shame. How was a person to be aware of this service

  473. Barbara Armstrong says

    I would like to remind people using wave runners (SeaDoos, etc) that while you are out having fun going around and around in circles over your own waves for hours or zooming back and forth and back and forth…we, on the shore, are trying to have a peaceful conversation or coffee, and are tired of your noise! Maybe you could travel to the middle of a bigger lake? Or not stay out for so long? Or stop at 6 pm and leave the evening for peace and quiet on the lake? You’re not the only ones living up here! And to the wake boarders – STOP IT!! The loons and ducks are loosing their chicks because you’re washing out their nests and separating the families! The storms and high waters are wreaking enough havoc with the shorelines without you adding to the damage – and your sport makes it impossible for people new to paddle boards and canoes to get a chance to enjoy a nice day on the water. If you “must” wake board, please find the middle of a very large lake and stay there, or wait for a very windy day when the rest of us can’t go out and the lake is already covered with huge waves.

  475. Rob Millman says

    Mr.Trudeau continues to find zero -to – none plaudits of any kind, here in the Tory stronghold of Muskoka.

    So as a born contrarian, I would like to salute him for making even minor inroads into China trade relations (stepping into the vacuum created by Mr. Trump’s failure).

  476. Marg Wood says

    I am shocked,as well, at the lack of mask-wearing at the Independent and Metro stores! Handling fresh items and stocking shelves, cashiers and all employees should be wearing masks!!

  477. Roger Staig says

    I continue to be aghast at the lack of face masks been worn in retail stores. Don’t blame our seasonal residents. Many of the Bare-faced shoppers are locals I recognize. Of particular disappointment are the retail merchants where staff not only refuse to where masks but do not practice social distancing. When I asked one staff person at Canadian Tire why they weren’t wearing masks, she said: ” I ain’t wearing no mask to work”:. That surprised me but before I could carry on the conversation, the store Manager walked by and I noticed he was NOT wearing a mask. I concluded that there is a culture of false bravery in that store. I have taken my business elsewhere.

  478. John Mitchell says

    Is nobody listening and or watching the news. Covid 19 is real. Masks and social distancing is for now our only defence. We support our local businesses but many are not respecting us by wearing masks.
    Too many of us are guilty as well. When will our local authorities mandate masks…….before it’s too late?

  479. Sherry McAlpine says

    With the lack of knowing what Covid is all about, how it’s acquired etc., the very least we can do is wear a mask . It’s a small nuisance that does prevent contagious diseases as we know. Gloves are helpful too but we need to use these preventative measures correctly.
    There are no staff members at the Ideoendent in Huntsville that wear masks or gloves. Deli staff are cutting cold cuts without masks or gloves. I am shocked!

  480. Warren Prince says

    It’s time to make masks compulsory for employees and customers. I noticed on Friday in Huntsville that many individuals have gotten pretty careless going about their business. Wearing masks and social distancing are the two best ways to counter COVID-19.

  481. Jacquie Howell says

    After reading the excellent results Japan had by the wearing of masks and the mandatory order of Durham public health re the wearing of masks. Why is this not being considered in Muskoka. Our demographics put most of our “mature” residents in a high risk category. Especially important now that we are welcoming visitors. Consideration and respect for our neighbors seems to be a good lesson. Mask or face shields are not being used by staff or customers in most places in Huntsville.

  482. kelly zytaruk says

    Over 76% of new COVID cases are being reported in the GTA.

    While most of the Province will be entering Phase 2 of the COVID recovery by easing restrictions, the GTA will remain in Phase 1 with restrictions still in place.

    Muskoka will be one of the regions with reduced restrictions. There is no travel restriction from leaving the GTA so where do you think many of the GTA will be escaping to?

  483. Marta Mirecki says

    Please not business as usual.

    We sit in our Muskoka chairs today, enjoying the peace and quiet of COVID-19, on the cusp of welcoming back, perhaps, the largest contingent of out-of-towners that we will ever see. Brace yourselves,
    Huntsville will be open for business on Friday June 12. The report is that every B + B and rental, currently available in Muskoka is filling up, fast. The wealthy, and not so wealthy, not used to having their wings clipped are flocking out of the city.

    I urge the town and business “leaders” to let common sense prevail. Take this opportunity to do a bit of housekeeping and change the way we do business.

    One outstanding issue is the lack of accountability and respect given to town noise bylaws which are meant to protect and guard the peace and quiet of all residents. Sound travels over water, and last summer saw an unprecedented number of exceedingly large, loud venues at River Mill Park with not a bylaw officer to be seen. Last year’s Ribfest not only broke noise bylaws but quite possibly the sound barrier as well, as its announcer could be clearly heard in the Walmart parking lot. Yes, they stopped blaring at the stroke of 1100, but the ringing in your ears lasted much longer than that. Perhaps the old high school track could be put to good use for these larger, louder venues.

    We also have Pub on the Docks, a business with an apparent mission to blow the other businesses “out of the water” with its outside speakers, which seem to have proliferated of late, with its new and improved renovations. A cursory glance walking down by the docks reveals no less than10 speakers that one can count. OMGosh.

    Last summer I called noise bylaw officers repeatedly to complain about the loudness of the music, and to be fair, it did appear that on a couple of occasions, unbeknownst to the owners, some enterprising staff wanting to make the most of boring, cleanup duty, had inadvertently pumped up the volume. However, on other occasions, all I got were suggestions to call the police; maybe they could do something because “you need proof”. It remains to be seen if Boston Pizza, Mill on Main, and now Canvas Brewery , all with extensive outside patios, will remain the respectful neighbours that they have been to date, or whether they will rise to the challenge and downtown will earn its increasingly broad reputation as “Par-tay town”; duelling for the prize of having the most freeloaders outside the pub, not actually paying for the privilege of listening inside the pub.

    Be careful what you wish for… branding Huntsville as the place to get high and rock, will chase the classy cash elsewhere to more peaceful venues.

    Friends, neighbours, country-loving men, if the noise bothers you , I urge you to complain to the town. It is, after all, peaceful protest. Perhaps then, our elected officers, in our very own municipal government, will finally hear above the noise, and listen.

    Marta Mirecki
    Downtowner

  484. Brenda Duncan says

    Well, I was in a grocery store this morning (in the 7-8 a.m. group) and I was astonished at the amount of people who are still not wearing masks. This is terribly disappointing! This particular time is for older/elderly people and the immunocompromised and maybe 20% of them were wearing masks! C’mon people, when are you going to realize that this virus is not going away!!!
    Even if you don’t have respect for yourself, at least respect the other customers and employees and wear a mask!!! The employees are working hard to keep us fed and have been for months and should be respected for this.
    Some people in the community are making masks and some of them are free; you just need to call to get one.
    Do you older/elderly/immunocompromised people think that just because this time is set aside for you, that no one in the store is carrying the virus and you won’t catch it? Think again!
    As someone else alluded to before this, the employees stocking the shelves are not wearing masks either. How can we socially distance from them? Of course, most of them are younger and think they are invincible to this virus but more and more ‘younger’ people are getting sick too!
    We WILL get through this together if, and only if, everyone does their part…social distancing, wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer.
    Thank you to those of you who do wear a mask and thank you to the grocery store employees who have selflessly put themselves ‘out there’ to keep food on our tables!

  485. Dale Peacock says

    I am frustrated and disheartened. I wear a mask and I pretty much stay home.
    I don’t ‘like’ doing either one but it’s what I’m being asked to do as a sign that I give a care for others in my community. My husband – he’s a calm guy – does any necessary small bits of shopping every 10 days or so because it infuriates me to go to a store and see the majority of shoppers without a mask on and only loosely following physical distancing guidelines. And really, who needs more stress right now?
    I choose the lesser of two evils and drive to Orillia’s Costco once a month to shop where everyone has a mask or is provided with one.
    Now I read that Norman Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka is pleased to share the ‘good news’ that short-term rentals including lodges, cabins, cottages, homes, condominiums and B&Bs will be allowed to resume operations in Ontario. That’s fine. I suppose they can’t stay closed forever but why then am I staying home? We love to travel. We have a daughter in B.C. that we’d reconciled not seeing for another year.
    So Ontario is moving around and 80% of locals residents don’t wear a mask and/or stay 6 feet distant. So why am I doing it again?? For whom?

  486. Rob Millman says

    Great idea…as many folk have generic comments; not applicable to any current story. It reminds me of Speakers’ Corner in The Six (where Barenaked Ladies got their start). I’ll restrict myself to commenting on a handful of other responses.

    Bill 66 is definitely deserving of all the protest our Council can muster. Just look what’s happened south of the border; where Trump (the master of distraction) has used Obamagate and other ploys (while surreptitiously suspending the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act).

    Regarding gas prices, one doesn’t have to travel very far north to avail themselves of First Nations’ prices.

    The use of studs has always been a thorny issue for me. I used to consistently travel in the winter from Huntsville to Parry Sound, and the weather was uniformly better there. On the other hand, if you’ve ever counted potholes in Muskoka (as opposed to the holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall); studs are immensely damaging to asphalt surfaces; and the consequent repairs weigh heavily against their use.

    The only good news on the George Floyd front is twofold: fighter Floyd Mayweather has come forward to cover all costs of the funeral; and policeman, Mr. Chauvin, has been charged with second degree murder (the highest possible charge, as it was not premeditated).

  487. Susanne Goodhand says

    My dog and I really enjoy The Avery Park trail.
    It is lovely to be catching up with other pet owners, have a little chat and continue on.

    While I truly support picking up after my pet and most people do I have an issue with people tossing the bagged “goodies” right back into nature.

    So while walking and enjoying the scenery it is unbelievable to see how many baggies are dangling from trees or floating near the shore.

    If you are kind enough to bag the poop, why not carry it just that little bit further to the nearest garbage.

    I know, the town can be a little slow in emptying the bins but since it is your dog, it is your kindness that keep our parks looking nice.

    Please pick up and carry until it can be safely discarded.
    Biodegradable or not.

    Thank you

  488. Neil Burnside says

    It’s no wonder Ontario has so many Covid19 cases. If Huntsville is any indication over the last week. Affogato employees had no masks on, still allowing self serve coffee, milk/creamer cartons and such. Dollarama employees also had no mask behind a small plexiglass shield.

  489. Geraldine O'Meara says

    Protesting in the United States
    I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news on May 25, 2020, that yet another black man, George Floyd, was killed by another white policeman in the United States. I was even more shocked, perhaps enraged, when I heard that the pathology report stated that Mr Floyd died from asphyxiation; the policeman grinding his knee into Mr Floyd’s throat, cutting off his voice as he tried to tell the officer that he was unable to breath.
    I can’t help but think that that knee, pressed down on the throat of the black man, cutting off his voice and killing his life, is a “symbol” of what has been happening for four hundred years in the United States, and continuing to happen in the present day.
    There have been protests, some violent and some peaceful, and after the seventh night, the biggest protest since the 1960’s civil-right movement, police tried to quell the protestors with tear gas, batons and shields.
    On the night of June 1, 2020, Donald Trump, in his arrogant and unwise way, addressed the protestors on public television. He ordered them all to disperse, and said he would use military force to stop the protests if cities and states couldn’t do it first. No doubt, this approach would incite further violence.
    Because of Donald Trump’s lack of understanding and compassion, that “symbolic image” of the knee that has been seared in my mind, speaks to me that Trump himself and the Republican Party have ground the knee on the neck of the black people, once again cutting off their voices and lives in their attempt to demand to be heard about their needs for the future.
    I am an 82 year old white, Canadian woman, coming from a privileged background. I, too, need to further examine myself, and name any racists attitudes, either conscious or unconscious, that are hidden in me with people who are marginalised because of colour, race, creed, sex. I’m also aware that we in Canada need to get our own house in order and address our own racist attitudes. We are not exempt from this process of naming and owning.
    However, at the moment, because the current crisis in the United States has so impacted me, I am aligning myself with the black people in America! I am disgusted, their voices need to be heard; enough is enough!

  490. Russell Nicholls says

    May 26, 2020
    I had a situation this past evening that provided me with a very pleasant experience, actually the Huntsville Hospital and yes, even the District of Muskoka are truly blessed in having professional staff of their caliber on their roster.
    Dr. N. Matyasovazky
    Nurse Miss Devynn
    Being a very senior senior, I felt quite nervous being taken to the hospital for attention but thanks to these two professionals, my concerns were needless.

  491. Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says

    Hi Wendy,
    Dr. Charles Gardner, the medical officer of health for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, is still recommending that people not go to their secondary residences. This is how the health unit covers it on their website:

    “We are strongly recommending that people stay at their primary residence. The Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams has also provided his support for this message “that people should preferentially stay home and not access secondary residences, recognizing that there may be limited, essential reasons to do so”.

    We know that COVID-19 does not just show up in a community, it gets there by someone bringing it, including by those who may not even have symptoms. We are asking you to work with us to flatten the curve.

    The potential harms associated with traveling to and using your cottage, even for a day, include:

    -The more people travelling and stopping for gas and groceries, the more risk of spreading this virus.

    -Symptoms of COVID-19 can happen rapidly and overwhelm a person, forcing them to immediately require EMS. You may not have time to travel home. Consider the huge numbers of seasonal residents that come to our area. It would take only a small fraction of our cottagers to become ill before it would push our healthcare capabilities past their limit. That means it could be you or a family member who may not have access to the intensive care bed or ventilator if you contract the virus.
    -There are plenty of reasons why people require emergency services that you can’t anticipate. Just by opening up your cottage, you may be putting different trade workers in the same space. By turning on your electricity, you may be increasing the risk of accidents and fires. If you require emergency assistance during this time, you are forcing front-line health care workers, police and firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, into social contact.

    -We are aware that despite this strong message to stay home, there will still be some people who will make the decision to go to their cottage. If that is what you choose to do despite the request to not do so, you need to ensure that you follow public health measures, including:
    o physical distancing of at least 2 metres from other people;
    o staying at their cottage as much as possible;
    o purchasing food and medications in their own community before arriving at their cottage and limiting their visits to the local community for essential shopping only;
    o no gatherings of more than five people unless they are all from the same household;
    o practicing proper hand washing and cough hygiene, including frequent handwashing; and self-isolating if they develop symptoms.

    There currently is no enforcement, or “barricades” or fines so at the end of the day we are appealing to informed, responsible people to stay home and help us all get through this public health emergency together.”

  492. Wendy Harrison says

    Can anyone clarify on what the official position is on people coming to their cottages? The premier indicated in his question period yesterday that it is up to the local officers of health. That seemed a change to me since he was telling people to stay home two weeks before the May long weekend. Since then nothing has been said. I am a resident, but I’m wondering when can my family come to their private cottage if they socially isolate? Or with what conditions?

  493. Elaine Hutton says

    THANK YOU FOR WEARING A MASK!

    BEEN IN A GROCERY STORE LATELY? OF COURSE YOU HAVE.
    IT IS THE ONE AREA HARD TO AVOID IN THESE COVID TIMES.

    Yet how many store employees and fellow citizens were wearing a mask? It is the one thing that everyone can do to protect others.

    This week at a grocery store in Huntsville I was told by the manager that there is no policy stating that employees have to wear masks. Some staff working in the store were following the manager’s example by not wearing a mask. However my thanks go to my check-out guy, Ian Markham, and other grocery staff who made their own decision to wear a mask.

    Grocery stores like to state that they protect customers by disinfecting carts and having one-way aisles. But how can you avoid close contact with others not wearing masks, especially employees busily stocking produce?

    Do they realize that, although estimates vary, possibly 12% to 50% of carriers of COVID-19 do not show symptoms? When you wear a mask in an enclosed environment like a grocery store you may protect employees and customers from possibly catching the virus and carrying it home to families. Some members of their families may be at increased risk – over age 50 or may have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or poor immunity.

    Thank you to those staff and customers in grocery stores who do wear masks. A mask says that you care about the wellbeing of others in this great community of Huntsville.

    PROTECT OTHERS. WEAR A MASK.

    Elaine Hutton,
    Huntsville resident 20 years

  494. Kevin Billingsley says

    Its great to hear so many are taking up the cause for making and distributing masks , but some where the message that everyone should be wearing them in places where its difficult to keep six feet apart isn’t getting through. I was in metro the last two Thursdays for a few groceries and notice that only about twenty percent of patrons are wearing them, even a town councillor was not. Previously to that most were, come on media get the message back out there. People , people I know its not pleasant or cool looking but get serious, think about it ,your in the grocery store ….you have the virus and don’t know it and you are buying fruit and vegetables you sneeze or clear your throat and infect the stuff in front of you because your not wearing a mask , now the next how many customers stopping and touching the same fruit or produce you infected picks it up ,they potentially can carry it home to there families. I get it I was sceptical at first of the Covid thing but realise its not going away any time soon . So we need to find ways to protect our families.for a while yet, I think grocery stores should make it policy for masks to be worn no exception!!!! No Shirt ,no shoes, no mask ,NO SERVICE . We are all for getting some freedom back and more important ,getting our business owners back to being able to make a living . Its a given but we can do it with some common scents and safety. We have gone this far ,dropping the ball and a new wave of covid, and more self isolation !!!!! I (we ) would SNAP!!!!! I feel better now I ranted even if its from home .

  495. Linda Harper says

    Another group of people to thank are the “Mask Angels”. A group of sewers here in and around Huntsville sewing masks and distributing them free of charge. Co-ordinated by Michael Walmsley, president of PROBUS 2 (PROBUS Club of Muskoka North), it started with one member (as these things do) sewing masks and has exploded to over 80 people sewing, not to mention those picking up and distributing supplies and dropping off the completed masks to those in need. Many of the people involved are seniors themselves helping their neighbours and local businesses such as Muskoka Seniors, The Salvation Army, Home Hardware and several local restaurants to mention just a few. Started at the beginning of April, they have distributed over 2,000 masks and are still going! Thank you Mask Angles of Huntsville!!!

  496. Joanne cunnington says

    In addition to thanking the front line workers during this pandemic of Covid 19, there are many people behind the scenes who also need a huge thank you . Those people who minister to the sick, and their parish families who have lost a loved one. It is very difficult not to be able to get together with those people who are grieving and so all leaders of worship communities are having to deal with these situations over the phone or by email. And like everyone else, they need a hug too!
    Those that work in mental health, community living, social work and other forms of counselling all deserve a huge thank you as in times like this, we find these challenges increasing.
    So let us remember and pray for all those both working on the front lines and those working behind the scenes too.
    THANK YOU TO ALL !

  497. Peter R. Dirks says

    Lets open up our town . We are not in the stream of danger from the outside of this community. We can function within our environment , as long we do not have any interference from the outside .

  498. William Brown says

    What the heck is going on beside and behind the De Novo centre on Forbes Hill Road? Complete stripping of all trees and vegetation, down to bedrock on a 45 degree+ slope. We wonder why flooding happens and now we can see an example of why.

    If there were community alerts about this, and council deliberations, I sure missed them.

    The Doppler feature “what is going on here” could do a service by reporting on this in some detail.

  499. Terry Fisher says

    I own 2 STR in the Town of Huntsville. I have asked the Town if they would defer the Licensing fee to operate these STR till the fall. The reply I got from the Town was a resounding NO. Not are they not willing to work with this type of small business, and if we did not have the license in place by March 01 2020 that we or any STR would not be allowed to operate. Wow not only is this a blatant tax grab, they couldn’t care less. These STR are putting in Hundreds of Thousands of dollars into the Town coffers, as well as add an extreme amount of financial support to the businesses in Huntsville. Just doing the quick math here, Air B&B have over 300 listing in the Huntsville area. VRBO has over 300 listing in the Huntsville area, that does not include any other outlet for STR in the market place or private listings. My guess that there is close to 800 STR in the area, at $500.00 per license thats $400,000.00 in licensing fees. Plus the future cost of 4% for every dollar made by STR’s. I am sure that we are not the only STR’s that have had numerous cancellations, just looking for the Town to be more patient. The Town states that we should all be doing what we can in these trying times. Just not sure if they have included themselves in this statement.

  500. Steve Ainger says

    Here we are again. This has become the norm in Huntsville. Our gas stations move their prices in lockstep and we their customer lose out. Today March 30th our local stations are charging 78.3.
    Gravenhurst 63.9
    Orillia 64.5
    Barrie 64.9
    Even little Barry’s Bay has us beat at 68.9
    Pity the poor people that fill up weekly. They are paying approximately $7.50 more for 50 litres.

  501. George Gilley says

    Why is gas 82 cents a litre in Huntsville when 40 minutes down the highway gas is 65.cents a litre
    This is a terrible rip off of our most vulnerable people
    I see no justification for this huge discrepancy

  503. Anna-Lise Kear says

    No real surprise, Steve. When the Cons campaigned, very little of their platform was shared publicly (either by design or lack of development). Are any of us really surprised that the Mike Harris agenda would develop further (certainly in health and education sectors)?

    Retribution against the Toronto City council seemed to occupy the mind of DF when he first arrived in office and began pounding his chest from the adrenalin of electoral victory.
    There has been a distinct lack of planning to generate revenues. Similarly, there has appeared to be little appreciation for science (climate, earth, biological) in this businessman’s party.
    Diminished value in public education for our youth and future citizens.

    I’ll stop now, as I write Mr. Norm Miller from time to time to express my concerns with policy, deficiencies in the bombast, thuggish DF leadership style. He seems a bit more sober and serious these days. One of my hopes is that he and the Cons will receive the best of object lessons in the importance of science, public administration, and public education. Also, a closer look at any de-regulation which puts the health of Ontarians at risk is an important agenda item.

  504. Ryan Vallentin says

    Same as us, we were eagerly looking forward to trying out Canvas and have watched the construction with excitement. Walked in last week and were told the same thing, very strange way of conducting business. We also went to our favorite ‘other brewery’ restaurant location and had a nice meal.

    My opinion is that Canvas just wanted to serve alcohol and had to have a ‘menu’

  505. Patrick Flanagan says

    In his maiden speech in the House, Scott Aitchison said “I am here to find real solutions to real problems and not to score cheap political points.” In his first pamphlet to constituents, he spoke of the need for unity and working together. Nice sentiments.

    In the same pamphlet, he described the Liberals’ proposed gun policy as a “blanket firearms ban” aimed at hunters in this riding. Is such a deliberate misrepresentation an attempt to score cheap political points? Or does he really believe that those hunters are such poor marksmen that they need assault rifles and handguns?

  506. Joe Santos says

    Walked into the recently opened Canvas micro brewery ( Former Dollarama) and asked for a menu. We were told there is no kitchen and beyond their beer they have only light snacks such as flat bread. We were also told we can bring food in from other take out restaurants.
    We left to one of those other restaurants, had lunch with a beer and regrettably will not be going back to Canvas with food bought elsewhere.
    NO FOOD. Good luck to this new establishment. I guess they also don’t cater to families with underage children or to families with family members who don’t drink?
    Nice patio. I am very sorry I will never be able to use it.

  507. Laurie Christie says

    I received this in the mail box yesterday. OPP states it’s a scam. Please let everyone know.
    Real estate scam from person ,gives phone number. Offers to pay without any hassles,cash deals,

  508. Molly Sluman says

    WHERE IS OUR DOBBIE
    Update: now missing 4 days. There has been no sightings of Dobbie. There has been no ravens or crows flying or circling to indicate he is dead in the bush. We had drones up yesterday to check the area we last saw tracks. No sign of him in the bush or swamps. If someone has him please bring him back. If anyone sees a great Dane anywhere with anyone please get a close look and call out his name. We think he is with someone. Share share share this post

    Microchip company has flagged him as being lost or stolen

    Huntsville Ontario
    Lost dog . Dobbie has disappeared while outside with his owner. A lot of bush and tough terrain. Heading towards Candy Town Lane from Lynx Lake road . He may be as far as Beaver Meadow Road, Hood Road, West Point Sands, Hawkes Road, Port Sydney. He can cover a lot of ground quickly because of his size. Very friendly but may be frightened.

    Microchipped registered Great Dane with the CKC . 1 year intact male blue in color

    If found call 7056411578 or 7053948780

    Keep sharing the post. Someone out there must of seen him or took him in and maybe doesn’t have social media.

    This is posted on multiple lost and found sites, Ontario SPCA and others.
    Ground Search And Rescue KW has posted Dobbie.

    Losr dog: Dobbie

  509. Aria Platts-Boyle says

    We all know larger class sizes are not beneficial for anyone. They don’t benefit the smart kid, front row kid, who is best friends with the teacher and loves school. They don’t benefit the kid who hates school, skips class, and plays on their phone underneath their desk. They don’t benefit the teachers, that’s for sure. They benefit the pocketbook and the government’s wallet. The Conservative government knows this, and they are currently putting time and energy into changing our school system with only money in mind. And I could tell you how these cuts will ruin school for all the kids who go through it but… we all know that already.

    Real talk: Lots of teens hate high school. Forget the confusing and sometimes dangerous social scene, the school itself can beat you down. The teachers sometimes become your worst enemy. You have to pull three consecutive all nighters because the amount of school work you are given is crushing your mental health. If we are spending so much time invested in changing this, why not reexamine why our school system is shooting out university and college dropouts faster than you can “Standardized testing is not working”?

    My teachers talk about “out of the box” thinkers and how my generation can’t think for ourselves, yet our voices are not brought to the table. Yes, we have one (1) student representative who is allowed to be at board meetings. But does this mean anything when the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, has no background in education? His previous job was Minister of Infrastructure. A Minister of Education should be someone who has studied education. Someone who listen to teachers, not just school board directors. Our Minister of Education needs to speak with students, because these people making choices for us? They aren’t at the schools.

    You want to make cuts? Maybe stop using these short term “solutions” and examine why a place we spend five days a week at makes some kids wake up in the morning and wish they could go anywhere else. Maybe we need smaller classes. More time outdoors. More projects, less exams. Passion projects for credits. Students should find joy in learning, find something to look forward to. These cuts are not “Anti-teacher”, it is the fact that our school system is Anti-Student.

  510. Wayne Sinclair says

    On the matter of short term rentals in Muskoka

    I am 67, retired and can say I am so delighted that AirBnB has taken my life from existence to being somewhat comfortable financially.

    I started with the organization three years ago and not only has it helped me better afford to put food on my table, but it has also opened my eyes to the common humanity from guests I receive from every corner of the globe. Airbnb is by far not the best way to make a buck; it’s hard work for those of us that welcome visitors from far and wide into our homes. Airbnb holds us to a very high standard of quality accommodations for our guests, and that means the big spring cleaning job almost daily, our homes must be near spotless and in as close to emasculate order as possible and that is no small task. I get asked all the time, “is all this work worth it,” my reply, of course, is yes, not for the money, although that is great, but for the experience. Hosting a BnB is like no other vocation, you are foremost an ambassador, a spokesperson, a representative for Muskoka, the town, the businesses, the tourist attractions, the history. The BnB host is a special bread of individuals who can tolerate strangers living with them, under their roof and in my case sitting them down at their table for breakfast daily. Very few people would even considerate it even if you “were getting rich” doing it, the farthest thing from the truth. You have to love people, be extremely tolerant, adore housework, able to take criticism, and be available 24 hours a day for your guests. Not so simple is it.

    It is imperative that BnB hosts not be vilified as interrupters of the peace, bad guys that are in it for the buck and they are sucking up every available rental space they can get their hands on. These accusations are on the whole not true, and damaging to those of us that provide a very personal unique night over for tourists and promoters of Muskoka so they will come back again one day to support not just me but all the businesses and tourist attractions I recommended by word of mouth or in the pamphlets I pass out to them. No hotel, motel or resort can give the level of personal attention that we give our guests. We are not just proud of what we are doing we are proud of Muskoka and all it offers, we are proud of the fact that guest come from China to see our colours in the fall and proud that the Swedes and Germans come to explore the forest of Algonquin Park and very proud to hear them say that this is a great place and a great Country.

    Maybe it is time to not hate on BnB hosts but time to thank them for what they do for the economic health of Muskoka, thank them for the great ambassadors they are and how hard they work to welcome strangers into their homes to represent how great the people of Muskoka are. When they go home to Toronto or Hong Kong, they are going to reflect on how their host treated them, how happy they were to make them comfortable in a strange place and tell them about all the great things. Our position in the community is an important one, and we take it seriously.

    When it comes to the rotten eggs in the basket, there is no one that wants them dealt with more than hosts. This tiny percentage of hosts that are in it for nothing more than financially gain at any cost need to be dealt with as they are at the root of all the issues. Does the industry need to be regulated, yes? I believe it does, and the public needs to be protected. How can we regulated is a very complicated question and requires input from all concerned but especially from Airbnb and their counterparts? This is not a new issue by any stretch of the imagination, BnBs and cottage rentals have been around for a very very long time, but a few articles in the media have brought global attention to “short term rentals,” and I guess after generations we are now faced with dealing with it and a lot of people are going to be hurt and a lot will be happy, that’s just the way it is with social issues there are no clear cut winners.

    I hope at the end of the day, I will be able to do what I do, making my guests happy and promote Muskoka in my peaceful unobtrusive way.

  511. Howard Bargman MD, FRCPC says

    I wish to reply to a recent article on how to prevent ‘school bugs’ by a local naturopath.
    https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/has-your-child-caught-the-back-to-school-bug-dr-brandy-strelec-nd/

    The concept of “boosting the immune system“ is a mantra of naturopaths with little truth. In a conversation recently with the curriculum director of the College of Naturopaths, I challenged her when she expressed that very concept. She immediately retracted that phrase and modified it. The public should know that in the presence of a reasonably healthy diet and absent immune disease there is no such thing as “boosting the immune system’.

    Probably the best advice to prevent colds and flu is to frequently wash your hands. Soap and water or alcohol containing washes are very effective. Sneezing into your elbow can also protect other people.

    I did not see these two recommendations in the article.

  513. Linda Riley says

    High Gas Prices In Huntsville once again this year. It is at least 6 cents per litre less In Gravenhurst, Orillia and the Newmarket area. Are they gonna gouge us again until enough people complain? Is there a monopoly here in Huntsville? This has to stop, the government says it will come down but ours stays the same? Just like last year!! What utter crap!

    Why is this happening in Huntsville again this year? 114.9 in Barrie last night yet 125.9 here? We need to stand up for what’s right and demand our gas prices drop also, just because we’re a tourist area shouldn’t matter!!

    Linda Riley

  514. Richard Corcelli says

    During the late ’90s, the late Brenda Wainman-Goulet of Huntsville was chosen from many candidates as the sculptress for the bronze statue of Dr. Norman Bethune, planned to be placed in the Gravenhurst Opera House Square. Although responsible for the artistic component of the project, Brenda enthusiastically became a proponent and “leg-woman” during the work up for international fund raising and various approvals.

    She attended at a local road building project to select the massive granite base; poured through the Bethune Memorial House archives to capture the essence of the man; was back and forth to the foundry in Georgetown countless times and regularly met with the project committee at informal beer and burger meetings at Gravenhurst’s Welcome Inn.

    In August 2000, Brenda was on hand to unveil her work and was presented to then governor general Adrienne Clarkson, the Chinese ambassador, the Chinese consul general and the Spanish consul general. Resplendent in a mauve pant suit, Brenda was like a kid in a toy shop as a large crowd congratulated her on her imposing likeness of Bethune, stethoscope in hand, symbolically striding across his home town civic square.

    Despite the formality of the sub-regal event, Brenda was on hand later at the Welcome Inn, still decked out in the fashionable pant suit, as pitchers of beer were served up to the committee and well wishers in celebration of the completion of the project.

    Eighteen years later, every winter, a dusting of snow coats Bethune’s bronze shoulders as he wears a regal white “ermine cape.” Somehow, her sublime artistic acumen presaged that final flourish to the sculpture and her intuitive bond with art and nature was enshrined through the ages for the people of Muskoka.

    Not many people know that Brenda’s innate connection with nature is not by design. She is a child of Algonquin Park, born at Cache Lake in the Park, a daughter of the late Deputy Park Ranger, Dave Wainman. Brenda’s unique sculpture of Group of Seven artist Tom Thomson sits outside the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville.

  515. Lesley Hastie says

    AN OPEN LETTER TO THE TOWN OF HUNTSVILLE COUNCIL

    RE: Bill 66 and the Proposed Open for Business Planning Tool

    I am writing to express my concern about the potential local impact of the Ontario government’s
    proposed Open for Business Planning Tool and Schedule 10 in Bill 66. These measures were
    introduced and passed first reading just before the legislature rose for the holiday break in December. They are expected to come before the legislature for debate in February.

    Most of the headlines have been about the Greenbelt and the Clean Water Act, but as you may realize, every municipality’s Official Plan can be ignored if the municipality approves a new development with an Open for Business By-Law (OfBB).

    In the interest of cutting red tape, the government proposes that an OfBB may be passed without a public hearing and once passed may not be appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

    While the current Minister offers verbal assurances of what might or might not be approved that is no assurance of what a future Minister or Government might do based on the act. If these provisions are deemed undesirable by the current Minister then why are they there?

    Nobody wants unnecessary red tape but these proposals go too far in the other direction. They threaten legislated health, safety and environmental protections which are so important to our quality of life and the local economy. And we know what the outcome of this deregulation may be as we have seen it in Walkerton (and Lac-Megantic).
    “Justice Dennis O’Connor, in his thorough and well documented Walkerton Inquiry, found that the Ontario Government’s red-tape reduction culture led directly to the suffering and loss of lives in Walkerton when its drinking water supply became massively and fatally contaminated with dangerous pathogens. Red tape reduction was not a side issue. It was the central factor.” (http://www.cela.ca/blog/2019-01-02/ontario-s-drinking-water-rules-are-not-red-tape). “Therefore, in accordance with Walkerton Inquiry recommendations, governments of all stripes moved fast to pass new laws (including the Clean Water Act) to fix the drinking water safety net across Ontario. It’s not acceptable to now start dismantling that safety net today under the guise of reducing red tape”.

    I urge Huntsville council to oppose Schedule 10 and to join other Ontario municipalities in passing a resolution not to use the powers in Bill 66 should it be passed into law.

    I look forward to your response.
    Sincerely,

    Lesley Hastie

    1.(The proposal to pass an OfBB must only be approved in advance by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Planning and once passed can be amended by the Minister before it goes into effect. If the Minister makes an order modifying an open-for-business planning by-law, the by-law is deemed to have been passed by the municipality with the modifications specified in the order).
    I have found the following links to be helpful in learning about how Bill 66 could affect communities such as ours throughout Ontario:
    • This Nature Ontario blog provides a very readable itemized summary:
    https://ontarionature.org/bill-66-facts/
    • The government’s description of Bill 66 and a link to the proposed language is here:
    https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-66

  516. Pam Sobil says

    Dear Mr. Norm Miller

    I have been initiating a correspondence with you recently about your government’s policy changes related to the environment. I am disappointed by your response to my previous letter asking about your thoughts on the proposed Bill 66. You say the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act is to stimulate business for Ontario; however what does it do to protect our natural resources, our water, our green spaces? These dwindling and fragile areas need our continued protection. How will you respond to this Bill in the Muskoka district? Do you plan on accelerating development? You talk about the cutting of ‘ineffective and inflexible’ regulations to stimulate and fast-track development in Ontario, however from my viewpoint, it seems like building and development haven’t remotely slowed down in Ontario for over a decade.

    I am also worried because as this Bill is moving forward, the Ontario government has also hastily axed the position of the Independent Environmental Commissioner after 25 years! Who will hold Ontarians and the Ontario government accountable for their actions now? This appointment upholds and stands up for our Environmental bill of rights. Now this duty has been passed onto the PC minister of the environment, how is this not a conflict of interest?

    Where does the perception come from that the economy and the environment can’t be symbiotic? We have til 2030 (11 short years away) to put this planet on a better track and save it from irreversible damage from climate change. We need forward thinkers who hold the environment in the HIGHEST regard and become leaders in climate action and solutions. It is possible if people in power, like yourself, commit to our shared future.

    I, and the people of Muskoka, deserve a thoughtful response from you concerning your stance on the complete disregard by your government to the protection and sustainable development of our beautiful province.

    Sincerely,
    Pam

  517. Steve Lehman says

    It’s a Bloomin’ Shame
    In the investment world, as I like to tell my sons, there are basically two types of investors – those who plant flowers and those who plant trees. In the world of politics, those people would perhaps be known as Conservatives or Liberals.
    In the waning days of her Premiership, one of the controversial initiatives proposed by Kathleen Wynn was the Basic Income. As she probably expected, response to this radical idea was all over the map, from passionate agreement to equally passionate rejection because everyone has an opinion on the spending of their tax dollars. Though those opinions may not have been the single deciding factor contributing to the eventual outcome of the subsequent provincial election, it’s only reasonable to assume they influenced how people voted. Even I, a left leaning socialist poor enough to benefit from the program, had reservations about just giving people money.
    A sad fact of life in any society, however, is that there will always be people who need to be provided for. For a myriad of personal reasons, a certain percentage of a countries citizens will always be dependent upon the charity of others.
    Recognizing this reality, over the years enlightened governments have tried to tackle this obligation with many, many different programs. While some work, others don’t and the deliverance of cost-effective social services has proven to be a continuously evolving objective. A government run basic income definitely sounds like one of those programs that couldn’t possibly work. I mean, why would anyone want to work for their money when they can get paid for doing nothing? (Certainly a question for a future article.)
    I don’t think Ms. Wynn is a dumb person, though, or former Prime Minister Jean Chretien who, if memory serves me, also floated the same idea on a national level. So what did they see that so many others didn’t? And then it occurred to me – the objective of the Basic Income wasn’t only to provide social assistance, it was to also get rid of the incredibly bloated layer of programs created to make it work and thus, by extension, a huge number of government employees.
    So what does all this have to do with planting trees or flowers? A Basic Income is a long term investment in Ontarians that would take many years to bear fruit. The results of reducing public payrolls while simultaneously improving the lives of the marginalized in society would not become evident overnight.
    In the Conservative flower garden, however, Doug Ford immediately reduced the amount of future money promised by the Liberals to those on social assistance and then, shortly after, offered current government employees financial incentives to resign or retire, the classic ‘rich get richer’ story.
    Another tree. In the late 1800’s, the ruling provincial Liberals made the existence of Algonquin Park official. As the years have rolled by, the beneficial prescience of this decision has only become more and more evident, the park reportedly attracting upwards of a million visitors a year. Hoping to continue this tradition of long term planning for an environmentally healthful province still covered in the future with trees and grass and marshland, Kathleen Wynn continued to designate more of southern Ontario as greenbelt.
    The flower garden plan for the greenbelt? Pave areas and then plant factories. Who cares that the beautiful bloom of those almost immediate new tax revenues will quickly wilt as corporate tax rates seemingly continue to shrink.
    Windmills, solar energy and a carbon tax? Another long term Liberal initiative. Doug Ford’s Conservative plan? Cancel renewable energy projects, eliminate the carbon tax and then pay companies instead, with our tax dollars, not to pollute. I understand this carrot-stick approach but for it to actually work the public-purse carrot will have to be significantly larger than the carbon-tax stick because if the expense of pollution mitigation is greater than what the government is willing to pay them, why bother. And besides, I wouldn’t be surprised if a carbon tax can be written off as a business expense while the incentive payment would be taxed as income.
    Almost a half century has passed since I bought my first stocks. They had to be purchased in trust because I was too young to legally own them. There have been a lot of could’ve, should’ve, would’ves, since then, like Apple at $9.00 or Lockheed at $7.00. There have also been a lot of Bre-Xs. While there are certainly no guarantees of success in the stock market, historical records pretty well prove that, ironically, ‘conservative’ long term investing ultimately beats day trading. It’s unfortunate for my kids and my grandkids that the ‘Conservatives’ can’t see that.

  518. Steve Lehman says

    Practicing Law

    Recently I had the good fortune to be summoned for jury duty. My initial response, as I suspect it is with most people, was one of annoyance. We all have day-to-day plans for our lives and this supposedly random command to appear on a specific date at a specific time at a specific location definitely didn’t fit into my agenda for the near future.
    Why do I say supposedly random? Well, because barely a year has passed since I received my last summons for jury duty. At that time I was able to convince the judge that my attendance would cause severe hardship to the company I worked for and so he graciously gave me a deferral until the spring. Come spring, the next summons arrived and even though the work situation had now deteriorated to the point that the provincial government was stepping in to directly help remediate the labour shortage, His Honour was this time not to be swayed.
    As we are repeatedly told at church, though, sometimes your prayers will be answered. So when I received a call from the court clerk a week or so before my scheduled appearance informing me that that session of court had been cancelled, I immediately whispered ‘Thank God’ as I hung up the phone. Statistically speaking, I believed my chances of now being picked again in the next few years had fallen dramatically.
    Apparently, however, your number being picked for jury duty isn’t subject to the same laws of probability as is your number being picked in LottoMax. If I were a Trumpite I think I would be crying “Conspiracy.” Since I am not a Trump idiot, though, I know it is entirely a coincidence that my name came up yet again in such a short time frame. I mean, entertaining any alternative idea would suggest that we can’t trust the integrity of our legal institutions, wouldn’t it?
    Anyway, out of curiosity I decided to call the number provided for the sheriff’s office. A super nice woman answered so I asked her if she could answer some questions about the jury selection process. ‘Absolutely’ she replied.
    I began by inquiring where the names of potential candidates came from. ‘From MPAC’, she answered and then explained what that was in case I didn’t know. It wasn’t until later when I was recounting the conversation to my wife that she mentioned this would immediately eliminate renters from jury duty.
    Now that the source of names had been determined, I next asked, half facetiously, if the names were then thrown into a big drum. She politely laughed and proceeded to give me a vague explanation that left me with the impression that the names were fed into, as with all things these days, a computer. Being a flip-phone aficionado who isn’t on Facebook, a chill immediately went up my spine.
    She continued on with some figures about how many people in Muskoka are called each year – I seem to remember the number 5,000 being mentioned in some context – and I asked her about pro bono work and if Crown Attorneys were exempt from such and we finally ended our conversation by her insisting that I call back if I had any further questions. Such a nice person.
    So in the end, though our chat clarified a number of questions, for me it felt as if a lot were still unanswered. For example, should potential jurors be screened to determine if they have recently had some unfavourable personal interaction with the courts that might make them hostile to the crown? Does not paying jurors create a similar antipathy?
    Why are so many within the legal system exempt from serving on juries? If each case is supposed to be decided exclusively upon the merits of the evidence, what difference does having an in-depth knowledge of the law make? Are cases not decided upon just the truth as presented or are they swayed by continuous objections, specious arguments and captivating oratory. To me, excluding those who practice law gives credence to the comment that jurors are just twelve people too dumb to get out of jury duty. And yet they are considered smart enough to decide the fate of strangers. Seems kind of paradoxical.
    So many questions, so few answers. I started this article by questioning the odds of being picked for jury duty twice in one year. What do you think the odds are that this upcoming session will, like last springs, be cancelled? I’m thinking about the same as winning a lottery.

  519. J. R. Bruce Cassie says

    I have a beef and wish to share it. Yes, I am one of those who thinks Huntsville is a shining star among towns in Ontario. We have many attractive “views” in and around our town but two warrant immediate attention.

    The first is the huge pile of dumped soil and tree limbs that shock the eye just off the entrance to Earl’s Road beside the Hwy #60 stop lights at the top of the hill. It has been there for several years now and one has to wonder when it might be graded out and brought to an acceptable viewing standard.

    Secondly, have you noticed the ugly West-facing wall of the Walmart building? There is damaged paint across the entire length of the building and this is the highway view our visitors get when they approach Hwy #60 entrance from the south. Since my wife and I spend several thousand dollars at this store each year, I have no hesitation claiming Wal-Mart appears to be sitting on its backside with no intention of addressing their responsibility to bring the outside wall to standard. When we first heard of Walmart coming to town, we were teased with how it would be painted to suit our natural environment. This at the time was to be a breakthrough since back then Walmart called all the shots. Please, WALLY, catch the pride shown by other store owners in town and buy some paint.

  520. Gary Magee says

    I think everyone would agree that there has been a vast improvement to snow removal on our major roads and highways since Fowler are back on the job with their snow-clearing equipment –
    – thank God that the “Carillion Zamboni Ice-Making machines” are gone to the scrap yard !!
    – we now have proper and safe snow clearing on the highways – the way it was 8-10 years ago !!
    – and all done by our local company , Fowler – with equipment designed to properly deal with our severe winter road conditions.

  522. Steve Lehman says

    We Want YOU
    Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently opined that the former Ontario Liberals had engaged in ‘creative bookkeeping.’ I guess if one’s idea of bookkeeping amounts to what appears to be little more than the cut, cut, cutting of expenses, then perusing the accounting steps taken to maintain the financial health of Ontario while simultaneously introducing innovative social programs to improve the lives of those not fortunate enough to inherit, or purchase, an established successful business would appear creative.
    As anyone who has been around for more than one provincial or federal election probably knows, presenting a dire financial situation inherited from the previous government is pretty well standard political maneuvering by all Parties. That way, in the near term, the newly elected Party will have a handy excuse for their broken promises and, in the later term, a baseline for their miraculous climb back up from near provincial bankruptcy.
    This is not to say that there isn’t some credence to such claims of financial mismanagement. Of course the incumbent Party is going to put forward the rosiest picture possible. It’s just that it seems a bit disingenuous for the incoming Party to feign shock upon discovering discrepancies because if they didn’t suspect that finances might be worse than presented previous to the election then maybe they are too naïve to govern.
    But, all that being said, what the Conservatives have been able to pull off is truly masterful. First, and foremost, was the cutting of corporate taxes. Even though the provincial debt was allegedly many multiples worse than anticipated, corporate tax cuts were never abandoned. This, as my father used to say, would seem akin to cutting off your nose to spite your face. I suspect that even the most accounting-challenged of us understands that reducing the provinces income is going to be detrimental to its ability to fund programs. Of course, if the provinces pain benefits the previous source of personal income of some MPPs, well, just chalk that up to an unintended consequence. The more important thing is for the Conservatives to appear to be getting provincial income and expenses back into sync, without being creative of course.
    Which brings us back, not surprisingly, to the only option available to anyone when faced with a reduction in income -cut, cut, cutting of expenses. And, oh my, what a fertile field those tax-and-spend Liberals left for the Conservatives to plow through.
    Among the first to be axed were multiple green programs like windmills, cap-and-trade and personal home retrofits. Then came an attack on those traditionally least able to organize, the poor. Going, going and soon to be gone was a basic-income program. Scaled back was a promised percentage increase for social assistance programs. Funding commitments for some satellite-university builds have apparently been withdrawn. Safe injection sites are under review and I believe I heard a story on the news about a student-loan forgiveness program being cancelled. The list just goes on and on and on.
    And now, to add insult to injury, apparently the PCs are going to be erecting promotional signs at strategic points of entry into the province proclaiming that Ontario is open for business. Aggregating all the cuts they have made and then extrapolating from them, it would appear to me that if you are a business that doesn’t like to pay taxes, doesn’t like to pay a living wage and don’t mind polluting then you are a business the provincial Conservatives would love to welcome. To paraphrase an old Ontario tourism slogan; Ontario – Yours To Exploit.

  523. Leslie Parrott says

    I couldn’t agree more. Just drove from Huntsville to Montreal and the prices in Huntsville are at least 10 cents a litre higher than anywhere else. I would give my business to any of the gas station owners who would do the right thing and bring the Huntsville prices in line with the rest .

  524. ed gruscyk says

    we are $1.14 tonight in the western part of the GTA. Seems the gas corporations know where the money is!

  525. Steve Ainger says

    Has anyone else noticed that our gas prices are way too high? In recent travels I’ve seen the following prices:
    Gravenhurst $1.18
    Barry’s Bay $1.17
    Ottawa $1.09
    DWIGHT $1.25!!!
    All the while the price in Huntsville hasn’t budged from $1.26 (October 2018).
    I think it’s time for our local gas station owners to cut us some slack by lowering their prices.

  526. Richard Corcelli says

    Further to Mr. Boysen’s comments re the travesty on democracy at Queens Park, those who follow politics might be interested to read lawyer Marie Heinen’s open letter to Premier Ford in the Globe and Mail this week. Ms Heinen, [who some may recognize as the lawyer for Jian Ghomeshi], gives firm direction to Mr. Ford in language that, even he, could understand.

    Marie Heinen starts her piece by stating, ‘…It’s time for a lesson on law and government 101. I doubt that Ontario Premier Doug Ford will take me up on the offer of a one-on-one lesson, and since it appears that none of those advising our Premier have thought to take on this task, here it goes.’

    Those few of us who spoil their day regularly by following municipal/provincial/federal politics will be startled by the firm rap on the knuckles which Ms Heinen gives the Premier on his knowledge of Canadian constitutional law.

    See https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-doug-ford-no-power-grab-is-worth-undermining-canadas-solid/

    Ms Heinen concludes by writing, ‘…Any time you want that one-on-one lesson, or a bit of a crash course on the Charter – including section 33, the notwithstanding clause – I’m here for you.’

  527. John Boysen says

    A copy of this letter to MPP Norm Miller was sent to Huntsville Doppler for publication ~

    This is my second letter to a politician! My first was to Right Honorable John Diefenbaker in 1960. This was a laudatory epistle, thanking him for the Bill of Rights. My second, to you Mr. Miller, is not complementary.
    Even-though we are at opposite poles of the political spectrum, I have always held you in the greatest esteem, as a man of integrity and principle.
    Not so now! I am deeply disappointed.
    Where is your backbone and that of your colleagues of the caucus?
    Contracts are cancelled on a whim, seriously damaging the reputation of the integrity of the Province of Ontario. Your leader has pronounced that Ontario is open for business! Do you think that companies consider investing with the provincial government if they cannot trust it?
    The Premier interferes with the municipal elections, while everything is in play. Particularly with cancelling of the election of District Chair here in Muskoka. You don’t change the rules of the game just as the referee is dropping the puck!
    The cancellation of the educational curriculum on our children’s health and reverting to an out-of-date, 20-years, curriculum is unforgivable.
    Decisions seem to be made out of spite or pettiness or kow-towing to vocal minorities.
    Do you and your fellow MPP’s, really agree with these, seemingly impulsive, decisions?
    In closing, I find that the quotation I came across recently, appropriate, by Bertrand Russell (English philosopher and mathematician) “The trouble world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.”

    JOHN BOYSEN

  528. Jack & Judy Stewart says

    My wife and I would like to thank the Baysville/Huntsville fire department for saving our home and business last night 7/7/18. When you are awakened at 3:00 am in the morning with the sky a bright red next door, you immediately panic. Our neighbours cottage was completely engulfed in flames. The fire had moved onto our property and we thought that our place would be next as it was only a few feet from the house. Trees were on fire, the bush was on fire. We were then told we must evacuate now. It was a few hours before we were able to return. The fire department had been able to knock down the fire in our bush, preventing another disaster from happening. There is no words for how we feel about the volunteer fire department, all we can say is Thank You Thank You.

  529. Erin Jones says

    Well, the money and the figure were donated but I agree with you–beauty is in the eye of the beholder and most “beholders” have judged it to be ugly. The more serious issue is the danger to boats navigating the river. I think it has already been removed to a safer location.

  530. Karen Robinson says

    I believe that many media organizations are doing the public a huge disservice by quoting polls that attempt to predict election results. I think that the over-reliance by media organizations on the use of their latest commissioned poll results are guilty of influencing election results by quoting polls as if they are an inevitable fact. That factor is compounded by what I believe is the present and growing inaccuracy of polls because of the behavioural change over the last ten years to cell phones and the many ramifications this change represents (i.e. ages or respondents for a starter). The landscape of willing respondents to pollsters continues to be in state of change and I do not believe polling companies are able to factor in this constant change with a sufficient degree of accuracy. For these reasons I question the validity and reliability of the information gathered in the polls and find that the use of poll information in news reports in the lead-up to elections (Canada and the U.S., provincial and federal) is itself becoming a factor of influence in elections. I have not made my decision as to who I will vote for in Ontario’s upcoming provincial election but I bristle at all media organization’s reporting poll results as if it is a done-deal for any particular party. Worse still – I believe it is interfering with our democratic process.

  531. Jim Sinclair says

    Why can’t Muskoka drivers use studs In their tires? Somehow Parry Sounders can use them to drive to work and shop in Huntsville, and Muskokans can’t? Why doesn’t Mr. Miller bring this up every chance he could? Our weather is the same as Parry Sound District’s, our roads are the same, if not more snow and Ice covered. In Novar, one side of the street can, – but not the other side, – use tire studs.
    – and don’t get me started on the perks of half priced automobile licences. (Shut up Jim)

  532. Alice Brown says

    There is so many kind an helpful people in Huntsville. I was stuck with my mobility scooter and people stopped to help. Then my battery died and people stopped to help. But the best thing of all was Mike and Jeanette helped me push my scooter over 2km to my front door an in my house. Mike an Jeanette, l can’t thank you enough.
    I haven’t lived in Huntsville for very long but this is the place to be of you need help. THANK YOU SO MUCH TOO EVERYONE WHO STOPPED TO HELP.

  533. Cheryl Wagg says

    Rock of Ages
    I would like to COMMEND the Band, and the cast and all who put this show on at the Algonquin Theatre!!! This show was EXCELLENT!!!! The whole show was incredible!!! They did an amazing job!!!!! They all deserve a huge THANK YOU for their dedication and hard work. It truly paid off. I have been to musicals in my life but let me tell you THIS MUSICAL far exceeded any show I have ever been to and that includes the Phantom of the Opera. This show was the best show ever!!!!! I would like to tell anyone who did not go they missed a huge successful entertainment!!! ROCK OF AGES you ROCK BIG TIME!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL SHOW. CONGRATULATIONS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!

  534. Ted Knobelsdorf says

    I’d like to do a shout out for the new Brick in Huntsville. My mother purchased a chair for the old Brick in October 2016.
    I thought to drop in during the grand opening and see what they may do to help my 88 old Mom.
    The offered to look into it as the warranty has expired.
    Today I received a call from Them and a new chair was ordered for her!!!!
    Thank you Brick!!
    That’s customer service!!!

  535. Lela Shepley-Gamble says

    As a practitioner of SGI Nichiren Buddhism for almost 30 years, I recently have been asked by several people in my community, “ How can Buddhists be involved in the persecution and slaughter of the Muslim minority in Myanmar?” My instantaneous response is, “Though they call themselves Buddhist, they are not acting in accord with key Buddhist principles – i.e. reverence for the sanctity of life; acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of all phenomena (including all people!); and the strict Law of Cause and Effect that guarantees whatever causes you make, the effects are simultaneously planted in your life and will manifest when conditions are right. If you truly believed in that one Buddhist principle alone, persecution and slaughter would not be on your agenda!

    I am glad to know that many people today think of Buddhism as a totally pacifistic religion and are shocked by images of Buddhists participating in scenes of violence. However, Buddhists are human beings, and as we all know, human beings are capable of great acts of courage, compassion, and wisdom as well as foul acts of depravity and degradation.

    We need to be shocked by the darkness in the human heart, no matter what label is associated with it.

    As Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, or atheists, we all need to be working to ensure that we bring out the best in ourselves and others, that we strive daily to make the world a more peaceful and tolerant place, and that we stand against injustice in whatever form it takes. We make choices every day; let’s make sure we’re doing the very best we can do.

  536. John Rivière-Anderson says

    A lot of ink has been spilled about what Trudeau’s trip to Washington will mean for the future of NAFTA, but there’s been shockingly little coverage of a dramatic NAFTA story playing out here in Canada.
    This week in Toronto, oil and gas company Lone Pine Resources is using Chapter 11 of NAFTA to sue our government for over $100 million, over a temporary fracking ban under the St Lawrence River.
    The “Investor State Dispute Settlement” rules in Chapter 11 give billionaire corporations special rights to sue governments in shadowy international tribunals for passing laws or policies that might reduce their expected profits.
    Canada is already the most-sued country in the global north because of NAFTA’s Chapter 11 ISDS rules. Most corporations sue us over our environmental regulations.
    These rules let corporations undermine our democracy in the pursuit of profits, and should be removed.
    The NAFTA renegotiations offer an opportunity to put an end to these outrageous corporate lawsuits.

  537. Allen Markle says

    Bad Air
    About a year ago, the train station was closed to the public. Readings had been taken and air quality was deemed unsafe. Mole. Mildew. Disintegrating insulation was releasing asbestos. The site was pronounced unsafe and closed.
    Recently, groups that had been using the station were requested to remove anything they had in the building as the building is to be sold, For 2 dollars.
    Arriving at the site, no fans were running, purging the building of all that bad air. No one was shown recent readings that showed the air to now be safe, but neither was anyone required to wear a HAZMAT suit nor personal breathing apparatus. Not even those little paper masks were needed. Apparently the air is fine now. The building has cleansed itself?
    It would be interesting to compare this years readings with those taken a year ago, the ones that closed the building.
    Or was the ‘bad air’ story that emanated from the station akin to the air one might notice wafting from a neighbours pasture, The air seems to have been the excuse used to vacate the building and the first step in the process of declaring it surplus.
    My opinion for sure, but I think it as viable as the one used by council to close the building
    Allen Markle

  538. Joseph Reijnen says

    Walking the fairy Vista trail on a daily basis, we noticed the water damage it did to part of the trail, where there is a near total washout on the section from the sewage treatment plant to the road leading to o Mara golf course ..the town did put up some pylons (2) to indicate the break almost halfway on the trail ,but closer inspection shows that the soil underneath the asphalt is also disappeared ,,which makes it dangerous for people navigating the trail,and prone to a larger cave in.. maybe the town should be made aware of this situation,and rectify this problem a.s.a.p, as in to avoid potential accidents..

  539. allen markle says

    A suggestion for Huntsville Mayor and Council
    With a sigh and a shrug, council has deemed the train station too expensive to repair and will list it as surplus property to be disposed of. An RFP was issued and the matter debated, but since volunteers had invested time and money in the station some years ago, councils have done little to maintain the building. Now it will pass to private ownership; to someone who doesn’t seem to feel it too expensive to repair and for the price of 2 bucks, find it a sweet deal.
    Another town property, where the Allensville Hall once stood, was worthy of no such debate or RFP. A ‘FOR SALE’ sign was simply hammered in the earth. The price tag is 39.000 dollars.
    ‘Touch the past. Embrace the future’ Indeed! The past, our heritage, seemingly has little future once ‘touched’ by this mayor and council. What some worked hard to build and maintain, council will now dispose of for 2 dollars. It shows little interest or respect for what has been left to us and even less desire to maintain it.
    Might I suggest that in the future council go the ‘FOR SALE’ sign route, rather than subjecting itself to the ’emotional struggle’ of divesting of a heritage site. It seems that the return might be exponentially greater than 2 bucks.
    Allen Markle

  540. Linda Kelly says

    Please move the “artwork” from the middle of our river-way.
    Yes, it’s ‘artistic’, in the eyes of those who worked to create & plant it there, but in my opinion it is poorly placed and dangerous, in present location.
    It’s just not attractive. It poses a safety hazard.
    Relocate it to where it won’t be a danger to passing water-traffic.
    I am not alone in this opinion.

  541. Jim Simpson says

    To those residents of Huntsville who live along the Muskoka Road 3 North corridor and also to parents of children who attend Spruce Glen Public School, there will be a Town Planning Committee meeting in chambers on August 16th commencing at 9:00 am, to consider a proposed amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-66P, which would change zoning on an adjacent property from a Rural One (RU1) Zone to a Heavy Industrial (M1) Zone to permit a rock cutting and processing facility on the property. Notification was previously published in the July 20th edition of the Huntsville Forester.
    The proposed zoning amendment application is identified as Z/41/2016/HTE (Muskoka Rock Company Ltd.)
    I would urge everyone to consider the negative effects of such an operation in a residential area should this zoning amendment be permitted.

  542. Bud Hambleton says

    On behalf of the Huntsville and area Historical Society, I would like to thank the Reverend Derek Shelley and the congregation of the Trinity United Church, Huntsville for permission to set up a table on the church lawn on Canada Day. Also to Suzy Simson for a quick response to our request. We had a very successful day.

    Thanks once again,
    Bud Hambleton

  543. Bruce Stimers says

    Just returned home to witness the huge, ugly, navigational hazard in the middle of our beautiful river at the focal point of our downtown. The word idiotic came to mind right after stupid. Why on earth was that eyesore ever allowed? More to the point, why is it still there? Another gross waste of our tax money?

  544. Ross Earl says

    Proposed Development of Quarry and Pit

    There are plans proposed by Mr. Frank Lippa to develop a new pit and quarry operation which would be located at 1089 Butler Mill Road which is north-east of Aspdin Road (Con. 4 Lots 3 &4 of Cardwell Twp). It would be licensed for a maximum annual extraction of 200,000 tonnes of sand, gravel and bedrock. The proposed pit would operate 7 days a week, Monday to Friday from 6:00am – 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am – 6:00pm. There would be a massive increase in heavy truck traffic on the Aspdin Road – an average of 100 heavy trucks taking out material per day (and then returning). Many of these trucks will head eastward towards Huntsville and the rest westward through Rosseau.

    Allowing this quarry and pit development to proceed would have many negative effects:
    *Poor sight lines on Aspdin Road means danger for cars entering and exiting driveways /sideroads, school children getting on/off the bus, pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife. Trucks already drive on the yellow line for fear of dropping off the paved road onto the gravel shoulder.
    *Proposed pit and quarry will be operating above and below the water table.
    *Negative impact on wildlife-turtles, deer , turkeys etc trying to cross the road as well as animals and birds in the area of the quarry.
    *Massive impact on air quality and water sources originating from the grinding of granite and the potential for holding ponds to overflow.
    *Negative impact from the noise and vibrations of the machinery processing the materials, the constant movement of the trucks and the blasting that will occur on a regular basis. Cottagers and homeowners would be subjected to this continual intrusion.
    *Negative impact on the waters of Skeleton Lake whose creeks originate near the site and drain into the lake. The distance being less than 2 Km .

    To see more information and the map of proposed quarry and pit log on to: https://muskokalakes.civicweb.net/document/97947
    or call Ross Earl
    Aspdin Road
    Phone 705 -646-3848

  545. S. Derek Shelly says

    In reply to Professionally Speaking: Finding God in Nature https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/finding-god-in-nature-jeremy-mcclung-of-muskoka-community-church/

    As much as I really like and enjoy Jeremy I would have to say that he seems to have omitted the idea of the late Marcus Borg (a Lutheran pastor and theologian) who also speaks of the idea of “panenthesism “. The basic difference between pantheism and panentheism is that the former holds the idea that everything is God, while the later holds the idea that God is in everything. I realize the difference may not be much to some but it is – everything is God vs. God is in everything.

    Secondly, there are a large number of Christians who would be critical of the use of the male pronoun when speaking of God. Scripture reminds us that we are “no longer male or female” (Galatians 3:28) and we are “made in the image of God, both male and female” (Genesis 1:27). In essence, it is not incorrect to refer to God as male, neither would it be incorrect to use the feminine pronoun. We can think of God as Father and Mother, but for centuries we just haven’t used such inclusive language. To me it would be most inclusive not limit God to human images at all, to let go of anthropomorphic images altogether. That is to say, God is not an old man with a long beard living “up” in heaven somewhere. However, I realize too that I might be in the minority on this issue; but minorities are important too.

    I would totally agree with Jeremy in that God is found in nature, outdoor worship is great especially here in Muskoka. (Actually Trinity United Church is holding their worship outdoors at the Martin’s farm (formerly driving range) at 10 am on Sunday, June 26). No matter where we gather in large numbers or on our own, God is with us and all we can ever do is worship the God who is “holy mystery and wholly love” (The United Church of Canada, Song of Faith).

  546. Robin's Rebels says

    Community Letter of Thanks

    Robin’s Rebels silent art auction held at Hidden Valley Resort this past Friday evening raised over $6800.00!
    We are a group of riders who will be cycling 220 km for two days from Toronto to Hamilton, Hamilton to Niagara.

    When each of us signed up to do the ‘Ride to Conquer Cancer’, we each committed to raise $2500.00 or more in order to participate.

    We are close to raising the $30,000.00 as a team. We have so many people to thank.

    First and foremost, Hidden Valley Resort offered the ball room to host the event. Thank you to Rose Evans co-owner, Scott Dougthy GM, Melissa Coulson and Courtney Coker, conference service managers and all the staff for being so generous and helpful in putting this event together.

    Thank you to all who helped promote the event, Doppler, our local online news source, 105.5 Moose FM for air time and the Huntsville Forester.

    Thank you Cavalcade Colour Lab, The Framing Place, and Fabricland for your generous support as well.
    A special thank you to our artists. Those that make art their business and those that create art as a hobby, we thank you. Without your support we simply could not have done this. Lorrie Morton, Thomas Morton (Morton Muskoka Chairs), Katherine Robinson, Marike MacDonald, Bonnie Harris, Gabrielle Anderson,
    Gwen Smales and Connie Fisher of Artsy Pear Studio, Helena Renwick, Catherine O’Mara, Laurie Gordon, Heidi Driedger, Carol Stevenson, Marguerite Taylor, Marsha Forsythe, Jeff Lemire, Tony Varney
    Lesley Anne Green, Roxanne Driedger, Peter Bloom, Brian Markham, Tina Calberry, Judy Smith, Susan Higgins, Margaret Penner, Bonnie Markle, Shirley Smith, Jane Wolfe, Deanne O’Donoghue
    Susan Love, Teri Howell, Mary Spring, Shelly Nobile, Ashley Love, Ken Morrison, Kelly Holinshead, Susan MacDonald, Ryan Rea, Jenny Kirkpatrick, Ben Howell, Elle Fox, Jerry Schmanda, Teri Brunner, Laura Rea, Lindgren Pottery, Donna Elliott, Randy Spencer (Tall Trees), and Barry Brear (Rolston’s).

    Finally, a big thank you to all who came out to support this event and to remember our friend Robin Crawford and all those in your circle of friends who are fighting the good fight.

    May they never give up fighting and may the research the Princess Margaret Hospital is doing, find that cure to conquer cancer.

    Robin’s Rebels.

  547. Corinne Island says

    It saddens and annoys me that I have to write about the seriously irresponsible people out on the lakes in their boats this weekend. The water levels are still so high that many docks are underwater and boathouses are flooded, debris from the winter is floating everywhere … yet … foolish uncaring jerks are roaring around creating huge wakes causing even MORE erosion on shorelines and moving docks that are lifted off of their cribs by the water levels. Please, please stay off of the lakes until the water levels have returned to their norm.

  548. Tanya Sprathoff says

    I would like to take a moment to thank the community of Huntsville for its generosity and enthusiastic response to causes of all kinds. You have a big heart! I particularly want to say thank you on behalf of the Huntsville Suzuki School of Music, as last month we had our most successful Indian Dinner yet. We sold all 300 tickets in advance!! Due to the incredible support of local families and businesses, and the enthusiastic bidding of our dinner guests, the auctions were a success as well. We are so grateful for each individual who contributed in their own way to a fun and enjoyable evening. For a more detailed thank you to our supporters please visit our website at http://www.huntsvillesuzuki.org. So thank you for helping us continue to provide the kind of violin, viola and cello instruction one normally only finds in a large centre. We are delighted to be able to contribute to the cultural fabric of Muskoka in this unique way.

    Sincerely,
    Tanya Sprathoff
    Chair
    Huntsville Suzuki School of Music