The Friends of Algonquin Park say now is the prime time to spot a moose along Hwy. 60 in Algonquin Park.

However, in a post on its Facebook page, the non-profit organization recommends drivers stay alert because moose and other animals “are often surprisingly hard to see, especially after dark." 

"The application of salt to Hwy. 60 during winter road maintenance operations attracts moose to roadside ditches," it says in the post. "Moose with salt-deficient winter diets capitalize upon this unnatural source of salt. “From mid-April when roadside ditches thaw, to about mid-May when roadside ditches dry out, chances are good you will observe several of these magnificent animals during a leisurely drive along Hwy. 60." 

They suggest keeping your eyes peeled for animals darting from one side of the road to the other. Also, they point out that if another driver flashes their lights at you while near Algonquin Park, they're likely warning you about an animal running across the road.  

It’s noted in the post that moose and other wildlife are occasionally hit by vehicles. The group says the best course of action is to drive slow to “help save the lives of Algonquin Park’s moose and possibly even your own.” 

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As the weather continues to get warmer, some residents may be looking to have their driveways repaved which could set them up to be scammed.

The Ontario Provincial Police says fraudsters are "persistent, persuasive, and, sometimes, aggressive" hoping to trick you into using their services.

Brooklyn Harker, media relations for the Central Region OPP, recommends researching contractors online by seeing if they're registered with your area's chamber of commerce or looking for reviews on a reputable website.

She adds they may have professional-looking information to show you like a flyer.

"It is advisable to exercise caution when opening your door to unexpected visitors or solicitors offering items or services," says Harker.

When they show up at your door, they may ask for payment upfront in cash and say this can be done "today only."

"Most contractors will know how much material they need for a job, so if they show up at your door saying they have "leftover" from another job, be cautious," continues Harker.

She says the scammers may look for elderly residents.

"If an offer seems too good to be true, chances are it is and it's someone trying to scam you out of your money," summarizes Harker.

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Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison says a call he received from former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney is something he'll never forget. 

Speaking with the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom a day after Mulroney passed away, Aitchison shared two stories about the former prime minister. 

The first happened not long after he was elected to Parliament in 2019. 

Aitchison said he was able to meet with Mulroney who asked what riding he represented. He told him he oversees "Stan Darling country." 

Mulroney, grinning ear-to-ear, told him stories about Darling, who represented Parry Sound-Muskoka federally from 1972 until his retirement before the 1993 election. 

Aitchison said Darling held many strong beliefs, one of which was about the impacts of acid rain. "He took that issue like a dog with a bone and just never let go," he continued. 

Mulroney told Aitchison how Darling was so often in his ear about working on an agreement with the United States. The Air Quality Agreement - also known as the Acid Rain Treaty - was signed by Mulroney and United States President George H. W. Bush in March 1991. Aitchison said Mulroney told him Darling's dedication to the issue was key in the environmental treaty moving forward. 

As part of his advocacy, Aitchison said he and Mulroney shared a laugh about Darling catching the former prime minister and Ronald Reagan, who was president at the time off guard. Reagan had just spoke in the House of Commons and was walking out of Parliament with Mulroney when Darling, who Aitchison said "skurried to the Hall of Honour" in Centre Block, jumped in front of the pair, stuck his finger out and said, "we need an Acid Rain Treaty." 

Aitchison's other Mulroney story happened during the 2022 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election. Aitchison said after the second debate he was called three times by an unknown number from Montreal. He ignored them but the third time, whoever was calling left a message. In an unmistakable baritone voice, the person who left the said message said, "Scott, it's Brian Mulroney calling..." 

Aitchison quickly called him back. 

"I said 'prime minister, I'm so sorry that I missed your call three times' and his response was lovely he said, 'oh no Scott, I know something of what you're doing. I understand,'" recalled Aitchison. 

On the call, Aitchison said Mulroney told him how impressed he and his wife Mila were and wished him well with his political future. 

"I'll never forget that as long as I live," he said. 

Aitchison says while Mulroney, like everyone else, is not perfect, he always showed "true leadership" with his ability to admit when he may have made a mistake. 

"There's going to be for many years lots of things to learn from the legacy of Brian Mulroney," finished Aitchison. 

Mulroney was also remembered by Tony Clement, who represented Parry Sound-Muskoka federally from 2006 until 2019, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, he will remember Mulroney as "gracious and impactful." 

A great statesman has passed from the scene. I knew Mr Mulroney since 1982 and always found him to be gracious and impactful. It was truly a great privilege to have received his support and counsel over the years. pic.twitter.com/fcrdcxxKMn

— The Hon. Tony Clement (@TonyclementCPC) February 29, 2024

Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, speaking at an event in Timmins, offered his condolences to his colleague Caroline Mulroney, one of the former prime minister's four children and current MPP for York-Simcoe, and the entire Mulroney family. 

"He was a leader and a statesman for his country," said Smith. "Really, one of the people that had a profound impact on me when I was younger." 

He remembered a time when he and a friend stood in front of 24 Sussex Dr. in Ottawa, the official residence of the prime minister, and, when looking away, heard a "big booming voice" calling out to him. Smith said he, his friend, and Mulroney spent the next 10 minutes talking on the sidewalk. "That's the kind of person he was," added Smith. 

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The Katrine Community Centre and Watt Century Farm Heritage Centre in the Township of Armour will be upgraded thanks to $334,000 in provincial funding.

Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith announced Saturday the money will come through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

The Community Centre will see its kitchen and washroom renovated, landscape and facade updated, storage increased, and new signage installed. Meanwhile, the Heritage Centre will have its shed replaced, an accessible washroom installed, and its exhibit and event space expanded to make room for Almaguin Highlands artifacts upgrades.

Mayor of the Township of Armour Rod Ward says the projects lean into the township's motto "to remember the past and plan for the future."

“Community centres and heritage buildings are the heart of small-town Ontario," adds Smith. "It’s where we spend time with our neighbours, welcome newcomers and visitors, and showcase our proud history. I hope the residents of Armour and the surrounding Almaguin Highlands can enjoy these centres for years to come."

According to Smith's office, the NOHFC has invested close to $800 million into 6,233 projects in Northern Ontario since June 2018.

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The 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games start next week in Calgary with a few from our area joining Team Ontario

Almaguin's Cheryl Atkinson is on the mission staff for the 5-pin bowling team.

She's joined by Haliburton's Rick West, who will serve as a coach.

Huntsville's Mark Cheek is the only athlete from our area competing at the National Games. He is one of the 17 athletes on Ontario's cross-country skiing team.

Meanwhile, Cindy Blake will also represent Muskoka as one of the coaches on the cross-country team.

Other competitions at the National Games include curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating.

The National Games take place from Feb. 27 to March 2.

With files from Bob McIntyre

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An episode of a new CBC mini-series will watch over a group of wolf pups in Algonquin Park as they fight to survive.  

Dugald Maudsley, executive director of Secret World of Sound, says the episode is one of three. The episode focuses on Algonquin Park with shots of Muskoka sprinkled in. It airs on Feb. 29 on CBC at 9.m. and will be available to stream on CBC Gem the day before. 

The goal of the mini-series was to detail how animals live in their most natural state, which is why Maudsley says they focused entirely on sound. 

"It allows us to look at all these animals and their behaviour in a totally different way because all of a sudden you realize they're communicating with each other, they're protecting themselves, they're ensuring they can get their prey, whatever it is, and they're using sound to do that," he explains. 

Maudsley says he learned about how wolf packs will often leave pups at rendezvous sites during the day. He explains the pups are too big to stay in the den but not quite ready to hunt. 

They spend the day playing with each other and learning how to howl. 

While cute for us to watch, Maudsley says this is a tumultuous time for pups and many don't make it. As they're learning to howl, they can attract predators. 

"There is this whole kind of tension going on with these pups, many of whom don't make it a year for this reason," he continues. "Can they get past this very dangerous moment? Can they learn how to use their howl?" 

Along with the wolves of Algonquin Park, Maudsley says they viewed 20 other animals across 11 countries. He explains it took between 20 to 30 days to find the subjects and get enough footage to tell their story. 

While we, especially in Cottage Country, run into animals on a day-to-day basis, it may come in the form of a turtle crossing Hwy. 11 or a deer grazing in our backyard. Maudsley says it's what we don't get to see that inspired him to go on this journey. "It's this realization that there's all this stuff going on under the surface," he says. 

While the episode on Algonquin Park airs on Feb. 29, the series' first episode is being shown on Feb. 15, followed by episode two on Feb. 22. 

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A funding boost for small-town libraries means better connectivity is on its way.

Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport was in Gravenhurst Tuesday to announce the province's support for small-town libraries. He was joined by Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith at the Gravenhurst Public Library. 

The announcement means the Internet Connectivity Grant program is getting a $122,000 boost. Up to 155 libraries in communities with 20,000 people or less now have access to $582,000 to support better connectivity. 

The grant program reimburses libraries when they install publicly accessible internet. 

The eligible libraries include 11 from our region, including the McKellar Township Public Library, Parry Sound Public Library, and Sundridge-Strong Union Public Library. 

“This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to small town and rural Ontario," says Smith. "We’re ensuring that residents of communities like Gravenhurst and those throughout Parry Sound-Muskoka have access to the same level of services as residents of big cities. Expanding access to high-quality internet connectivity enhances local quality of life for people throughout our riding. I’m proud to be a part of a government that is prioritizing investing in communities like Gravenhurst.” 

Lumsden compliments Smith for being "highly interested and keen" in getting support for his riding, noting that's why Gravenhurst was chosen as the backdrop for the announcement. 

Lumsden says libraries can be a place for young people who may not have access to the internet at home to learn or for someone else to spend time relaxing on their lunch break. 

"We need to continue our work to create that connectivity," he says. 

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Matt Richter, a five-time Green Party of Ontario candidate in Parry Sound-Muskoka, has been named the party's deputy leader. 

"I am delighted to step into this new role with the Ontario Greens," says Richter.  

He adds he’s looking forward to growing the party’s “people-powered” movement ahead of the next provincial election in 2026, adding “Ontarians are hungry for change.” 

Since his first election in 2007, Richter has steadily climbed from finishing fourth with just over 12 percent of the vote to second with 40 percent in the 2022 election. He was only five percent behind eventual winner Graydon Smith. 

Mike Schreiner, leader of the Greens, made frequent appearances in the riding during the 2022 campaigns. 

"Matt brings a lot of drive and energy to the Ontario Greens and I'm delighted to have him join our leadership team," he says. 

Richter's day job is as an elementary school teacher with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. 

Schreiner and Richter are hosting a housing town hall at the St. Thomas Anglican Church in Bracebridge at 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 5. 

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Kevin Weaver, president and chief executive officer of Georgian College, is “concerned” about how the recently introduced cap on international students will affect local employers, communities, and students.

“I am disappointed that the government has introduced these policy changes, clearly without consultation to understand the far-reaching and damaging impacts that will follow,” he says.

Weaver’s statement comes days after Marc Miller, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, announced that 2024’s cap on international study permits is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved permits, which is a 35 percent decrease from 2023.

The limit for 2025 will be assessed towards the end of this year.

A similar statement was released Wednesday by Canadore College.

“We all agree, that institutions that are exploiting students should cease to operate,” reads the college’s statement. “However, this blunt instrument will penalize those institutions that have responsibly managed their international enrolments, maintained academic quality, and successfully delivered the Canadian post-secondary education experience to international students.” 

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Warm temperatures have caused many lakes to freeze slowly or, in some cases, not at all in parts of Ontario. 

Derek Hebner, president of the Ontario Conservation Officers Association, says anglers need to be cautious.  

“The lack of ice coupled with heavy snowfall recently has caused many lakes to have excessive slush," he says. "This snowfall and slush will slow further ice formation and cause travelling on the ice to become very difficult until colder temperatures arrive. I encourage anglers who are planning a fishing excursion to check the ice conditions often, plan ahead and be prepared. By following some simple safety measures, it could save your life or the life of someone else.” 

Hebner suggests checking ice thickness and condition frequently. 

He explains clear ice should be at least four inches thick for walking and ice fishing, five for one snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, between eight and 12 for a car or small pick-up truck, and 12 to 15 for a medium-sized truck. 

“For many anglers, ice fishing can be the highlight of their fishing year,” says Hebner. "But if the ice conditions are not safe, we suggest holding off on heading out until ice conditions improve." 

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Finding a way to capitalize on the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) was one of the goals of Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, who spent time in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

“At the show last year, I may have heard ‘AI’ five times,” he says. “This would have been five times every minute this trip. Everybody is realizing the power of AI and we need to be positioned to make sure that our students that we’re training, our employees that are being trained understand the power of AI and how it’s going to change the future.”  

One example is how vehicles will be in the not-so-distant future.  

“I saw the examples of these autonomous vehicles that sort of do the thinking for you,” he says. “It scared the pants off me but it’s there and we need to be ready for it and find out how to capitalize on it for Northern Ontario.”  

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The OPP is warning that while there may be snow on the ground, it may not be safe to hit the trails and go sledding. 

According to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail guide, only 213 km of trails are open. All are marked as having "limited availability." 

All the trails surrounding Cottage Country are marked as unavailable. 

Along with staying off the trail, police warn sledders to keep away from waterways which, in many cases, have not frozen because of the mild temperatures we've experienced so far this winter.  

"Safe and responsible snowmobiling means not going out if there is any doubt about whether it is safe to do so," says Rohan Thompson, OPP Deputy Commissioner. "This cannot be overstated where frozen waterways are involved, which are never guaranteed to be 100 percent safe. Making smart decisions before and during your ride, such as always riding sober and drug-free, is what will get you home to your family." 

Police point out that in the past decade, 158 snowmobilers have died in Ontario. They say almost all were preventable.  

Common factors include driving too fast, being impaired, and riding on unsafe waterways. 

Monday will mark the beginning of Snowmobiling Safety Week in Ontario.

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Environment Canada forecasts 15 to 30 cm is possible in some parts of Cottage County in Mother Nature's latest winter blast.

Weather officials say to expect the powder to fall Friday night into Saturday.

Along with the snow, they say strong wind gusts could cause visibility to be poor in some areas. Officials suggest to be aware of the potentially hazardous conditions and give yourself extra time to get to where you need to go.

They also recommend preparing an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.

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Along with the potential for freezing rain, Cottage Country could see up to 25 cm of snow come down on Tuesday.

Environment Canada is warning of the first major snowstorm of the year.

Officials with the weather agency say the snow will begin Tuesday morning and is expected to change to rain by nighttime as the temperature rises.

They add there could be "hazardous travel conditions," particularly into the evening Tuesday.

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Timothy Hunt of McDougall has been ordered to pay $48,000 to the Georgian Bay Biosphere organization after pleading guilty to damaging the habitat of Blanding's Turtles.

The species is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

According to officials with the provincial government, between May 2016 and June 2017, Hunt was doing road work within the Shebeshekong Wetland Conservation Reserve without a permit and, in the process, damaged Blanding's Turtle habitat.

His case was heard in Parry Sound on Oct. 25, 2023.

Officials ask anyone who suspects someone is negatively impacting a species-at-risk or protected habitat to report it by calling 1-866-663-8477 or online.

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One of the newer forms of scams and fraud involves cryptocurrency. 

Provincial Const. Phil Young, Community Safety and Media Officer with the OPP, explains the crypto investment scam involves someone being tricked into putting money into cryptocurrency. 

He says the scam comes in a few forms. 

One could see the victim approached on a dating or social media website. Young explains after gaining the person's trust, the would-be fraudster drops the investment scam on them in hopes that they bite. Similarly, fraudsters may hack a close friend's social media account and reach out to you to take advantage of the fact that the hacked friend is already someone you trust. 

Young says scammers may also call, email, or use online advertising to trick people into investing. 

Above all else, Young says to be careful when dealing with cryptocurrency, especially if you're sending it to someone. He suggests, before buying or selling crypto, to do your research and make sure the service is reputable. A good way to do that, he continues, is by searching for their name on the national registration search tool. 

In most cases, Young explains the trading platforms used by scammers are controlled by fraudsters and not legitimate. 

Like with any fraud, Young says to verify who you're talking to - even if it's a trusted friend or family member - before doing any kind of transaction. He adds to be weary of anyone you just met bringing up the topic. 

If you have been the victim of fraud, Young says to call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. 

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WARNING: This story mentions suicide. 

Thursday marked the launch of the new nationwide 988 crisis line. 

It replaces the previous 10-digit Talk Suicide number. It's free to call and available 24/7. The federally funded number can be called or texted and is available in English and French. 

Diane Brown-Demarco, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Parry Sound-Muskoka (CMHA), says for someone thinking about suicide or dealing with emotional distress, getting help quickly is vital. "It's much easier than trying to look up or remember a phone number you might only use once," she says. 

When someone calls the number, Brown-Demarco explains they will be directed to a local resource, like CMHA, and will speak to a person trained to help people going through a mental health issue. If needed, the caller will be directed to another resource that can help them further. 

At launch, 40 local, provincial, territorial, and national crisis lines are helping to deliver the service. The nearest to us is the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge branch of CMHA. 

"There needs to be something easy that allows you to get help right away," says Brown-Demarco.  

While she knows this won't lessen the high amount of calls CMHA gets daily from people needing help, Brown-Demarco says this will make getting help easier. 

"Hopefully it will save lives," she says. 

According to Statistics Canada, 4,500 people a year, or twelve people a day, die by suicide in Canada. 

The idea for the new crisis line started in Dec. 2020 when the idea was approved in the House of Commons. However, it wasn't until Aug. 2022 that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission approved using 988 as the national number. 

The number will be managed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. 

It mirrors a similar service available in the United States. 

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The Green Shovels Collaborative's (GSC) Invasive Phragmites Control Fund has awarded Georgian Bay Forever (GBF), an organization based in the Township of Georgian Bay, $9,820 to combat the invasive plant.

"We expect to remove at least 20,000 m² of Phragmites to restore approximately 220 km or more of shoreline, and we will educate over 200 individuals about the threat invasive Phragmites pose to wetland ecosystems," said Nicole Carpenter of GBF.

Officials with the organization explain Phragmites are an aggressive plant that can spread quickly, adding they "pose a considerable threat to Ontario’s environment and economy."

According to them, the problem is the plant outcompetes native species for water and nutrients. Phragmites can grow to be 15 ft. tall and up to 3 feet underground. Once they establish themselves and begin growing, the plant can create a poor habitat for surrounding food sources and, in turn, wildlife. Over time, officials say Phragmites can reduce biological diversity, impact infrastructure, agriculture, recreation, tourism, and public safety.

Officials say GBF's mission "is to protect, enhance, and restore the aquatic ecosystem of Georgian Bay by funding accredited research on water levels, water quality, and ecosystems, educating the public and governments on issues regarding the environmental protection of the Georgian Bay area, and by enhancing the public's appreciation for their environment."

GBF joins 20 other groups doing similar projects thanks to funding from GSC. The organization recently received an investment of $250,000 from Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

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A 14-year-old has been charged after an early morning weapons-related call in Burk’s Falls. 

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Provincial Const. Melissa Thomas says the accused cannot be identified. 

She says officers with Almaguin Highlands OPP were called around 9:15 a.m. on Oct. 30 after being told about a youth concealing a firearm. 

She says after arriving, they found the youth had used what was revealed to be an “imitation firearm” to intimidate and assault another young person.  

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With hunting season for most small game already underway and deer hunting starting in just a few days, the Ontario Provincial Police is warning residents about safety. 

Provincial Const. Joel Devenish says deer hunting season runs from Nov. 6 to 19. He adds the season for most small game, including duck, has already started. 

With that in mind, he says some may hear hunters in the bush or doing other activities like target and skeet shooting. Devenish says to not be alarmed, so long as this “is done in a safe manner.” 

He suggests anyone enjoying nature to be aware it is hunting season. Devenish suggests wearing something to make yourself visible, like a bright orange jacket or hat. Also, he says if taking your dog on a walk, it’s recommended to put something bright on them or attach a bell to their collar.  

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