Latest news with #SimcoeMuskoka
CTV News
8 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
RVH ‘Cornhole Classic' raises more than $115K for healthcare
The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) held a first-ever 'Cornhole Classic' tournament Saturday in Innisfil to raise funds for a variety of the hospital's care programs. The hospital reports that more than 30 teams competed in the round-robin style tournament at the Innisfil Stroud Community Centre and more than 150 people attended in total. The event featured a blend of food, music and spirited competition, all for a good cause. 'That spirit of generosity and community is what RVH is all about,' said Anne Smith, vice chair of the RVH Foundation's board of directors and one of the event's main organizers, in a news release. 'Thanks to our incredible committee, volunteers, sponsors, and players, the RVH Cornhole Classic felt like something much bigger. People came to toss bags, have fun, and be part of something meaningful.' The more-than $115,000 that was raised will support RVH's 'Keep Life Wild' campaign. Specifically, the funds will go toward a new RVH healthcare facility in Innisfil and enhanced regional programs in cancer, cardiac, trauma, mental health and stroke care. 'All of this supports a bigger goal,' said Mary-Anne Frith, Keep Life Wild campaign chair, in a news release. 'To end hallway medicine, reduce wait times, and make sure people across Simcoe Muskoka can access world-class care, right here at home.' Planning is already underway for the 'Cornhole Classic' to return next year, with organizers saying it will be 'bigger, better, and wilder than ever.'
CTV News
6 days ago
- CTV News
Federal probe ends into cybersecurity breach that impacted school systems, including SMCDSB
The federal privacy watchdog has ended its investigation into a cybersecurity breach involving a student information system used across Canada, including the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). In January, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic board issued a letter to families notifying of a cybersecurity breach of the PowerSchool portal - the Student Information System. 'We use this system to store our student-related data. The breach occurred on PowerSchool's server and has impacted many school districts across North America and even internationally,' the SMCDSB January 8 letter stated. The breach exposed personal data such as names, contact information, birth dates, and, in some cases, medical details and Social Insurance Numbers of students, educators, and parents. Pauline Stevenson, communications manager for SMCDSB, confirmed to CTV News in May the board had been told all its student data had been deleted and that the board had not received any ransom requests from hackers. The board said while hackers had accessed a PowerSchool support portal, its network had not been compromised. 'PowerSchool is confident that this situation is resolved and they believe your child's data is secure,' the January letter added. On Tuesday this week, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada said it was satisfied with PowerSchool's response to the incident, including actions to contain the breach and improve security. While the federal investigation has ended, provincial privacy offices in Ontario and Alberta are continuing their own reviews. With files from The Canadian Press
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
These beaches are under swimming advisories due to high bacteria levels
Moose Beach has a swim advisory in place in this file image. (CTV NEWS/BARRIE) Two Orillia beaches are under swimming advisories due to the high bacteria levels in the water. Couchiching Beach and Moose Beach located at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park have been flagged by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. A swimming advisory is issued when bacteria levels exceed those considered acceptable by the health unit. During this time, the beach is posted with warning signs indicating there may be an increased risk of developing minor irritations and infections. The beaches aren't closed but swimmers are being told by health experts to avoid swallowing the water. Rain, wind, and wildlife are often to blame for spikes in bacteria levels. Lifeguards are off duty during this time and people are cautioned to swim at their own risk.
CTV News
11-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Trump's tariff threats hit home with businesses facing supply chain shock
As U.S. President Donald Trump pushes ahead with expanded tariffs on Canadian goods, local business owners and a trade experts are preparing for wide-ranging effects, from agriculture and automotive to small-scale maple syrup producers and independent retailers. Kyle Peacock, founder of Peacock Tariff Consulting in Orillia, anticipates sectors that Simcoe Muskoka is most known for to be the most impacted. 'This is all-inclusive across the board. This is going to affect everyone in everyday life,' said Peacock. Peacock noted no industry would be left untouched. 'The U.S. is one of our major markets for maple syrup,' he added. 'With this increase, we will see that the U.S. markets (will) source non-Ontario, non-Simcoe County maple syrup.' Michele O'Sullivan, co-owner of Hutchinson Maple Syrup in the Township of Oro-Medonte, fears the trickle-down effect of her fellow larger producers being deterred from exporting south. 'If that supply is not going down to the States, the market here is likely going to be flooded,' said O'Sullivan. 'Who knows what that's going to do to the smaller producer.' Peacock said price hikes on imported goods are also inevitable, with costs set to climn on everything from grocery store fruits and vegetables to goods from local businesses. 'Anything that is purchased from the U.S., you'll see a significant increase,' he stated. Greg Czetwerzuk, founder of his 'Bean Around The Block' mobile coffee business, imports his coffee beans from South America, but they must make a stop in the U.S., making them vulnerable to tariff spikes. 'It really affects the ingredient cost and the supply chain network that I can use,' said Czetwerzuk. 'It's already had an impact of about 25 per cent year-to-date.' In Barrie, the Chamber of Commerce is helping local business by appealing to their trade partners in Harrogate, England, Barrie's sister city. 'We almost immediately had about 40 businesses that connected with us,' said Paul Markle, Barrie Chamber of Commerce CEO. 'That kind of response is significant with one email.' 'A lot of clients are fed up with the yo-yo of tariffs on, tariffs off,' added Peacock. 'Now it's time to act.' For some, that means sourcing to other markets outside the U.S. for businesses that have not already done so. Peacock also mentions businesses turning to opportunities that are strong within Simcoe County, such as in labour, manufacturing and skilled trades.
CTV News
06-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Feeling the heat? Here's where to cool down in Barrie
With a heat warning in place and the humidex feeling closer to 40 degrees on Sunday, many residents will be looking for places to cool off. Barrie's four beaches are open for the season. Centennial Beach, 65 Lakeshore Drive Lifeguards on duty 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. Johnson's Beach, 2 Johnson Street Lifeguards on duty 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. Minet's Point Beach, 10 Lismer Boulevard No lifeguards Tyndale Beach, 45 Tyndale Road No lifeguards Parents and guardians are reminded that children require direct supervision when at the beach. Splash pads at Heritage Park and Lampman Park are also open for the season, however the splash pad at Heritage Park is closed for repairs according to the City of Barrie website During the summer season, the Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) or lifejacket loaner program allows visitors to borrow lifejackets for free (a deposit is required). PFDs are available from the lifeguard office at Centennial Beach and Johnson's Beach, seven days a week between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to ensure Barrie's beaches are safe for swimming, weekly water samples are analyzed by the health unit. During humid weather or after storms, watch for warnings that will be posted at designated swimming beaches when bacteria levels exceed provincial guidelines. Beach-goers can check the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit beach water testing results before heading to the beach.
