MAHC services, Community Grants, Outdoor Burning in HV/LOB, and more tidbits from the news this week

We’ve put together some of our own Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including media releases, along with a few notes contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

Walk-in x-ray services at MAHC

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is resuming walk-in only service for outpatient general X-ray services to improve access and flexibility for both patients and referring healthcare providers.

X-rays, like most medical exams or tests, require a referral and requisition from an ordering healthcare provider, generally doctors and nurse practitioners. Referring providers send an electronic requisition directly to the hospital and/or give a hard copy of the requisition to the patient to bring to their X-ray exam.

Walk-in visits are not pre-booked. Through a walk-in only service patients who have been referred to have an outpatient X-ray will arrive at any of the three X-ray locations operated by MAHC without a booked appointment. Patients will be seen in order of arrival. Please note there could be delays in accommodating the X-ray if the healthcare provider has not completed all required parts of the requisition.

Walk-in practice was stopped in 2020 to meet patient safety requirements during a time of great uncertainty during early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are pleased to resume walk-in only X-ray services, and will no longer schedule X-ray appointments with patients. Resuming the walk-in practice means a patient can direct their own care more efficiently,” says Cheryl Harrison, President and CEO. “For example, a patient could leave their healthcare provider’s office with a completed requisition sent electronically to the hospital or in hand hard copy and go straight to one of our locations for the X-ray the same day.”

Walk-in X-ray services are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital site and the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital site.

Walk-in X-ray services are also available at the Almaguin Highlands Health Centre in Burk’s Falls on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MUSKOKA Community Grant Programs Open

The District of Muskoka has launched the 2024 Muskoka Community Grant program which features opportunities for community groups to get much-needed funding.

Grant opportunities available for 2024 include the Pay It Forward Community Investment Grant Program and the Community Enhancement Fund. 

The Pay It Forward program is for grassroots Muskoka community groups and provides grants of up to $2,500 to community members or groups with innovative ideas that will bring people together and contribute to the well-being of our community. 

Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change. 

The Community Enhancement Fund offers grants of up to $10,000 to non-profit community organizations that address poverty reduction, food security, housing and living conditions, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and citizen engagement.  

Visit 2024 Muskoka Community Grants for more information or to fill in an application.

Applications close Friday, March 22, 2024. 

MUskoka lakes community grants open

This year’s Community Grant Program in Muskoka Lakes is open for applications.

The Township notes that these grants provide modest levels of financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, activities, events or festivals which are not already provided by the Township and Council has deemed to be in the community’s interest as they would enrich the lives of members of the community.

Applications must be submitted March 25th. For more information visit engagemuskokalakes.ca.

outdoor burning bylaw changes in huntsville/lob

Outdoor burning by-law changes recommended by Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Chief Gary Monahan, in conjunction with each municipality’s by-law departments, are set to come into effect this spring.

Both the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Councils are set to adopt the changes, which primarily target Open Air Burning Restrictions and Open Air Burning Devices.

In the past, times for Open Air Burning Restrictions took effect from April 1 until October 31 each year. Rather than have a set timing for restrictions, the by-law now allows for restrictions to be be placed and removed based on local conditions and climate patterns.

In regards to Open Air Burning Devices, which include pizza ovens, fire pits, pellet stoves, and lanterns, the rules now state that “no person shall use any Open Air Burning Device during a Fire Ban unless all of the following conditions are met: the device is designed to use electricity or a commercially produced fuel; the flame in the device can be extinguished by closing a time control valve or by eliminating the power source; and the device is at least one metre from any flammable material.

The Fire Chief or a designate have the authority to give permission for alternate use under special circumstances. This includes having fires larger than the standard permission, however in these situations a site visit is mandatory to ensure proper equipment is available.

Visit our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM for more: Outdoor Burning By-law changes

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION OPEN

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has opened registration for students starting Kindergarten in September 2024.

TLDSB offers both junior and senior Kindergarten programs, where the youngest students develop a strong foundation for learning in all areas.

Parents/guardians of children who are turning four in 2024 are encouraged to visit the Kindergarten Registration page on tldsb.ca to register their child(ren) and learn more about the programs.

The School Board says that while September may seem a far way away, but it’s important for TLDSB to know how many students are enrolled so that staffing and spaces for the upcoming school year can be made.

TLDSB asks all parents/guardians to register their child(ren) by March 31.

GRAVENHURST NAMES THEIR PLOWS

The Town of Gravenhurst’s ‘Name the Plow’ contest has concluded, revealing the winning names for two new snowplows inspired by an Egyptian Queen and a TV star: Clearopathra and Betty Whiteout.

Mayor Heidi Lorenz expressed enthusiasm for the chosen names, describing them as playful and reflective of the community’s spirit. She eagerly anticipates seeing Clearopathra and Betty Whiteout in action on Gravenhurst roads.

INVESTMENT IN PRIMARY CARE

MPP Graydon Smith announced $1,264,686 in funding helping to bolster interprofessional primary care teams across Parry Sound-Muskoka this week, as part of a broader $110 million investment aimed at linking up to 328,000 individuals with primary care teams.

The Algonquin Family Health Team received $559,799, facilitating connections for over 1,200 patients in Huntsville and Dorset. The Sundridge and District Medical Centre secured $327,237, facilitating connections for approximately 1,200 unattached patients. The Burk’s Falls Family Health Team got $290,000, paving the way for connections for around 2,200 patients. The Wasauksing First Nation secures $87,650, enabling connections for approximately 400 patients.

Smith emphasized that this funding will substantially bolster primary care capacity in the region, benefiting around 5,000 residents. This investment aims to expedite access to healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, ensuring timely care and alleviating pressures on emergency departments.