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COVID-19 Wear a mask in MUSKOKA
The chief medical officer of health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has announced people in Simcoe Muskoka will have to wear face masks when in public indoor spaces, businesses, organizations and on public transit.
As of Monday July 13, the public is required to wear a face covering (i.e. non-medical mask) when entering the indoor premises of businesses, organizations and on public transit systems in Simcoe Muskoka.
“As we move through the stages of the reopening of the economy there is an increased risk of resurgence of COVID-19 transmission in our communities. Locally we are seeing more visitors from other parts of the province with a much higher incidence of COVID-19, resulting in crowding in public spaces, and this has us concerned,” said Dr. Charles Gardner in the release.
A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face coverings that covers the mouth and nose.
“Our businesses and organizations that are open to the public have worked diligently to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and many already ask that patrons and clients wear a face covering,” said Dr. Gardner. “Requiring the public to wear a face covering is an extra step to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and is key for the continued successful reopening of the local economy and to safeguard our residents against the virus in circulation now,

 Updates from the SMDHU can be found on their website at http://www.simcoemuskokahealthstats.org/topics/infectious-diseases/a-h/covid-19
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TRAVEL TO MUSKOKA
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit joined the Premier of Ontario, our MPP and Muskoka mayors and doctors in requesting people with a secondary residence in Muskoka to stay home in their primary residence and if they do travel to Muskoka to take special precautions. A poster with considerations and guidelines is included on the following page.

​Check out new TOWN OF HUNTSVILLE "FIREWORKS BYLAW"

MLA GOOD NEIGHBOUR CODE
​For many cottagers a Muskoka summer is a short, action packed six or eight weeks of waterfront bliss. It is a time to be active, spend time with family and above all, have a good time. In our desire to have the best summer ever, our judgement of appropriate and considerate behaviour can sometimes get a little off track. For that reason, the MLA has developed a Good Neighbour Code.We know full well that most of us already subscribe to these common-sense behaviours but often guests or renters may not be aware of some of our historical Muskoka etiquette.

SHORT TERM RENTALS 2020
Separately, as part of a public consultation process that began in early 2019, the Town of Huntsville has enacted bylaw 2019-122, which is an act to regulate short-term rentals in our area. This by-law has a significant impact on the rental of cottages in our area.
Please view following page for more detail.

PROPERTY TAXES
The Town of Huntsville has waived the penalty for late payment of interim tax payments for the twomonth period from April 1 to May 31, although encourages property owners who can to please pay according to their original due date. MPAC has announced that the 2020 Property Assessment Update has been postponed so that property assessments for 2021 will continue to be based on the 2016 assessment.

DISTRICT WASTE MANAGEMENT
There has been no change to our collection days, however the District requires that all garbage be securely contained, sealed and tied in garbage bags. Material for recycling in clear bags must also be sealed and tied while recyclables in bins must be secured so materials don’t overflow or blow/scatter. Although the Stisted landfill site remains open, the District requests that residents postpone nonessential trips and only drop off items if absolutely necessary.