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Articles by Jack Morse
Remember Dungeons and Dragons? Local library says its back by popular demand
The Collingwood library says it’s offering many ways for residents to have fun, but one form of entertainment is back by popular demand. The library says it has seen an enormous spike in demand for board games and puzzles, like Dungeons and Dragons. In addition to its kids’ chess club, the Collingwood Library says it now has an adult chess club and mahjong has become so popular it now fills an entire room with players.
Sailor survives boat crash, trapped underwater for an hour before rescue
Two sailors are safe after their boat crashed into a barge in the middle of Ontario’s Lake Joseph around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday. Workers on the barge pulled one of the sailors to safety, but the second was trapped underwater in the boat’s submerged pilot house. Barge workers lashed the boat to the barge to keep it from sinking. The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department arrived shortly after, getting a fireboat and two rescue craft into the water.
Sailor survives boat crash, trapped underwater for an hour before rescue
Two sailors are safe after their boat crashed into a barge in the middle of Lake Joseph around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday. Workers on the barge pulled one of the sailors to safety, but the second was trapped underwater in the boat’s submerged pilot house. Barge workers lashed the boat to the barge to keep it from sinking. The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department arrived shortly after, getting a fireboat and two rescue craft into the water.
The Table Soup Kitchen wants to offer more in Huntsville
Over all the years The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation has been running, they’ve seen the need grow. “We have definitely seen the need here in Muskoka, even though it’s very much a cottage country sort of place. There is a back door of Muskoka that a lot of people don’t see. We see it every day here at the table,” said Heather Cassie with The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation. And they’ve grown with it. Last year, nine percent of the 24,000 people in Huntsville used their services.
‘I don’t have a lot of time:’ The dying wish of an Ontario pastor comes true Original
A group of bikers in Barrie, Ont., said they would be taking to the road rain or shine on Tuesday, because for one of these men, there was not going to be another chance. Pastor and biker are two things you normally do not think about together, but for Wasaga Beach’s Don Lindsay, they are inseparable. “They’re human beings,” Don Lindsay tells CTV News. Lindsay is over 80, but he spent many years on the back of a motorcycle.
Ford willing to consider involuntary addiction treatment
Ontario Big City Mayors asked and it seems like the premier is listening. When questioned on the possibility of involuntary addiction treatment, at an unrelated press conference Thursday, Doug Ford said, “I’d be open to it as long as we can help them and help the communities.” Ford said he’ll work with municipalities on possible involuntary treatment legislation. “I was getting pictures of kids having to walk by people who were jacked over, or ‘jackknifed over,’ as they call it.
Ford willing to consider involuntary addiction treatment
Ontario Big City Mayors asked and it seems like the premier is listening. When questioned on the possibility of involuntary addiction treatment, at an unrelated press conference Thursday, Doug Ford said, “I’d be open to it as long as we can help them and help the communities.” “These people need help, and we’re going to do everything we can,” he said.
City of Orillia dismantles encampment outside homeless support centre
Orillia has broken up another encampment in its city limits, the third in the last month. The latest encampment was set up near the Lighthouse, a homelessness support provider. People living at the site of the latest encampment got official notices Monday that they had to pack up and leave by 9 a.m. Tuesday morning. The four people living there had only been set up for a few days when bylaw officers handed out a letter.
Chimney Swift ends up in old Barrie jail
A small but dedicated group of birdwatchers pulled up chairs to the old Barrie jail on Tuesday for the return of the Chimney Swift. Every year around this time the swifts’ fall migration brings them back to Barrie, almost exclusively to the chimney at the old prison. According to observers, an estimated 200 birds come to roost for the night during the fall season.
Scientists are tracking this deadly threat lingering beneath Georgian Bay waters
Simcoe County is famous for its many lakes and rivers, but the pristine water hides a deadly element. Now, a team of researchers are trying to do something about it. Aboard the research vessel Neeskay in Parry Sound, they are serious about water. The scientists on board are on a five-year mission to learn as much as they can about mercury in the waters of the Great Lakes.
Scientists are tracking this deadly threat lingering beneath Georgian Bay waters
Simcoe County is famous for its many lakes and rivers, but the pristine water hides a deadly element. Now, a team of researchers are trying to do something about it. Aboard the research vessel Neeskay, they are serious about water. The scientists on board are on a five-year mission to learn as much as they can about mercury in the waters of the Great Lakes.
ECCC: Hot days not over for Barrie
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Tuesday will mark the peak of the ongoing heat event across Ontario, but the heat is not over. Some areas are expected to reach 37 C and increased humidex values will make it feel as hot as 45. Air quality warnings are in effect for much of the region.
The giant FIFA banner you saw was likely made in Barrie
You may not know the name of this Barrie company, but it’s very likely you’ve seen their work recently. Over the course of the matches played in Canada, Barrie-based The Look Company, producer of visual displays, has made over 100,000 banners and wraps and various other display items for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “When you start on a project like the World Cup, you go from one to 100 miles an hour incredibly quickly, and you’re doing that seven days a week,” said Gerry Price, CEO.
Sophia Street building to offer rent capped units
A new housing project is set to build 54 rent capped apartments in Barrie’s downtown. On Wednesday, the city announced the construction of a 26 storey rental tower coming to Sophia Street. Real estate developer Black Creek Group will be spearheading the project, building a total of 268 units, 54 of which will be rent capped.
Curbing the spread of invasive species in Lake Simcoe
Simcoe County is one of 112 communities getting a slice of the $2-million in provincial spending going towards environmental rehabilitation. On Monday, a dog was looking for water solider; an invasive plant that grows in the shallow waters of Lake Simcoe and the Trent Severn waterway. Intact, it creates dense mats of floating vegetation that push out native plants and animals. The invasive plant can spread easily, something the invasive species centre is working to stop.
Driver in hospital after crash with tractor
The driver of a car is in hospital after a crash with a farm tractor Friday. OPP shut down a section of Sunnidale Road, between George Johnson Road to Grenfel Road, shortly after 5:30 p.m. The car’s driver was taken to RVH by paramedics, but the extent of their injures have not been released. The person driving the tractor wasn’t hurt.
Forest fire risk ‘high’ or ‘extreme’ across central Ont.
According to fire officials, the risk of forest fires is at the very least high, if not extreme for many municipalities across central Ontario. The town of Bracebridge is now displaying signs that indicate a ‘high’ forest fire hazard in wild land areas. “(The signs are) to heighten the level of awareness that it is a danger out there in the bush,” says Chief Kevin Plested, Bracebridge Fire Dept.
SUV falls 16 feet into Barrie construction site pit Original
A 27-year-old woman is in stable condition after an SUV plummeted 16 feet into a construction site pit behind the Bayfield Mall in Barrie, Ont. Firefighters, police and paramedics were called to the scene at 7:19 p.m. on Wednesday. Fire crews helped extract the driver inside the SUV, then worked with paramedics to lift the woman out of the site by ladder. Truck in Pit A truck being lifted out of a construction pit behind the Bayfield Mall in Barrie, Ont., on June 3, 2026.
Truck falls 16 feet into Barrie construction site pit
A 27-year-old woman is in stable condition after a truck plummeted 16 feet into a construction site pit behind the Bayfield Mall. Firefighters, police and paramedics were called to the scene at 7:19 p.m. on Wednesday. Fire crews helped extract the driver inside the truck, then worked with paramedics to lift the woman out of the site by ladder. She was taken to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in what’s described as stable condition.
Truck crashes into pit at construction site
One person is in stable condition after a truck plummeted 24 feet into a construction site behind the Bayfield Mall. Firefighters, police, and paramedics were called to the scene at 7:19 p.m. where a truck had gone into the pit at the bottom of the site. Fire helped extract the person inside the truck, then worked with paramedics to lift the person out of the site by ladder. The patient was taken to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in what’s described as stable condition.
Human remains found in Thornton
OPP are at a home on 10th Line in Thornton, ON, after human remains were found on the property. Officers were called in shorty before 11:30 a.m. Police said the investigation so far suggests it is an isolated incident, with no signs of a broader threat to the public. People nearby can expect to see a officers on the scene while they continue to collect evidence. OPP would not release any information about the victim or any possible suspects.
Major police presence in Orillia
There is a large police presence in Orillia, around the Scout Valley Trail. The trail is closed, and people are being told to avoid the area. When CTV reached out to OPP, a media officer refused to answer any questions and said, “this is an active, ongoing investigation and we have no further details to share at this time.”
Man taken to hospital after shooting in Barrie
Officers are on the scene of a shooting at an apartment building in north end Barrie. Barrie Police Services says a man has been taken to a local hospital after the shooting near Johnson Street and Shanty Bay Road. Police would not provide any additional details, except to say the call came in just before 8 p.m. Officers are looking for anyone who saw the shooting, or has any information on it, to contact them.
Barrie mayor to formalize ‘zero-tolerance’ promise with council motion
On the heels of the announcement to deal with “lawlessness” in the city’s downtown core, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is expected to follow through with a motion to council Wednesday night. It’s a wide-ranging piece of legislation, but most importantly, it will have staff send a letter to the Barrie Police Services board, making clear the City’s support for ‘zero-tolerance’ enforcement of drug laws.
Georgian College and Canadian Forces Base Borden are joining forces
Georgian College and Canadian Forces Base Borden announcing today deeper collaboration to train more military members at the college. Fundamentally this is about expanding the Canadian military. There’s a massive recruitment push on now as Prime Minister Mark Carney works to meet NATO defense spending targets and grow the department of national defence overall. This new agreement means more students from the Canadian Forces getting training at Georgian College.
Mayors say multimillion dollar annexation deal will create jobs
For the first time since a major land deal, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin met face to face Wednesday, after the province transferred more than three thousand acres of township lands to the city. Annexation talks began three years ago and have faced some controversy. Nuttall said Barrie needs the land to grow for industrial development north of the city.
Preparation the best defense against flooding
After a dramatic ice rescue in Georgian Bay, it should be clear to anyone how dangerous it can be around lakes and rivers during the spring thaw. But it’s not just a personal risk. Flooding can do a lot of damage to property as well. Water pooling on roads, sidewalks, and yards may look harmless, but it can be a big problem if it gets into your home. As the ice melts and heavy rain falls on frozen ground, flooding becomes more of a risk. Barrie PuroClean fixes just that kind of damage.
Barrie council to update traffic bylaws as city continues to grow
Barrie city council has approved a slew of changes to traffic bylaws, including more than a dozen updates, most of them focused on more detailed parking rules across the city. Speaking to CTV News ahead of Wednesday’s council meeting, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said that as the city continues to grow, it’s important to carefully consider how people get around.
Barrie City Council passes 2026 budget with 4.8 per cent tax increase
Barrie residents will see their taxes rise next year after city council approved the 2026 budget on Wednesday night. The City says the overall tax rate will go up by about 4.8 per cent, with the biggest portion tied to infrastructure. According to staff, that increase will help pay for ongoing repairs to streets, utilities and other core services. A similar amount is earmarked for the Barrie Police Service, while the third-largest contributor is the share the City pays to the County of Simcoe.
Barrie Families Unite officially opens storefront to support those in need
The Give Back Rack, a non-profit thrift store, officially opened its doors Thursday, offering more than just affordable second-hand items. Located at 128 Penetang Street, the shop raises money for and directly helps people in need in the Barrie community. Volunteers stock the shelves and work with local organizations to identify those who could benefit from the store’s support.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall reflects on three years of progress and future plans
A three-year look-back announcement at the Old Transit Terminal was filled with pomp and circumstance, providing an opportunity for Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall to highlight the accomplishments of both himself and the city over the past three years. At the same time, it marked the formal start of construction at what will soon be Lakehead University’s Barrie campus.
Design plans for new $65M waterfront performing arts centre unveiled in Barrie
The city’s arts community got a glimpse into the future with the first look at the design for a new $65 million waterfront performing arts centre in Barrie. The planned 45,000-square-foot facility will be built on the land around the Spirit Catcher and the Sea Cadets’ current site, once the cadets move to their new location.
Orillia mayor uses strong mayor powers to shut down tax increase proposal
Orillia council convened on Monday to review the 2026 budget. During deliberations, a proposal from one councillor came to a halt when the mayor exercised his strong mayor powers to reject it. In a split five–four vote, council endorsed a motion to collect another $700,000 for faster road and sidewalk repairs. It would have amounted to about a one per cent increase in the residential tax rate, something Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac wasn’t ready to support.
Shelter in place order in Severn, police searching for armed suspect
The OPP has called for people in Severn to shelter in place while officers search for an armed person near Maple Valley Road and Telford Line. Police say to get inside, lock doors and windows, and avoid opening curtains. They are asking people to avoid the area while police conduct the search.
Springwater Township council and mayor continue to clash over boundary change dispute
Springwater Township’s council held a special meeting Monday night that once again highlighted tensions with Mayor Jennifer Coughlin over her use of ‘strong mayor powers’ in the ongoing dispute over the boundary adjustment. The emergency meeting was called by a group of councillors who supported a motion to block the mayor’s use of these powers. Councillor Phil Fisher criticized the mayor’s recent decision to dismiss the township’s solicitor, saying it exceeded the scope of of strong mayor powers.
Man arrested after multiple Gravenhurst grocery store thefts, thousands of dollars
A suspect has been arrested after thousands of dollars worth of items were stolen from Gravenhurst grocery stores. Police responded to a theft in progress at an Edward Street grocery store Tuesday afternoon after workers spotted a man they believed to have stolen from the store before. Bracebridge OPP allege the man had made a “sizeable” theft from another grocery store in Gravenhurst earlier in the day.
Locals react to provincial minimum wage hike
On October 1st, Simcoe County’s workforce will be among the 800,000 who will be affected by Ontario’s minimum wage increase to $17.60 per hour. That means a raise of 40 cents per hour and about $3.20 more per eight-hour shift. “With the increase, it’s better, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s sufficient enough yet,” said Payton Erwin, a local employee. The minimum wage increase has bumped up pay for the lowest paid workers by about 25 per cent over the last seven years.
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care to host Canada’s 1st mental health and anti-violence hub
Simcoe County will soon be home to a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at addressing the link between violence and mental health. Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is leading the creation of Canada’s first Mental Health Anti-Violence Hub, with the goal of improving support for survivors of intimate partner violence.
Volunteers in Orillia deliver food to 4,000 children across 29 different schools
The heightened cost of living is now impacting the food that ends up on the table. According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, almost one third of households in Simcoe County are facing food insecurity and local charities are stepping up to make sure no child is left hungry.
Police looking for suspects after latest in a string of “arson-related occurrences” in Bond Head
South Simcoe Police have released a photo of a suspect vehicle in an attempted arson in Bradford West Gwillimbury on Sept. 7, 2025. It’s the latest what investigators describe as series of “arson-related occurrences” in the Bond Head area. Police said two suspects broke into a pair of homes, through the kitchen windows, 169 and 173 Rowe Street in Bond Head. The noise alerted neighbours and security guards who came to check it out. Police said the suspects fled in a new model blue SUV.
Crypto conglomerate DCG launches new altcoin mining business
(Heidi Gutman/Getty Images) “We are return maximalists, not Bitcoin maximalists.” There’s more to crypto than just bitcoin. Digital Currency Group, the industry titan with a portfolio of more than 200 crypto-focused investments, announced this morning that it had launched a new standalone subsidiary that would mine altcoins in addition to bitcoin.
Big banks post prodigious profits as dealmaking makes a Trump-tinged comeback
Jack Morse / Thursday, January 16, 2025 Because that’s where the money is… JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs,Citigroup, and Wells Fargo brought their quarterly #s out of the vault yesterday, and it was a blowout. Investment-banking biggies JPMorgan and Goldman saw profits soar last quarter as dealmaking optimism boomed ahead of Trump’s inauguration. JPM’s profit popped 50% from last year and Goldman’s more than doubled.
Bitcoin slips as crypto’s postelection honeymoon hits a rough patch
Jack Morse / Monday, January 13, 2025 On the rocks… Bitcoin kept sliding today, down nearly 10% on the week and briefly dipping below $90K — its lowest price since November. The OG crypto, 16% off its $108K record, had plenty of miserable company. As of this morning, ethereum, solana, dogecoin, and cardano were all down nearly 20% on the week. It wasn’t just name-brand coins feeling winter’s chill: the CoinDesk 20, an index tracking a basket of crypto assets, was down 12% on the week.
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