Emergency service calls up 25 per cent in Muskoka
Emergency responders in Muskoka expect a busier summer than usual.
Paramedics anticipate a 25 per cent increase in calls after a noticeable spike over the last few months.
"We haven't seen the ebbs and flows," said Muskoka Paramedic Deputy Chief Stuart McKinnon. "it's been steady and higher than normal."
According to McKinnon, the summer is typically busy for emergency responders because of increased tourism.
But a growing population has paramedics concerned there will be more calls for service.
"It's no secret that a lot of people with the flexibility to work from home have chosen to come up to their seasonal property, or they've just chosen to move to areas like Muskoka," McKinnon added.
Paramedics average around 50 calls daily and reach 100 at their peak. McKinnon said they've hired additional staff to handle the increased demand.
"In the summer, we put on an additional day vehicle and night vehicle, so that takes an extra 8 full-time positions to staff."
Provincial police in cottage country are also feeling that impact.
"We welcome the increase in tourism, obviously," said Constable Adrian Woods, Bracebridge OPP. "But it does mean a significant increase in the population that comes through and with that we see a dramatic increase in calls."
Recreational activities play a significant part in the increased calls, with boating accidents being one of the biggest causes.
"We often see liquor being consumed on our vessels and it's a very dangerous practice. The last thing you want to see is a tragedy on our waterways," Woods added. "Safety is the number one priority. We far too often see situations where people are hurt or killed, and we like to do everything we can to prevent that."
Police encourage boaters to read the Transport Canada safe boating guide as an extra precaution before heading out on the water.
The OPP's marine program will run until the fall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'