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
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'
On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.