Thank you to all the staff on Saturday evening for their swift and coordinated efforts in safely evacuating and returning residents to their rooms in Maple due to a fire alarm that was activated related to a motor failing in the air conditioner (AC) for the resident bedrooms. The Fire Department did respond and quickly determined that there was no fire and the situation was safe. The AC unit was shut down for safety, and a company was called to assess the situation. The teamwork ensured everyone’s safety and comfort during the incident.

Here’s a brief update:

• The issue was caused by a burned-out motor in the bedroom AC unit, which needed to be replaced.
• As a result, there was a lingering odour. To address this:
• Air purifiers and fans were placed in the area.
• Some air vents were taped off.
• A deodorizer was added to the AC unit.
• We are happy to report that the AC unit was repaired on Thursday, July 17th, and is back to fully functioning.

We thank you for your patience as we moved through this incident and repair.

On July 22nd, we’re excited to welcome members of Muskoka Pride to our home for a special event. They’ll be here to sing songs, engage with attendees, share educational insights, and answer questions.

At The Pines and across the District of Muskoka, we are proud to foster a home that is inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of everyone. We are committed to the principles of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism/Anti-Hate (IDEA) in everything we do—both as an employer and as a service provider.

Are you a current volunteer looking for ways to get involved around the home?

We’d love your help with the following activities and outings:

🚌 Upcoming Outings & Events

• July 23 @ 1:15 PM – Maple Bus Trip to Fairvern
• July 24 @ 9:15 AM – Maple & Oak Bus Trip to the Beach
• July 24 @ 2:00 PM – Fun “Whack-a-Mole” Event
• July 25 @ 2:00 PM – Spruce & Birch Bus Trip for Ice Cream

🧩 Ongoing Weekly Activities

• Scrabble Games and Euchre – Once a week
• Fish Tank Help – Assist a resident with cleaning a small personal tank (1x/week)
• Balcony Visits – Spend time chatting with residents outdoors
• Happy Hour – Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 3:00 PM
• Tim Hortons Hour – Every Friday at 10:15 AM
• Outdoor Walks at any time of day

🎂 Special Monthly Event

• Monthly Birthday Party – First Tuesday of each month

💌 Want to Join Our Volunteer Team?

If you're interested in becoming a new volunteer at The Pines, please contact:

Christina Rochette

📞 705-645-4488 ext. 4824

📧 Christina.rochette@muskoka.on.ca

Our team will ensure that items are placed outside of the resident's bedroom for cleaning and sanitizing.

A simple way to help keep your loved one safe from infections. Please ensure that you are sanitizing your hands on the way into the home, during your visit, and as you exit the home. If you feel unwell, please choose to visit another day.

Help us keep the residents free from illness



If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Albert at stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca

Our team had an inspection between June 10th and the 19th. To review the report, please click on the link below.

A Public Inspection and Order Report has been posted on the Ministry's Reports on Long-Term Care Homes website, and can be accessed through this link.

Help Us Keep Everyone Safe

If you require the accessibility button at the front entrance, please continue to use it.

We kindly ask others to avoid using it unless necessary, as it keeps the door open longer and may increase the risk of residents exiting unsupervised.

Thank you for supporting a safe and secure environment for everyone at The Pines.

Here at The Pines, we’re always looking for new ways to enhance the quality of life for our residents. This summer, we’re thrilled to introduce a simple yet transformative addition to our outdoor courtyards: small, raised garden beds.

These compact, elevated plots of soil are more than just a pretty place to grow plants— they’re powerful tools for engagement, therapy, and well-being. Let’s dig into the benefits!

1. Therapy Through Touch: Physical & Mental Benefits

2. Stimulating Memory & Mind

3. Fostering Social Connections

4. Fresh & Functional

5. Beautifying Our Outdoor Spaces

Raised garden beds are a small change with big benefits. From physical health to emotional joy, they help nurture more than just plants—they nurture connection, confidence, and community. We hope you take a moment to visit the courtyard, breathe in the scents, and maybe even get your hands a little dirty. After all, growth happens when we dig in together.

At The Pines, our team is committed to proactively addressing and resolving concerns or complaints in a timely and respectful manner. We follow the principles of customer service, quality improvement, and risk management to ensure the best possible care experience.

When necessary, concerns may be elevated to ensure they are addressed in a way that respects the rights and needs of everyone involved.

Your Feedback Is Important

If you have feedback, questions, concerns, or complaints related to your loved one’s care, we want to hear from you. By working together, we can ensure your loved one receives the highest quality of care, and that you feel supported as a partner in their care journey.

A list of Leaders within the Home is available below to help support you and your loved one.

If Your Concern Remains Unresolved

If we are unable to resolve your concern and you wish to escalate it, you may contact the Ministry of Long-Term Care or the Patient Ombudsman directly.

Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line

• Toll-Free: 1-866-434-0144
• Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week
• Mailing Address:
• Director
• Long-Term Care Inspections Branch
• Long-Term Care Operations Division
• 119 King St. W, 11th Floor
• Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7

Patient Ombudsman

• Online: Submit a Complaint
• Toll-Free: 1-888-321-0339
• Mailing Address:
• Patient Ombudsman
• Box 130, 77 Wellesley Street West
• Toronto, ON M7A 1N3

We look forward to partnering with you to support your loved one’s well-being and ensure they receive the compassionate care they deserve at The Pines.