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Media Release – Lakelands Public Health

Lakelands Public Health Urges Continued Caution as Severe Cold Persists
Lakelands Public Health Issues Third Cold Warning of the Season
(February 5, 2026) – Lakelands Public Health is issuing a Cold Warning for the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County and the City and County of Peterborough effective starting February 7th through to February 8th as Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting the weekends temperature lows near -20°C or colder. Morning and overnight wind chill values are expected to be well below actual air temperatures, frequently feeling like ‑30 °C to ‑35 °C or colder, especially early in the morning. These wind chill values can increase the risk of frostbite and other cold‑related injuries if exposed for extended periods.

“Temperatures have been persistently cold lately, and it’s important for everyone to take precautions whenever spending extended time outdoors,” said Julie Bromley, Manager, Emergency Services & Healthy Environments with Lakelands Public Health. “Extreme cold conditions can pose serious health risks, especially for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. Staying informed about weather conditions, dressing appropriately for the cold, and checking in on vulnerable neighbours are key steps to staying safe.”

These frigid conditions pose a serious health risk, particularly during the early morning and later evening hours when temperatures are typically at their lowest. Lakelands Public Health urges all residents to take precautions to protect themselves.
It is also important to recognize signs of cold-related illness. Frostbite may cause pale, numb, or hard skin, typically on fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Hypothermia symptoms include intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and difficulty walking; severe hypothermia is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Those most at risk during extreme cold include:
  • People experiencing homelessness or living in homes without reliable heat
  • Older adults, infants and young children
  • People with medical conditions including diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
  • People who take medications or substances that affect body temperature
  • People who work or spend long periods of time outdoors
  • People who rely on mobility devices
  • Newcomers who may be unfamiliar with Canadian winter conditions
Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure during the coldest periods and to take the following precautions to stay safe:
  • Dress in multiple warm layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. Cover all exposed skin with hats, scarves, gloves or mittens, and warm socks.
  • Change out of wet clothing promptly to prevent heat loss.
  • Ensure home heating systems are functioning properly, and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
  • Seek out community warming centres or other heated public spaces if needed.
Lakelands Public Health will continue monitoring weather conditions and providing updates as needed. Residents can also sign up for WeatherCAN alerts to receive timely weather notifications.
For more information on cold weather safety and local resources visit LakelandsPH.ca/Cold.
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Life Labs of Haliburton- Complaints of Odor

Life Labs in Haliburton – Complaints of Odor

This is a story from CanoeFM’s Local Journalism Reporter, Elizabeth Oakley.
Haliburton’s Life Labs, located in the Medical Building on Gelert Road is being inspected for
suspicious odors and potential mold.
CanoeFM was alerted to the situation earlier this morning when a Facebook post featured a
number of local residents saying Life Labs in Haliburton would be closed for the next two days.
According to the post, some employees there reported feeling ill after being exposed to mold-
like odors.
Tamara Wilee, CAO of Dysart et Al, who owns the Medical Building, provided this statement to
CanoeFM:
“While there are some odor complaints at the Medical Centre at the moment, there has been
no confirmation that mold exists based on preliminary inspections.  That said, we have been
in touch with Pinchin Environmental to make arrangements to undertake further
investigation and we are actively working to address tenant concerns.”
Wilbee could not confirm whether Life Labs is closed at present, nor if it will be while the
inspections take place.
CanoeFM will provide updates on this story when they become available.

#canoefm  @canoefm

News from HHHS Foundation

FEBRUARY 2, 2026 - The HHHS Foundation is excited to announce that together, our community raised more than $409,000 to strengthen local healthcare during the Believe in the Magic of Giving holiday campaign—this is the true Magic of Giving.
 
THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in this record-breaking achievement. THANK YOU for your extraordinary generosity, for your belief in caring for one another, creating a meaningful and lasting impact close to home.
Your donations support life-saving equipment and essential services such as Meals on Wheels, medically necessary transportation, and enhanced care for long-term care residents. Because of you, vital healthcare in the Highlands continues to grow stronger.
A special THANK YOU to Scott Pollard and Suzannah Patmios for their generous matching donation, which inspired so many to give, and to Larry Hewitt of Hawk River Construction for helping us spread the word and amplify our efforts.
For more information please visit our website hhhs.ca/foundation or call us at 705-457-1580
The HHHS Foundation would like to thank this generous and supportive community and wish you a year filled with hope, wellness, and prosperity.  

Ontario Senior Games

From Muskoka Region.com

This year the Ontario 55+ Winter Games are taking place in Huntsville from Feb. 3 to 5.

This biennial event, hosted in partnership with the Ontario Senior Games Association and the Province of Ontario, promotes active living and community engagement for adults aged 55 and older. Huntsville last hosted the Games in 2019.

More than 1,000 participants are expected over the course of the games, including another 300 people volunteering.

“Huntsville is proud to host these games, which celebrate health, vitality, and the joy of winter in Muskoka. Our community has embraced this event wholeheartedly, and we can’t wait to welcome athletes from across Ontario,” said Leslie Hutcheson, the Games’ general manager.

Other than hockey, the event will include 10 other competitive sports, including curling, alpine and cross-country skiing, volleyball and badminton.

While Huntsville is recognized as the host, this event will be played out at venues outside the community, such as Bracebridge, Lake of Bays, Gravenhurst and outside Muskoka, in Burk’s Falls.

 

Wiarton Willie’s prediction…

CBC reports that Wiarton Willie, along with most of his Canadian counterparts, has predicted an early spring after he did not see his shadow on Monday morning on Groundhog Day.

Groundhog Day is a long-held tradition of watching animals coming out of hibernation to predict whether there'll be an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

Every Feb. 2, groundhogs and even a crustacean emerge from their shelters to see if they see their shadows.

Here are some of the other Canadian animal weather prognosticators who made early-morning appearances:

  • Shubenacadie Sam, living at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia did not see her shadow, predicting an early spring.
  • Lucy the Lobsterin Barrington, N.S. is predicting an early spring.
  • Fred la marmotte in Quebec. predicts an early spring.
  • Van Isle Violet in Nanaimo, B.C. is predicting six more weeks of winter.
  • Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania predicted six more weeks of winter.

Legend has it that if a groundhog (a crustacean in Lucy's case) emerges from its burrow on a sunny day and sees its shadow, it'll return to hibernation for six weeks more weeks of winter. But if it's cloudy and there's no shadow, spring will arrive early.

Dorset Snowball

For Immediate Release
Algonquin Highlands, Ontario
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
11 A.M.
Release #26-01
2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival – Feb. 13 &14
The 34th annual Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival takes place Feb. 13 and 14.
The frosty fun kicks off with a community skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace (located in Lions Centennial Park) on Friday, Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Festivities for Saturday, Feb. 14 get underway with a pancake breakfast at the Dorset Recreation Centre at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Snowball Parade at 10:30 a.m. and official opening ceremony at 11 a.m.
A host of activities follows from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including but not limited to horse-drawn wagon rides, cardboard toboggan races, hockey shoot-out, inflatable axe-throwing, Great Canadian Lumberjack shows, wildlife calling and chainsaw carving demonstrations, face painting, a maze and silent auction. There will be a birds of prey show and Amanda’s Exotic Animals will also be on site.
Attendees will be able to peruse vendors’ booths, and a variety of delicious food will be available. The Dorset Heritage Museum at 1040 Main Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The carnival wraps up with Hockey Night in Dorset at 6 p.m. with the team from Dorset taking on opponents from Lake of Bays Township.
This year, Snowball includes a colouring contest for children up to 10 years or age. Colouring sheets can be picked up at the Dorset Recreation Centre (1051 Main Street) or downloaded from the Algonquin Highlands website at https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/dorset-snowball-winter-carnival
Pre-registration is required to participate in the Snowball Parade, carboard toboggan races and hockey shoot-out. Please call 705-766-9968 or visit the Algonquin Highlands website at https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/dorset-snowball-winter-carnival/
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Staff Contact:
Sandra Rogers
Recreation Coordinator
Township of Algonquin Highlands
1051 Main Street, Dorset
705-766-9968
srogers@algonquinhighlands.ca