Late in April, the Towns of Bracebridge and Gravenhurst received reports of some hazardous materials being found at several area beaches.

In response to the materials being found, both municipalities temporarily closed the beach areas and initiated a clean-up of the hazardous materials found at beach locations within the municipalities.

On May 11, 2018, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst were provided with a letter received by the Huntsville newspaper. The letter set out new information threatening the safety of the beaches in the Muskoka region.

Upon receipt of the correspondence, the letter was immediately forwarded to the Bracebridge OPP by Town staff. The Bracebridge OPP Commander confirms that the letter has been received by the Huntsville OPP for the OPP Crime Unit to investigation.

Additional updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.

As a result of the hazardous materials previously found, the municipalities have implemented enhanced inspections of the beaches within the two communities. Bracebridge and Gravenhurst are committed to ensuring the health and safety of the beach areas within the two communities and will continue to take proactive steps to monitor beach areas and to clean up any materials found. Beach areas may close temporarily to ensure health and safety of the public if necessary.

Anyone with information is asked to report suspicious activity or acts of vandalism to the OPP or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers.

Muskoka411 has obtained the letter