As the calendar turns and we step into 2026, there’s a quiet magic in the air. Winter has a way of slowing us down just enough to notice what really matters—the crunch of fresh snow underfoot, the glow of warm lights through frosted windows, the laughter that carries a little farther on crisp evenings. It’s a season that invites reflection, gratitude, and hope, all at once.

The start of a new year is never just about what’s ahead. It’s also about pausing to appreciate the people and moments that brought us here. Over the past year, I’ve been reminded again and again how fortunate we are to live in communities like Simcoe County and Muskoka, where connection still feels personal and where nature is never far from reach. Whether you’re lakeside, tucked into a small town, or somewhere in between, there’s a shared rhythm to life here that becomes especially clear in winter.

This time of year encourages us to reflect—not in a heavy way, but gently. To think about the moments that made us smile, the challenges that shaped us, and the relationships that carried us through. It’s often the simple things that stand out most: an unexpected conversation, a walk along a frozen shoreline, a cup of coffee after a snowfall, or time spent outdoors when the world feels a little quieter.

Gratitude feels like the right word as we begin 2026. Gratitude for friendships old and new. Gratitude for families—chosen and given—who support us in ways big and small. Gratitude for neighbours who wave, lend a hand, or stop to chat. And gratitude for being part of communities that value togetherness, resilience, and kindness.

Winter in this part of the world has its own personality. It invites us outside—onto trails, rinks, hills, and lakes—while also pulling us inward, toward warmth, reflection, and rest. It reminds us that balance matters. That there’s time for movement and time for stillness. Time to plan and time to simply be.

As we look ahead to the year to come, my hope for 2026 is simple and heartfelt: that it brings health, happiness, and peace of mind to you and those you love. That it offers moments of joy where you least expect them. It provides space for growth, curiosity, and connection. And that it gives each of us reasons to feel optimistic about what lies ahead.

A new year doesn’t need grand resolutions to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s enough to set gentle intentions—to spend more time with people who matter, to take care of ourselves, to stay curious, and to appreciate where we are. Progress often comes not from big leaps, but from small, steady steps taken with care.

Community has always been at the heart of life here, and it’s something I value deeply. The conversations, shared experiences, and mutual support that define Simcoe County and Muskoka don’t fade with the seasons—they simply change shape. In winter, they might look like shared trails, local events, or neighbours helping neighbours after a snowfall. These moments remind us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves.

As 2026 unfolds, may it be a year of meaningful moments and steady optimism. May it bring you reasons to gather, to celebrate, and to enjoy the beauty of where we live—whether that’s under a blanket of snow or in the brighter days ahead. And may it leave room for laughter, rest, and the kind of everyday joys that make life feel full.

Thank you for being part of this community and for carrying its spirit forward in your own way. Here’s to a year shaped by kindness, curiosity, and connection—and to making the most of each season as it comes.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026.Warmest wishes,
Jeffrey Braun 

See you out enjoying the snow!