Water levels north of Huntsville, the Big East River and in Huntsville Lakes continue to decline. Over the next few days 30 – 35 mm of rain is anticipated and could stall the rate of water level decline in our lakes, rivers and in downtown areas.
A high volume of water is currently discharging from Huntsville and combined with water levels in Mary Lake, properties south of Brunel Locks may experience high water as water moves through the system. These levels are also anticipated to decline over the coming days.
The Town of Huntsville Public Works crews are assessing Huntsville roads impacted by flooding to assess and plan repairs to any damage as water levels start to recede.
The Town of Huntsville Emergency Control Group and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Officials will continue to monitor conditions daily and will provide updates and resources as required throughout the weekend.
Updates as of April 21, 2023:
- Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not safe to drink. Homeowners and property owners are responsible for monitoring their own wells. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), The Town of Huntsville’s Emergency Control Group and Huntsville’s Building Department are working together to ensure that residents have the resources they need to test their own well water. Well water sample kits and resources are available Town Hall, 37 Main Street East (second floor customer service desk) during regular business hours. The Huntsville SMDHU office at 34 Chaffey Street, will have kits and resources available April 24 for pick up and drop off.
- As water starts to recede, residents and businesses are reminded that sandbags are considered contaminated waste. Residents can drop off used sandbags at Madill Yard (169 Madill Church Road, Huntsville), Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- Sandbags: Free sandbags and fill station behind the Canada Summit Centre (20 Park Drive) and Port Sydney Fire Hall (387 S Mary Lake Rd). There are limited numbers of pre-filled bags currently available.
- Information on how to fill sand bags and how to build a sandbag dike can be found at Huntsville.ca
- Residents and businesses should continue to take precautions to protect property as flooding is occurring.
- Be cautious if traveling on Huntsville waterways due to the large amounts of debris floating in the system. Boat traffic currently risks causing damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes because of the high-water level. Lost property can be reported to the Huntsville O.P.P. either online at opp.ca or call 705-789-5551.
- Please refrain from trying to view flooding locations and supervise children and pets closely in these areas. Keep access to flooded areas open for emergency responders. Riverbanks and flowing water are unpredictable at this time.
- Visit Ontario.ca to learn more on what to do before, during and after a flood including the creation of a 72-hour kit.
- For emergency text/SMS, email or voice calling updates in your area – Download and register the free Voyent Alert phone application.