Township of Muskoka Lakes officials have been notified that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is beginning to reduce flows on the Muskoka Watershed north of Lake Muskoka as the township advises residents of water levels rising 3 to 4 centimetres over the last 24 hours.
The township is advising residents that water levels have risen approximately 3 to 4 centimetres on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph and on the Moon River over the past 24 hours. The reduction of flow initiated by the MNRF from Kawagama Lake, Lake of Bays, Huntsville Lakes and Mary Lake will reduce inflows to Lake Muskoka and translate to a water level decrease of about 3 centimetres per day, according to the township. The District of Muskoka has closed the Port Carling Locks until further notice. The township will prepare a sandbag return location once the emergency situation has stabilized. More information will be made available at a later date.
Muskoka Futures has launched a Flood Recovery Loan program to help businesses impacted by flooding. The assistance will provide loans up to $25,000 at zero per cent interest for two years to assist businesses with deductibles, inventory, infrastructure, equipment, operating costs and more.
Township officials are currently working with the Province of Ontario on Disaster Recovery Assistance for residents of Muskoka Lakes and navigation restrictions have been issued by Transport Canada for Lake Muskoka, Moon River, and North and South Muskoka River. For more information on recovery assistance and navigation restrictions, see our last update about Muskoka Lakes below.
Individuals displaced by flooding that require assistance with emergency accommodation can contact the Red Cross Personal Support Assistance Number at 705-715-8138. For more information on flooding and road closures, visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes 2019 Flood Information page. For a Municipal Emergency contact after hours, call 1-705-765-3156. For Emergency Services, call 911.
REMINDERS
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a Drinking Water Advisory for properties in flooded areas using well or lake/river water. Municipal water sources are not affected. Water filling stations can be accessed at the Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Avenue) and the Township Municipal Office (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling).
The Township has made sand, sandbags and shovels available at the Glen Orchard Yard (3951 Muskoka Road 169), Patterson Yard (1078 Raymond Road), Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Road 169), and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St) on a fill your own basis. Any resident in need of sand bag support, please call the township office at 705-765-3156 for assistance.
Muskoka Lakes Officials Working With Province On Disaster Recovery Assistance For Residents
