With a Flood Watch now in effect and rainfall in the forecast, the Township is making available for property owners sand, sandbags and shovels at the Glen Orchard Yard (3951 Muskoka Road 169, Port Carling, ON) and at the Muskoka Lakes Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169, Bala, ON).
To minimize flood risks and protect properties, in flood prone areas, property owners should:
- Clear snow and ice from around foundation walls, window wells, and drains to prevent water from pooling and seeping into basements.
- Check sump pumps to ensure they are in good working order and have a backup power source in case of outages.
- Ensure downspouts and eavestroughs are clear of ice and debris and direct water away from your home’s foundation.
- Move valuable items and important documents from basements or low-lying areas to higher ground.
- Secure docks, and any items close to waterways such as outdoor furniture or boats.
- Consider installing backflow prevention valves in basement drains to prevent sewage backup.
- Monitor local weather forecasts and water level updates through the Ministry of Natural Resources.
As snow continues to melt and water levels change, please exercise extreme caution around rivers, lakes, and drainage courses.
- Stay away from fast-moving water and unstable banks, as they can collapse without warning.
- Keep children and pets away from all water bodies and ice-covered surfaces, as ice can quickly become unsafe.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, even shallow water can be hazardous and unpredictable.
The MNR continues to track snow and water conditions daily and will adjust dam operations as needed in line with the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP).
For additional information on flood updates, visit the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program website, contact the Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District Water Team via email at watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca, visit the Muskoka GeoHub, or find additional resource on the Township website.