Further to the unseasonably warm temperatures last week runoff increased to local lakes and rivers, Muskoka Lakes remains under a Flood Warning as declared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on April 14.
Although water levels in communities in upstream locations have peaked and begun receding, water levels on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau Lake Joseph and the Moon River continue to rise and are expected to do so throughout the week. Lower-lying areas susceptible to flooding will continue to be impacted as lake/river levels continue to rise. It is anticipated that water levels within the Township’s lakes and rivers will stabilize later this week.
Property owners should be aware that conditions are changing rapidly, and are advised to take precautions to protect their property. The Township continues to recommend that items close to the water’s edge and in the lower levels of boat houses be secured in order to prevent damage. It is further recommended that you disconnect boathouses from the electrical supply and weigh down docks that may be susceptible to floating away.
Free sand and sand bags continue to be available at Hanna Park in Port Carling and the Bala Sports Park in Bala.
Washouts are possible on roads, the Township is continuing to monitor local roadways and municipally owned infrastructure however, please exercise extreme caution when driving in changing weather conditions and obey all on-road signage and barriers.
It is important to keep in mind that saturated areas adjacent to still and moving water can be unstable and/or slippery especially during the spring. The public is asked to please stay away from riverbanks and flowing water, and watch children and pets around these areas.
Residents should be prepared for an emergency by creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit and download the Voyent Alert! app to receive location-based updates should water become a concern.
Should you have concerns about water levels, please reach out to the Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry’s Water Management Team at 705-645-8747 or email watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.