Following significant flooding experienced across the region in April, the Province of Ontario is working to assess flood-related damage to private properties. As part of this process, the Town is helping identify a representative sample of impacted properties for review.

DRAO is a Provincial program that can help residents recover costs after a natural disaster. The program may be activated for damage to private property if there’s a sudden, unexpected natural event, such as a flood.

Property criteria for consideration include:

• Primary residences (cottages and seasonal properties are not eligible)
• Properties with damage caused by river or creek overflow or overland flooding
• Damage to essential components such as furnaces, hot water tanks or structural elements
• Owner consent to participate in a site visit and discuss damages and insurance coverage

The Province is looking to assess a limited number of properties as part of the review process. Inclusion in the representative sample does not guarantee eligibility or activation of the DRAO program.

Residents willing to have their property considered are asked to contact fire@bracebridge.ca or contact Mike Peake, Deputy Fire Chief by calling 705-645-8258 x. 3402 by Monday, June 8. Site visits will be scheduled in coordination with the property owners after that date.

DRAO has not yet been activated for Bracebridge. To learn more about the program, eligibility, or to request activation, contact 1-877-822-0116 or DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca.

The post Bracebridge Seeking Flood-Impacted Properties For Provincial Disaster Recovery Review appeared first on Muskoka411.

• Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Pickerel River
• Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect for the Severn River,
including Sparrow Lake

These messages will remain in effect until Friday May 29, 2026 at 11:59pm
This message applies to the areas identified above within the MNR Bracebridge–Minden
Parry Sound District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka,
and County of Haliburton.

Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent
high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety
features.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease
in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many may have been damaged by seasonal conditions, including washouts. These roads
may be impassable.

Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents and visitors are reminded to keep a close watch on weather
conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers
and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 13°C to 24°C and overnight lows
between 8°C and 13°C with up to 25 mm of rainfall.
Some areas remain vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.
Description of Current Conditions

It is anticipated that water levels on the Severn River, French River, and portions of the
Pickerel River will remain elevated. In some locations, levels are comparable to those
observed in 2019 and may result in localized effects.

Water levels and river flows in many locations are continuing to trend toward more normal
conditions, though some areas remain elevated.

The post High Water Levels May Have Affected Safety Booms, Signage, Barriers: MNR Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

• Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Pickerel River
• Flood Watch is in effect for the Severn River, including Sparrow Lake

These messages will remain in effect until Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59pm

This message applies to portions of the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound District,
including portions of the District of Parry Sound, and District of Muskoka, including the
French, Pickerel, Severn watersheds.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease
in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many may have been damaged by seasonal conditions, including washouts. These roads
may be impassable.

Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions,
regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and
streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 12°C to 20°C and overnight lows
between 4°C and 12°C with up to 20 mm of rainfall.

Some areas remain vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.

It is anticipated that water levels on the Severn River, French River and portions of the
Pickerel River will remain elevated.

Several areas are still experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations,
levels are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure
impacts and flooding.

Water levels and river flows in many locations are continuing to trend toward more normal
conditions, though some areas remain elevated.

The post Water Levels On Severn River, French River And Portions Of Pickerel River Will Remain Elevated, MNR Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

This message applies district‑wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds.

The locations of greatest concern at this time, due to ongoing high water impacts, include:
• Lake Muskoka
• Lake Rosseau & Lake Joseph
• Moon River including Bala Reach
• Gull River watershed including community of Minden
• French River & Pickerel River

Several areas are experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, levels
are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure
impacts and flooding.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to stabilize
over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.

Municipalities hold primary responsibility for emergency response to flood events, including
protecting residents and property, undertaking first response actions, and coordinating
recovery.

Go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods and your local municipality for more information.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be
impassable.

Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions,
regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and
streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 5°C to 11°C and overnight lows
between -2°C and 6°C with up to 30 mm of rainfall.
Some areas remain vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.

River levels and flows within areas of the district remain elevated and are expected to
persist across many locations.
Although water levels on several lakes have declined toward more normal operating
ranges, some lakes remain well above normal levels.
Remaining snowpack is limited and is expected to have minimal impact on runoff.

The post MNR Adds More Locations And Extends Flood Warning Until Wednesday May 6th appeared first on Muskoka411.

This message applies district‑wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds.

MNR advises municipalities and residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes
and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.
Several areas are experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, levels
are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure
impacts and flooding.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to start to stabilize in
some areas over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.
Municipalities hold primary responsibility for emergency response to flood events, including
protecting residents and property, undertaking first response actions, and coordinating
recovery.

Go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods and your local municipality for more information.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
runoff enters local watercourses.

MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. Most lakes within the area are ice-free or have limited ice cover remaining.
Increased water levels and temperatures may erode the ice and create floating ice hazards
that could damage waterfront infrastructure.

MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be
impassable due to current water levels.

Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions,
regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and
streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Generally dry and warm conditions are expected over the next seven days, which may limit
additional runoff.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 12°C to 17°C and overnight lows
between 1°C and 7°C with up to 10 mm of rainfall.

River levels and flows within the district remain elevated and are expected to persist across
most locations.

Lake water levels in several areas are near or have exceeded the upper limits of the
Normal Operating Zone (NOZ) and are now in the High-Water Zone.
Remaining snowpack is limited and is expected to have minimal impact on runoff.

The post In Some Locations, Water Levels Are Comparable To Those In 2019, MNR Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

Drinking water safety for private wells

• Private wells are at higher risk of contamination during floods, and any well can become unsafe. A prolonged power outage can cause your well pump and any treatment devices to stop working.

• If flood water reaches or covers your well head, assume the water is not safe to drink.
• Follow all drinking water advisories and only use safe water sources until your well has been properly tested and confirmed safe.

• If you experience a power outage, once the power is restored, flush the lines, by letting the water for five minutes and check treatment devices (i.e., UV lights) to ensure everything is running properly.
• Test your water. Private well owners can test their water free of charge. Sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at many of our health unit offices.

• Until the safety of your drinking water is confirmed through testing, use commercially bottled water.
• If bottled water is unavailable, boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.

Use only safe drinking water for:

• Making ice, juice, coffee, tea, and infant formula (ready-to-serve infant formula is safest if water safety is a concern).
• Cooking and washing fruits and vegetables.
• Brushing teeth and washing hands.
• Dishwashing (for extra safety, add a capful of bleach to a sink full of clear water for rinsing dishes).

Municipal drinking water is safe, treated and continuously monitored, even during power outages or flooding, and you will be notified right away if there is ever a concern with water quality.

Food safety

Flood water can carry silt, sewage, oil and chemicals, which can make food and water unsafe. Any food that touches contaminated flood water should be thrown out. Even packages that look dry may be unsafe if water has soaked in. Loss of power can also cause refrigerated and frozen foods to spoil. All food should be checked carefully before using it.

• Perishable foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fish, and eggs must be thrown out if stored above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow quickly.
• A full chest freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without power; a half-full freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.
• If food has thawed, it should be thrown out.
• Remember: If in doubt, throw it out.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit smdhu.org or call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The post Health Unit Reminds Public To Take Steps To Keep Food And Drinking Water Safe During Floods  appeared first on Muskoka411.

This message applies district‑wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds. Locations of particular concern due to the potential for heightened impacts
include:
• Gull River in the Town of Minden
• Moon River including the Bala Reach
• Lake Muskoka

MNR advises municipalities and residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes
and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.
With precipitation and continued warm temperatures in the forecast, some areas may
experience elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, this could approach levels
observed in 2019 and may result in localized road washouts, infrastructure damage, and
flooding.

Residents and visitors should expect lake water levels to continue to rise and river flows to
remain high throughout this week and into late next week.
Municipalities hold primary responsibility for emergency response to flood events, including
protecting residents and property, undertaking first response actions, and coordinating
recovery.

Go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods and your local municipality for more information.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as
runoff from rainfall and melting snow enters watercourses.

MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. Some lakes within the area are still covered in ice. Increased water levels and
precipitation may erode the ice and create floating ice hazards that could damage
waterfront infrastructure. Anyone planning to venture onto the ice should check the ice
conditions often, plan ahead, and be prepared for an emergency.

MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be
impassable due to current water levels.

Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions,
regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and
streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 2°C to 21°C and overnight lows
between -5°C and 10°C with up to 20 mm of rainfall.

River levels and flows within the district remain elevated – particularly in the Gull and Moon
Rivers.

Lake water levels in several areas are approaching or have exceeded the upper limits of
their normal operating ranges and are expected to continue rising including Lake Muskoka.
Additional precipitation and warmer temperatures are forecasted.
Snowpack remains present and represents an ongoing source of runoff.

The post Flooding Could Reach 2019 Levels. MNR Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

This message applies district‑wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds. Locations of particular concern due to the potential for heightened impacts
include:

• Gull River in the Town of Minden
• Moon River including the Bala Reach

Residents and visitors should expect lake water levels to continue to rise and river flows to
remain high throughout the week of April 13-17 and into the weekend of April 18-19.
Runoff into local lakes and rivers is expected to increase due to recent rainfall, with
additional forecasted precipitation and warming temperatures contributing to higher lake
water levels and river flows.

MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. Some lakes within the area are still covered in ice. Increased water levels and
precipitation may erode the ice and create floating ice hazards that could damage
waterfront infrastructure. Anyone planning to venture onto the ice should check the ice
conditions often, plan ahead, and be prepared for an emergency.

MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as
many are seasonally inundated with water, prone to washouts, and may be impassible due
to current water levels.

Higher than normal water flow conditions are occurring throughout the area due to recent
rainfall and snowmelt. Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create
hazardous conditions around all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close
watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near
fast-moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as
runoff from rainfall and melting snow enter watercourses.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 3°C to 20°C and overnight lows
between -4°C and 10°C with up to 65 mm of rainfall.

River levels and flows within the district remain elevated – particularly in the Gull and Moon
River.

Lake water levels in several areas are approaching the upper limits of their normal
operating ranges and are expected to continue rising.

Additional precipitation and warmer temperatures are forecasted. Snowpack remains present and represents an ongoing source of runoff.

The post UPDATED: Flood Warning Is In Effect In The District Until Wednesday, April 22 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The post Flood Warning is In Effect In The District Until Wednesday, April 22 appeared first on Muskoka411.

This message will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District
for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of Haliburton,
within the Severn, Boyne, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, Magnetawan and Muskoka River
Watersheds.

Runoff into local lakes and rivers is anticipated to increase with forecasted rainfall and
warmer temperatures resulting in elevated lake water levels and river flows.
MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. Anyone planning to venture onto the ice should check the ice conditions often,
plan ahead, and be prepared for an emergency.

Higher than normal water flow conditions are occurring throughout the area due to recent
rainfall and snowmelt. Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create
hazardous conditions around all water bodies. Residents are reminded to keep a close
watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near
fast-moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as
runoff from rainfall and melting snow enter watercourses.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 4°C to 20°C and overnight lows
between -4°C and 10°C with up to 90 mm of rainfall.

River flows in many areas of the district remain elevated. Lake water levels in most areas of the district are within normal operating ranges, although lake water levels increased
following last week’s precipitation.

Additional precipitation and warmer temperatures are forecasted.
Snow conditions across the district remain near normal for this time of year.

The post Flood Watch Is In Effect In The District Until Friday, April 17th appeared first on Muskoka411.