This seasonal transition prompts a reminder of the importance of properly managing waste at home and making a conscious effort to reduce what we produce. Participating in diversion programs and reusing, recycling, and disposing of materials the right way are responsibilities we all share.

Weekly Garbage Collection and Seasonal Routes

Starting the week of May 6, 2024, weekly garbage collection resumes and prompts travel on summer collection routes. Residents can find curbside schedules, curbside limits and get updates on collection on our website at www.muskokawaste.ca. District crews and waste collection partners will monitor seasonal road conditions, given the unusual weather patterns experienced this year.

Leaf and Yard Waste 

Residents are reminded curbside leaf and yard waste collection for urban area households is scheduled during the weeks of May 13 and May 27, 2024. We process it to create nutrient-rich compost to give it back to residents and prevent it from going to waste.

• Only use paper yard waste bags or containers that can be dumped and left behind
• Collection will occur during the week – not necessarily on your regular collection day
• If you live outside of the urban area, residential leaf and yard waste can be delivered to a Transfer Station at no charge

Clean Muskoka Together

With spring revealing litter on the ground in our communities, now is the perfect time to participate in our year-round Clean Muskoka Together program. Register online for a helpful clean-up kit with gloves and specially marked bags so you can take them to a Transfer Station and skip the disposal fees.

Find your weekly collection schedule, stay updated on changes, get alerts and reminders, and use our Waste Wizard tool to determine the best disposal methods to keep items out of your garbage bag. Download our waste management app or visit our website at www.muskokawaste.ca for more information.

The post Spring Brings Renewed Focus On Waste Management In Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

Team Up to Clean Up aims to foster community spirit, promote environmental
stewardship, and beautify our beloved Huntsville. Residents are encouraged to mark
their calendars and join us at Huntsville High School at 10 a.m. where volunteers will be
organized and assigned areas within the community to clean.

With the collective efforts of Rotary People of Action Huntsville, the Rotary Club of
Huntsville, and the Rotary Club of North Muskoka, this event promises to make a
significant difference in our local environment. By collaborating, we can make a greater
impact and inspire others to take action towards maintaining a clean and sustainable
community.

“We believe that a clean environment is essential for the well-being and prosperity of
our community,” said Jennifer Jerrett, President, Rotary People of Action Huntsville. “By
coming together as a community, we can tackle litter and beautification projects that will
benefit us all.”

The organizers are also calling on the public to participate actively by suggesting
troubled areas in need of attention and cleaning. Community input will be invaluable in
identifying areas that may have been overlooked but could greatly benefit from a cleanup effort.

“This event is not only about cleaning up our community but also about empowering our
community to take pride in where we live,” said Len Ross, President of the Rotary Club
of Huntsville. “We encourage everyone to join us and make a positive difference in our
community.”

Lynn Doyle, President of the Rotary Club of North Muskoka, added, “As members of the
Rotary family, we understand the importance of service to our community. This clean-up
event presents a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, strengthen our bonds,
and make a lasting impact on the environment.”

Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations are all invited to participate in this
community-wide effort. By working together, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more
beautiful Huntsville for all to enjoy.

For more information about Team Up to Clean Up or to get involved, please contact
Rotary People of Action Huntsville at rotarypeopleofactionhuntsville@gmail.com.

The post Community-Wide Spring Clean-Up In Huntsville On May 5th appeared first on Muskoka411.

Commissioned by FIRST ONSITE, the Weather and Property Survey explores Canada’s top disaster fears (including climate change, spring flooding, wildfires, landslides, etc.) It also asks about threats and concerns for property during severe weather events.

“We conduct this survey every year to get a benchmark of Canadian attitudes, weather worries, and concerns that business and homeowners have for their properties,” said Jim Mandeville, SVP, First Onsite Property Restoration. “People are aware that storms aren’t acting like they used to, and we are seeing an increase in all types of property damage from weather events.”

Climate change concerns
Three quarters of respondents (73%) are worried about climate change and its effects on extreme weather and disasters. This concern was highest in Quebec (79%), British Columbia (77%) and Ontario (75%) and the lowest in Atlantic Canada (67%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (66%) and Alberta (60%).

Wildfires and smoke
Not surprisingly, regional wildfire concerns were highest in British Columbia (82%) and Alberta (76%). Both provinces also led the way in terms of wildfire smoke fears. Also included in the smoky mix, Quebec (66%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (66%), Ontario (60%) and Atlantic Canada (50%) expressed concerns over wildfire smoke.

Canada’s emergency preparedness minister recently warned that this year’s wildfire season will be worse than last year’s record-breaking season. In 2023, Canadian fires burned 185,000 square kilometres; that is more than double the previous record set in 1989 of 75,596 square kilometres, according to the National Forestry Database. Wildfire smoke blanketed North American cities all summer, making worldwide news as well.

Spring rains and flooding
Six-in-10 Canadians expressed fears of severe rains and flooding (60%), with British Columbia (67%) and Quebec (66%) leading the way. This makes sense considering B.C.’s history of severe flooding events, including the Pacific Northwest Floods of November 2021 and Québec’s record wet July of 2023. Flooding concern was next highest in Ontario (60%) and Atlantic Canada (59%) and lowest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (47%) and Alberta (43%).

See the table below for results of Canada’s top disaster and severe weather fears.

Property threats
Drilling down, the survey also asked people what they felt were the top threats to their property during disasters or severe weather events. Six-in-10 Canadians responded, “I am concerned about the risk of mould after a flooding event.” Meanwhile, eight-in-10 Canadians (79%) were worried about personal or family safety during weather-related disasters, a number that was high across the board in all provinces.

People were also anxious about the cost of major renovations (72%), their level of preparedness in the event of a disaster (64%) and whether their insurance is at the right level (60%).

See table below for Canadians’ top threats to property during severe weather events.

“The increased occurrence and intensity of catastrophic weather events is a constant driver for homeowners, businesses and communities to be more resilient and better prepared for potential threats,” said Mandeville. “With the right planning and resources in place, businesses and residents can be better prepared to respond to property emergencies.”

First Onsite has been on the frontlines of high-risk situations due to climate change, natural disasters, and weather-related events. The company is ready 24/7, 365 days per year to help Canadian residents and businesses protect their properties.

First Onsite also offers free commercial and residential preparedness guides including wildfire preparedness tips and spring flooding damage tips. Visit their website for more information at www.firstonsite.ca.

The post First Onsite Survey Explores Climate, Spring Melt, Flooding, Wildfires And Threats To Properties appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Bulletin is in effect for the district until Monday, March 18, 2024.

This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and City of Kawartha Lake within the Black, Burnt, Gull, Magnetawan and Muskoka River Watersheds.
Due to unseasonably warm weather and fast deteriorating ice conditions, MNRF advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is safe ice.
Runoff to local lakes and rivers are starting to rise with the arrival of the spring freshet.

The spring freshet is approximately 1 month earlier than normal.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may still be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels start to rise to their normal springtime highs.

With rain, warmer temperatures and melting snow, banks, and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.

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 and regularly check for updated messages.

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

Description of Weather System
The weather forecast is calling for daytime highs of -4°C to 11°C, and overnight lows are forecasted between -6°C and 5°C for the next 7 days. Forecasts are also anticipating that the area will receive 55-70mm of rain over the next 7 days.

Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are within their normal ranges for this time of year and rising with the onset of the freshet. River flows and lake levels are expected to increase over the next several weeks as runoff and precipitation move through the system.

Rainfall is anticipated to cause lake levels to rise, and river flows to increase. However, flooding is not expected at this time.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows,
melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers, and
swimmers but flooding is not expected.

• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the
potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high
winds, or other conditions.

• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and
municipalities.

• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and
municipalities.

The post Spring Freshet Is Approximately One Month Earlier Than Normal: MNRF Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

To answer this question, The Weather Network has issued their Spring Forecast for the months of March, April and May.

“El Niño is fading, and La Niña appears to be getting ready to take the stage as we head towards summer,” said Chris Scott, Chief Meteorologist with The Weather Network. “Therefore, we expect this spring will feature profound mood swings across Canada as periods of late winter-like weather interrupt our journey towards consistent warm weather. However, we expect that warmer-than-normal temperatures will outduel the cold weather for most Canadians this spring.”

Spring is a critical season for receiving adequate rain as the growing season begins. While we expect that March will bring its share of active and stormy weather, we are concerned that large parts of the country will turn rather dry before we head into summer.

Below is a more detailed look at the conditions expected across Canada this spring:

Ontario & Quebec – Spring weather started very early this year and that is a preview of what is to come as we expect warmer-than-normal temperatures will dominate the season. However, the mild spring will be moody at times with periods of colder-than-normal temperatures, a risk for significant late winter weather and even a threat for a late season frost. We are also concerned about the potential for increasingly dry conditions to develop during the second half of the season.

British Columbia – After a cooler and unsettled start to the season, pleasant spring weather is expected to dominate with warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier-than-normal conditions. Spring flooding is less of a concern this year with below normal snowpack in the alpine regions. However, this also means a shorter spring ski season and a risk for an early start to the wildfire season.

The Prairies – Warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected to dominate the season with a reduced risk for spring flooding due to a below-normal snowpack across the region. However, the temperature patterns are expected to be even more changeable than normal with periods of colder-than-normal temperatures and a few high-impact late winter events. Drought continues to be a concern for parts of the region and wildfires will be an increasing concern later in the season, especially for Alberta.

Atlantic Canada – Near-normal temperatures and precipitation totals are expected, but we also have a heightened risk for dramatic pattern changes and high-impact late winter storms. However, the periods of colder-than-normal temperatures should be offset by periods of warmer-than-normal weather. An active storm track is expected to continue through March and possibly into April before a drier pattern develops for the second half of the season.

Northern Canada – Warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected for most of the region, including the Yukon, much of the NWT and Baffin Island. Meanwhile, near-normal temperatures are expected for western parts of Nunavut. Near-normal temperatures are expected for most of the region.

Over the next few weeks, Canadians should pay close attention to the daily forecasts as weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Visit theweathernetwork.com or download The Weather Network App on iOS or Android for up-to-the minute forecasts.

Complete Spring Forecast details, including regional breakdowns, maps and charts are available on our seasonal page at theweathernetwork.com/spring.

For your daily forecasts visit theweathernetwork.com or download The Weather Network App available on iOS and Android and create an account for personalized and up-to-the minute forecasts

The post El Niño’s Final Stand; A Mild But Moody Spring Across Canada appeared first on Muskoka411.

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 and regularly check for updated
messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System
Runoff from significant rainfall that the area received on April 28 through May 2, 2023, has decreased over the past several days.
Weather forecasts call for seasonal to above seasonal temperatures with minimal rainfall over the next 14–days.

Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are generally within their normal ranges with the exception of a few locations within the Muskoka River watershed where water levels remain higher than normal for this time of year. Where water levels are currently higher than normal it is anticipated they will decline over the next several days.

The watersheds are cascading systems – each waterbody feeds into the next downstream.

Runoff from rain and snowmelt cascades and compounds through the entire system affecting water levels in each waterbody. It will take a number of days for the remaining high flows to work its way through the entire systems. Downstream water bodies may
experience a delay in the full impact of the upstream inputs.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.

• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

The post Water Levels And River Flows Remain Higher Than Normal This Time Of Year appeared first on Muskoka411.

“We are monitoring rising water levels across the communities we serve and are ready to support our customers so they can stay safe and protect their homes,” said Teri French, Executive Vice President, Operations and Customer Experience, Hydro One. “We care deeply about our communities and recognize the devastating affect flooding can have on our lives. We will always be there for our customers during challenging times.”

Hydro One encourages residents to keep water away from their home by removing debris from gutters, eavestroughs and downspouts. Residents should also inspect the foundation of their home for any cracks that may need to be repaired. If you have a sump pump, maintain it regularly so it’s ready if you need it and consider a backup power source, such as a battery or generator.

If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, residents should call their electricity utility to have power safely turned off. Residents should not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.

It is critical to ensure you and your family are prepared in case of an emergency or extended power outage. Your emergency kit should include enough food and water for all family members, a first aid kit and any necessary medical items, emergency numbers, blankets, cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights along with extra batteries.

Hydro One customers are asked to call its customer care team at 1-800-434-1235 who can help them through this process. To support customers, Hydro One automatically waives all connection fees along with delivery fees when power is disconnected due to flooding.

Visit Hydro One’s website for more emergency preparedness and flood safety tips.

The post Hydro One Urges Ontarians In Flood Prone Areas To Safeguard Their Homes appeared first on Muskoka411.

Last year marked a particularly tragic riding season and the highest number of motorcyclist deaths since 2017, with 44 riders losing their lives in collisions.

Failing to yield right of way, excessive speed and inattentive driving are among the leading contributing factors in OPP-investigated motorcyclist fatalities over the past 10 years. The data speaks to poor and careless behaviours on the part of riders and other drivers, with motorcyclists at fault in 61 per cent of the fatalities, and drivers of other vehicles at fault in 39 per cent of the deaths.

With Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month underway in May, the OPP is reminding motorcyclists and other motorists to be responsible, defensive, attentive, and alcohol/drug-free drivers throughout the riding season. Motorcyclists are reminded to wear bright, protective equipment and clothing to increase their visibility to other motorists. Every driver doing their part will help ensure Ontario citizens and visitors have the safe, enjoyable summer that awaits them!

Promoting motorcycle safety through public education and enforcement forms part of the OPP’s commitment to saving lives on Ontario roads, waterways and trails.

DID YOU KNOW?

 Even the smallest momentary lapse in a motor vehicle driver’s awareness can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist.

 Riders between 45-64 years of age account for 51 per cent of the motorcyclist fatalities in the past 10 years.

Over the past 10 years, 38 per cent of OPP-investigated motorcyclist fatalities have occurred on provincial highways.

The post Drivers And Motorcyclists: Please Watch Out For Each Other appeared first on Muskoka411.

Sandbag Disposal
As flood waters start to recede and clean up begins, please ensure to properly dispose of sandbags.

• Wear personal protection equipment such as gloves, boots and eye wear to reduce your risk of exposure to bacteria, chemicals or other hazards that could be present on or in used sandbags;
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contacting floodwaters or handling debris or used sandbags;
• Due to the potential of contamination, do not re-use the sand in playgrounds, sandboxes or around your property;
• Do not dispose of sandbag in lakes, rivers, wetlands, floodplains, parks or other environmentally sensitive or protected areas.

Sandbags and any other flood debris can be disposed of at the Rosewarne Transfer Station at 1062 Rosewarne Drive. For more information on acceptable waste and fees, visit https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/drop-off-locations-and-landfill.aspx

Road Safety
Public Works crews continue to monitor local roadways and municipally owned infrastructure. Due to changing conditions, road closures and cautions have been implemented.

Current road closures:

• Cridiford Road from 1165 Cridiford to the end

For more information on road closures and cautions in Bracebridge, visit:

• Road Status Update – Flooding;
• Town of Bracebridge road closures; and
• District Municipality of Muskoka road closures.

Safety First
Residents who have experienced flooding should remain cautious when entering their home and assessing the damage. If there is water in your basement and it’s above the electrical outlets or baseboard heaters, DO NOT enter. Call your utility provider immediately for them to disconnect power to your home.

• Lakeland Power, (705) 789-5442
• Hydro One, 1-888-664-9376

Flood waters can by contaminated with bacteria and chemicals. If private wells are affected by flooding, residents are advised to stop using them immediately and use an alternative water supply such as commercially bottled water for ALL water use. This includes for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food including baby food and infant formula, cleaning, bathing, and hand washing.

Water Testing Kits are available at the Gravenhurst Office of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 5 Pineridge Gate. Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for more information on drinking water safety and flooding.

There continues to be a significant amount of debris in the waterways. Boaters are advised to use extreme caution and to be mindful of wakes that may affect flooded properties.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit bracebridge.ca/emergencypreparedness.

The post Flood Warning Update And Recovery In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

Updates as of April 25, 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.  Well water sample kits and resources are available at Huntsville Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) office at 34 Chaffey Street, for pick up and drop off.

• Resident properties that have experienced flooding are reminded to use extreme caution when re-entering their home and assess their property structure to ensure it is structurally safe. Any submersed electrical panels should be reviewed by a qualified electrician. Learn more about what to look for in your home after a flood.
• Old North Road is open and there are currently no other posted road closures due to flooding. Any immediate repair work to roads have been completed and debris cleanup will begin over the next few days. Please continue to obey all posted signage and drive according to road conditions.
• 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.

The Town of Huntsville Emergency Control Group and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Officials will continue to monitor conditions daily and provide updates and resources as required.  The community is asked to follow Huntsville.ca for more information.

The post Residents Can Drop Off Used Sandbags In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.