Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney has issued an update on the flooding in the Bracebridge area.
Maloney calls the situation is tenuous.
“In the last 24 hours, the river has probably gone up an inch and a half or two inches. We’re seeing flood prone areas start to have water going over them. We still have one road closure, which is Thompson Road,” says Maloney in his latest update.
Maloney says they believe there’s more water to come down through the weather system and into Bracebridge, but on the positive side, the colder weather in the forecast should slow things down.
“We’re far from 2019 levels at this point, although the flood-prone areas are seeing that and may have a different perspective,” shares Maloney. “We’re continuing to watch any trends that would suggest otherwise, but right now, things appear to be manageable.”
The Mayor says as a cautionary note is that can change at any time.
Maloney encourages everyone to continue to be diligent around the water, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department says it’s monitoring the situation in Bala and the Moon River.
The department is using drones to conduct surveillance.
Meanwhile the flood warning continues in Huntsville.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says it will be in effect until April 22.
The Town of Huntsville says 15-20mm of rain is in the forecast for Saturday, and many areas are experiencing flooding.
They’re advising residents to take caution when travelling, to stay clear of flooded areas and obey all signage.
“The Town is strongly advising property owners and businesses in flood-prone and low-lying areas throughout Huntsville, especially in the downtown core, and in Port Sydney to take precautionary measures to protect and secure their property in anticipation of additional forecasted rainfall that will flow through the water system this weekend,” reads the Town’s latest update.
Officials say properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not safe to drink, and parents and guardians are advised to remind children to stay clear of open water, creeks and rivers.
Sandbag materials
The Town continues to replenish sand and sandbag materials. These are available 24/7 for residents to fill at the following locations (please bring your own shovel):
- Active Living Centre – Upper parking lot, 20 Park Drive, Huntsville
- Port Sydney Fire Department – 387 S Mary Lake Road, Port Sydney
Parks and Trails Closures:
Please obey posted signage, fencing and barricades placed at parks and on trails affected by flooding and high water.
The following locations are closed:
- Town Dock Park
- Hunter’s Bay Trail
- Indian landing
- Avery Beach
- Goodwin Park
- Brunel Locks
- Riverview Park
- Rowe Dock
- Buck Lake
- Hutcheson Beach
Road closures:
- Cann Street
- Old North Road from civic address 137 to Fowlers Road
- Silver Sands Road at civic address 58
- Dyer Memorial Road
Road cautions (water on road):
- South Drive
- Harp Lake Road at Ena Drive
- Old Muskoka Road
- Sam English Road
- Whitehouse Road
- Rockhaven Road
- Glen Acres Road
- Stephenson Road 12 West
