The Town of Gravenhurst is calling on the province to take immediate action on flood-related initiatives in the area.
It comes after Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz presented a report at the Aug. 11 council meeting outlining the need for provincial assistance following the flooding experienced during the 2026 spring freshet.
According to the report, the freshet caused extensive damage to municipal infrastructure, private properties, local businesses, roads, and the natural environment, while also affecting residents’ well-being.
The report also states many residents experienced severe financial hardship, property damage, displacement, loss of access, and ongoing uncertainty associated with elevated water levels and flooding conditions.
Lorenz said following the event, municipalities across the Muskoka River Watershed have continued to raise concerns about increasing flood frequency, changing climate conditions, watershed management practices and the need for coordinated and transparent flood mitigation planning.
Additionally, Lorenz said those affected by the flooding continue to seek greater transparency, accountability, and public engagement regarding water management decisions and operational considerations leading up to and during flood events.
CAO Scott Lucas said the province invested more than $4 million in 2021 to support 13 projects to analyze existing conditions within the Muskoka River Watershed, identify opportunities to reduce flooding impacts, and improve the overall health of the watershed.
However, he said many residents and municipalities remain concerned that the findings have not translated into meaningful action or tangible flood mitigation measures.
“You invested heavily in doing that analysis. Now we’d like you to put the money up to actually achieve the things that are recommended in all of these studies,” he said. “Put your money where your mouth is as far as implementing these studies, which are not cheap or simple.”
Following a lengthy discussion, council approved a motion asking the province to reaffirm its commitment to supporting municipalities affected by flooding and to hold one or more public information sessions in impacted communities.
The motion also calls for the activation of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) and Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) programs for all affected communities and for the review and approval process to be expedited to ensure timely access to financial assistance.
