Local residents have launched a “Stop the Floods” campaign over new District flooding restrictions.
Tom Wright, spokesperson for the campaign, said it aims to challenge Official Plan Amendment 61 (OPA 61), which is part of the Muskoka Official Plan’s comprehensive five-year update, before the amendment is approved and adopted.
The amendment includes updates to guide future land use, growth, development and environmental protection across the district, as well as new floodplain mapping and policies.
According to a staff report presented to the District on Nov. 20, with updated mapping and policies, the District aims to promote healthier ecosystems, protect wetlands, wildlife corridors and biodiversity, reduce flood risks, and ensure development occurs safely and responsibly.
District officials said the new policies will introduce additional floodproofing measures to reduce the likelihood and severity of flood damage, protect human health and safety, and direct future development away from hazardous areas, helping protect public safety and critical infrastructure.
The policies, according to Wright, would designate floodplains nearly four feet above normal summer water levels, bypass the community through a flawed and non-consultative process, and limit residents’ ability to repair and insure their properties.
He said that, if approved, the updates could result in more waterfront properties being classified as flood-risk areas, jeopardize boathouses and docks, restrict shoreline access, and threaten the long-term use of family cottages.
“This amendment, in short, will normalize flooding, and it’s sort of like treating the symptoms and not the cause,” said Wright.
He said the updates are part of a “disturbing trend” that has been happening since 2006, when the district adopted the Muskoka River Watershed Management Plan.
The Muskoka River Water Management Plan is a legally enforceable strategy outlining how the 42 dams in the watershed operate to manage the flow and water levels in the Muskoka River with a focus on maintaining water levels for navigation, fish and wildlife, and hydropower generation.
“Basically, 20 years ago, flooding in Muskoka has increased significantly in its frequency and severity,” he said. “There have been approximately nine major floods in the last 20 years.”
Wright said the proposed amendment would also allow the District to continue imposing permanent planning restrictions before the causes of flooding have been fully identified.
“What we’re trying to do is… make sure that the District’s vote to adopt OPA 61 is defeated,” he said “All we’re doing is we’re calling for a more research-based approach that focuses on independent review, transparency and long-term solutions.”
Wright said the campaign will issue a petition calling on the District not to adopt OPA 61 before Sept. 24, when council is scheduled to approve the amendment.
He encouraged residents to register on the campaign’s website, sign the petition and contact District councillors to share their thoughts and concerns.
