As a result of continuing rising water levels in various area municipalities within the District Municipality of Muskoka, District Chair John Klinck has declared a State of Emergency.
The District has activated its Emergency Plan and its Emergency Control Group (ECG) and is monitoring the situation closely.
Note that the impact of flooding varies significantly across the Area Municipalities that make up the District. At present, three of six area municipalities have declared a state of emergency including: the Town of Bracebridge; Town of Huntsville; and the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The District is in regular contact with all Area Municipalities and continues to actively support flood relief efforts in Muskoka.
“The main focus of our Emergency Control Group is to continue to provide support to the efforts of area municipalities impacted and to ensure that resources are in place to support both relief and recovery efforts in all of our area municipalities during and after this historic flooding event,” said Chair Klinck.
A flood warning is in still in effect for the District.
Important Messages:
- WATER SAFETY: Water levels continue to rise in many areas of the District. Please stay clear of waterways and flooded areas and remind children of the dangers related to open waters, creeks and rivers
- DO NOT TRAVEL ON CLOSED ROADS: Roadways marked as closed are not to be passed as the integrity and safety of the road cannot be guaranteed and may pose a hazard. If you are a resident living on a closed road, please contact 211 for evacuation support or 911 in an emergency. Reminder: It is illegal to travel through a closed road which the District has determined to be unsafe
- DRINKING WATER: The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has issued a Drinking Water Advisory for some of the affected areas. Municipal water sources are not affected by this advisory. Residents who live on properties located in flooded areas with well water should assume the water is not potable. Please see this map for locations where you can access safe drinking water from District Potable Water Tap Stations
- SEASONAL RESIDENTS: Seasonal residents wishing to check on their properties are encouraged to wait until the flooding emergency has ended to visit their property.
- BE PREPARED: Residents are encouraged to have supplies, including food and water, to support all members of their household for at least 72 hours
- STAY CONNECTED: Please monitor local media outlets, the MNRF and area municipal websites and social media feeds for updates. For more information please visit www.muskoka.on.ca or follow the District on Facebook, Twitter, or our Newsfeed. Learn more About the District and What We Do
- LOOKING TO HELP? Additional information on how the community can support recovery efforts after this emergency will be provided at a later date. You can also contact your Area Municipality for more information about local volunteer opportunities
Keep in mind it is illegal to travel through a closed road which the District has determined to be unsafe.