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HomeNewsMuskoka Lakes flood update: Moon River has stabilized

Muskoka Lakes flood update: Moon River has stabilized

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is advising residents that water levels over the past 24 hours have raised approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) on Lake Muskoka, 5 cm (2 inches) on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, and have stabilized on the Moon River.

Mortimer’s Point Road from #1194 to #1245 fully closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This road closure will remain in effect until further notice.

Any resident in need of sand bag support, please call the township office at 705-765-3156 for assistance.

Navigation restrictions have been issued by Transport Canada for Lake Muskoka, Moon River, and North and South Muskoka River. Navigation by non-emergency vessels is strictly prohibited. Individuals who can only access their property by boat are exempted from the Interim Order and other restrictions for the purpose of going to and from their property. Property managers and contractors are exempted from the Interim Order for the purpose of going to and from property on behalf of property owners. If citizens must use a waterway to access a property, they are urged to navigate at as slow a speed as possible.

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In addition to marine patrols in these areas by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Bracebridge and Huntsville Detachments, members from the OPP Central Region SAVE (Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement) Team will be assisting in monitoring the area. Failing to abide by this order could result in fines of up to $5000.

To read the full News Release from Transport Canada, click here.

Township officials are currently working with the Province of Ontario on Disaster Recovery Assistance for residents of Muskoka Lakes. If activated by the province, the Disaster Recovery Program helps cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property for individuals (primary residence), small owner-operated businesses and farms, and not-for-profit organizations. Residents are encouraged to contact your insurance provider to determine level of coverage. It is best practice to photograph all damage throughout the emergency, and record/keep all receipts related to damage and clean up.

  • The District of Muskoka has closed the Port Carling Locks until further notice.
  • In Bala, River Street from Muskoka Road #169 to Maple Avenue is fully closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This road closure will remain in effect until further notice.
  • Individuals displaced by flooding that require assistance with emergency accommodation can contact the Red Cross Personal Support Assistance Number at 705-715-8138.
  • There are a number of associated road closures with this announcement and for a complete list please visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes 2019 Flood Information Page.
  • 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.
  • Seasonal residents wishing to check on their properties are encouraged to wait until the flooding emergency has ended to visit their property. Seasonal roads and access to those roads may be compromised by flooding, and our goal is to ensure the safety of all residents both permanent and seasonal.
  • The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a Drinking Water Advisory for the District of Muskoka. Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well or lake/river water should assume the water is not potable. Municipal water sources are not affected.
  • Water filling stations can be accessed at the Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Avenue) and the Township Municipal Office (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling).

Sand bags are to be used to protect homes and accommodations only. The Township has made sand, sandbags and shovels available at the Glen Orchard Yard (3951 Muskoka Road 169), Patterson Yard (1078 Raymond Road), Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Road 169), and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St) on a fill your own basis.

Township staff will continue to communicate all information by means of media releases to radio stations and local newspapers, social media and municipal website.

For more information on flooding, visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes 2019 Flood Information page on the Township website.

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