Flooding conditions throughout the Town are improving at varying rates as the water moves its way out of the watershed. The North Branch Muskoka River is returning to normal spring conditions; South Branch Muskoka River water levels and flow continue to be high however are improving; Lake Muskoka levels are receding and expected to continue to recede over the coming days.
The Town has partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to provide registration services for individuals in need of financial assistance with flood-related costs. Registration with the Canadian Red Cross will provide access to the Ontario Flood Appeal as well as local fundraising. To register please call the Canadian Red Cross toll free at 1-800-863-6582.
Organizations and individuals interested in making a financial donation to flood recovery efforts can do so in person at the Town of Bracebridge Offices at 1000 Taylor Court during regular business hours or online on the Town of Bracebridge website. Donors will receive a tax receipt for their contribution. Donations made through the Town of Bracebridge will ensure that all funds remain local and are distributed to those households impacted in Bracebridge.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program to assist Bracebridge residents with basic cost recovery for specific flood-related expenses. More information for this program can be found on the DRAO website and the Town of Bracebridge Disaster Recovery Assistance page.
To assist Bracebridge property owners with clean-up resulting from the 2019 flood emergency, the Town will be issuing one (1) Waste Disposal Voucher per property to provide no-charge disposal of flood-damaged waste at the Rosewarne Transfer Station during operating hours. The voucher is valid to dispose of up to one (1) half-ton and single-axle trailer load (or equivalent) of flood-related debris. For more information please see the Town’s 2019 Flood webpage. Filled sandbags can be dropped off at the Rosewarne Transfer Station during operating hours, at no cost – no voucher required(note: sandbags are not recyclable).
Staff in the Building Services Branch will be inspecting properties that have been affected by flooding by request. Please contact 705-645-6319 ext. 236 and leave a message with your property address, nature of your issue (septic or structure) and when someone would be available on site to meet staff once the water has receded.
Individuals whose property was impacted by flooding resulting in their hydro service being shut off are reminded to contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) at 1-877-372-7233 or a qualified electrician to arrange an inspection to ensure that service can be restored.
The Canadian Armed Forces Reservists assisted over the weekend with debris removal from the areas surrounding Town infrastructure. As of this morning, troops and equipment have departed Bracebridge and have been re-deployed to assist in other active flooding areas across the Province.
The Interim Order issued by Transport Canada respecting navigation restrictions remains in place prohibiting navigation in the following waterways; Lake Muskoka; the North and South Branch Muskoka River; and the Moon River. If any individual must use a waterway to access a property, they are urged to navigate safely and as slow as possible. For more information please read the full News Release from Transport Canada. The OPP Marine Unit will continue patrolling waterways to ensure compliance with this Interim Order.
Beaumont Drive remains open to local traffic only; Santa’s Village Road remains closed in the area of Leslie Drive, and Fraserburg Road remains closed. For more information on District of Muskoka road conditions, please click on this link: District Road Closures and Delays.
Town Public Works staff continues to monitor the status of closed roads and will re-open roads as conditions improve. The public is reminded it is illegal to travel on roadways marked as closed. The integrity of closed roads cannot be guaranteed and may pose a hazard. For more information on road conditions, please click on this link: Road Status Update.
The Drinking Water Advisory issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for the affected areas remains in place. Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not potable. Municipal water sources are not affected by this advisory. A complete list of Municipal water sources available through the District of Muskoka is available by following this link:Â Public Water Taps/Source Locations.