Submitted by the District of Muskoka
The District Municipality of Muskoka (the District) and the Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) would like to remind residents that while spring brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions, including heavy rain, severe weather and rapid snow melt that can increase the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas.
This spring thaw, commonly known as the freshet, is a result of snow and ice moving and melting into our lake and river systems, which can last for weeks as the snowpack melts.
The MERC encourages residents to be prepared during the freshet for rapid changes that could cause potential flooding in flood-prone areas.
Flood Plain Mapping
On February 12, the District acquired flood plain mapping for the Muskoka River Watershed (MRW) and has made the mapping available to the public via its website.
Residents can view or download the mapping at the following link: www.muskoka.on.ca/
What Does This Mean?
The District encourages both year round and seasonal residents with properties of interest to review the flood plain mapping posted on the District website. If your property has flooded in the past or if it is located in an area where flooding is possible, please take any necessary precautions in preparation for the 2020 Spring Freshet.
The District website has been updated to include resources and information such as preventative measures identified by the MERC that property owners can take to be prepared for rapid changes that could cause potential flooding in flood-prone areas.
What Next?
In collaboration with the Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays, District staff will be in attendance at the March 18, 2020 Spring Freshet Information Session being held at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville from 6-8 p.m. and will provide an overview of the flood plain maps.
As the spring freshet approaches, residents are also encouraged to tune into local radio and television stations in addition to monitoring social media outlets for emergency information. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Towns, Townships or the District of Muskoka may issue high water safety bulletins, flood advisories, flood warnings and emergency statements.
The Muskoka Emergency Response Committee is comprised of the area’s six municipalities and the District of Muskoka. MERC collaborates with the local Area Municipalities to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors to Muskoka in times of emergency.
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What has the District Municipality of Muskoka (the District) and the Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) suggested to the provincial government to prevent the flooding? Ie building flood canals up stream, building holding reservoirs up stream, using up stream crown line to control the flow downstream etc etc? This problem has been going on for the last 100 years and the cost in flood damage and insurance claims is in the billions? It is time to to think out side the box to control water flow at this time of year and at least offer up some plans to prevent this spring disaster year after year via controlling the flow! Water control and flow control planning and construction upstream could offer huge long term benefits for all. ie boating , canoeing, jobs, camping, etc etc! It’s time to address this problems and at least show some FWD thinking of what could be done for all those impacted every spring. ie a study with recommendations and cost benefit of ‘A Plan’.