FORD IN BRACEBRIDGE AS TOWN DECLARES FLOOD EMERGENCY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — A day after Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith declared a local flood emergency, Premier Doug Ford was at his side after surveying the damage.

“I’m in Bracebridge now with @GraydonTheMayor and @normmillerpc to observe the ongoing flooding emergency and give my full support to our first responders. Our government will be there to help this community and protect affected residents,” tweeted Ford Wednesday morning.

Premier Doug Ford said Wednesday after touring flood sites that the province would provide assistance to the Town of Bracebridge and Mayor Graydon Smith who declared a town flood emergency Tuesday.

Flanked by Ford, in a sweat shirt, and MPP Norm Miller, Smith said overnight water levels and flows have risen, and as a result evacuations are being ordered for several parts of the town on the overflowing Muskoka River.

“The town is advising residents of affected areas to take required precautions with respect to their personal safety as follows:

“Affected Area Recommended Actions

– 1094 to 1160 Springdale Shores (North East Branch of river) Evacuation Recommended. Emergency Services will be attending the area today to assist with evacuations.

– “Holiday Park Drive: Evacuation Recommended. Emergency Services will be attending the area today to assist with evacuations.

“10 to 118 Cedar Shores. Evacuation Recommended. Emergency Services will be attending the area today to assist with evacuations.”

A town release Tuesday also said that all areas of town affected by past flooding should “take precautionary steps to ensure life safety and make preparations for evacuation.”

Individuals that are displaced by flooding are being received at the Bracebridge Memorial Arena (access the facility via Chub Downey Lane) for temporary shelter. Smith said he was pleased to receive a visit from Premier Doug Ford this morning at the Emergency Operations Centre.

Ford offered support and assistance from the province as needed.

Currently the town is utilizing local resources and mutual aid for assistance in managing the flood emergency.

They say properties that have flooded in the past should assume similar or worse conditions and take appropriate action to ensure their personal safety and security of their property.

They urge property owners: “Please ensure docks and waterfront structures are securely affixed to shore or removed, if safe to do so.”

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit also advises that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not potable. Do not assume that flooded roadways are safe to pass by any means; individuals are advised to stay back from all water courses.

Bracebridge’s public works department continues to monitor road conditions for flooding and is making repairs where necessary.

For more information on road conditions, please click on the link: Road Status Update.

REMINDER:

Sand bags are available free of charge for Bracebridge properties affected by flooding, at the Fowler Construction – Scale House located at 1206 Rosewarne Drive, Bracebridge, Ontario. Sandbags are available 7 days a week. Please share all details of information regarding the flood emergency with those who do not have access to internet or radio.