MNRF MINISTER DEFENDS MUSKOKA FLOOD CONTROLS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — As the army arrives to help Bracebridge, and days after Premier Doug Ford toured devastated areas of Muskoka, the MNRF is defending its actions on flood control.

After the 2013 flooding the ministry faces fierce criticism for allegedly mismanaging the river and lake levels, which local resident this week claim wasn’t as bad as 2019.

John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said in a release Sunday: “I want to acknowledge that this is a very challenging time for many residents in Muskoka who are experiencing high water in their community and flooding in their homes.

“I want to assure residents that my Ministry has taken action to mitigate flooding and will continue to do what we can to assist.

He said that: “Since last December, we have been monitoring the snow pack in Muskoka. At that time, in anticipation of the snow melting and spring rains coming, we drew down lakes in Muskoka.”

By February, he said, the MNRF “had removed all logs in the south dam to allow maximum flow through the system,” to avoid any backup on the four lakes that drain from the northeast of Muskoka.

He went on: “In fact, Lake Muskoka was drawn down to one of the lowest levels in recent years to account for the rain and warm weather expected through April.

He said flood watches and warnings were issued in April to help residents prepare.

He said “while ministry dams are not built to be flood control structures, we have taken every action to best prepare the community for the spring thaw.

“The fact is that Muskoka is a complex system with many factors impacting water levels, including physical geography, rainfall and temperatures.

Yakabuski continued: “Our government understands the environmental changes facing Muskoka, including increased developmental pressures, severe flooding and weather events.

“That’s why in August of 2018 we provided $5 million to support the Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, to help us develop a more comprehensive approach to watershed management in Muskoka. We are committed to working with the local community to protect this vital area.

“With flooding occurring across the province, this is a difficult time for many Ontarians. I would like to thank the dedicated staff on the ground working around the clock to help. This is the time for us to pull together and work together. Our government will ensure that Muskoka gets the help it needs. Together, we will get through this.”

Last Friday while touring Ottawa, which is also dealing with flooding, Ford surprised many by saying he had to admit climate change may be causing this year’s flooding.