MUSKOKA LAKES 4TH TO DECLARE FLOOD EMERGENCY
MUSKOKA LAKES — Muskoka Lakes Township and the District of Muskoka are the latest to declare flood emergencies this weekend.
Late Sunday morning, April 28, Muskoka Lakes Mayor Phil Harding declared an Emergency under the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act, and the Township of Muskoka Lakes has activated its Emergency Plan.
A release today says the Township’s Emergency Control Group (ECG) is monitoring the situation closely.
Bracebridge, Huntsville, the District of Muskoka previously all declared similar emergencies.
“Our primary concern is the safety of our residents and as such, after monitoring the situation over the past few days, we decided to declare an emergency, encouraging some residents to evacuate their homes” said Harding.
Township officials are recommending that property owners in low-lying areas adjacent to the Moon River consider evacuating their residence due increasing water levels.
To assist residents with general inquiries and shelter options the Township of Muskoka Lakes has opened a Registration and Inquiry Centre at the Bala Community Centre, 1008 Maple Avenue, 705-762-1086 or 705-715-8138.
Individuals displaced by flooding that require assistance with emergency accommodation can contact the Red Cross Personal Support Assistance Number at 705-715-8138 or Muskoka Victim Services at 1-844- 762-9945.
The public works department continues to monitor road conditions for flooding and is making repairs where necessary.
The township release says there are a number of associated road closures with this announcement and for a complete list please visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes2019 Flood Information Page.
Individuals whose access to their homes is impeded by closed roads are to contact 705-762-1086 or 705-765-3156 to provide information with respect to their situation. 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.
It says 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.
Many property owners, caretakers and even onlookers have now launched boats and are trying to get a first hand look at the damage. Officials are asking anyone who is out on the lakes to utilize extreme caution. Floating objects and ice flows can and will cause issues.
Additionally, should people be on the lake, please ensure you are aware of the wake created by your boat and minimize the effects this will have on waterfront properties. Best practice – slow no wake.
Please ensure docks and waterfront structures are securely affixed to shore or removed, if safe to do so. Residents are encouraged to have supplies to support all members of their household for at least 72 hours.
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.
Water filling stations can be accessed at the Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Avenue) and the Township Municipal Office (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling).
The Township has accessed additional sand bags. 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.
For Municipal Emergency contact after hours call: 1-705-765-3156
For Emergency Services call: 911
