200 TROOPS NOW IN TOWN HELPING FLOOD EFFORTS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BRACEBRIDGE — A break in the rain Thursday will let some people catch their breath after on and off showers this week that have made life miserable for all who are caught up in the Flood of 2019.
With 200 troops in town now assisting those who are flooded, helping town officials inspect local infrastructure ensure their integrity, and their non-stop sand-bagging, the monumental effort continues unabated around the clock — 24/7.
If you are affected officials want you to check in and update 211 on your situation.
An additional 100 Canadian Armed Forces Reservists arrived Tuesday, with additional equipment arriving Wednesday.
Seeing more large green army trucks rumbling into town was a sight for sore and tired eyes.
They will continue with sandbagging activities and the provision of equipment and resources to support first responders with wellness checks and evacuation efforts, said one of the town’s regular emergency bulletins today.
As MuskokaTODAY.com reported early this morning, the Ministry of Transport issued an interim order expanding areas in which navigation is prohibited in specific areas of flooding.
The order applies to 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.
Meanwhile the OPP Marine Unit will now be patrolling waterways to ensure compliance with this order.
The good news is Beaumont Drive is stable and remains open to local traffic only.
The town says it is being monitored on an ongoing basis and will be closed should it become unsafe at any point.
However, Santa’s Village Road remains closed in the area of Leslie Drive.
Fraserburg Road remains closed and Town Officials are asking everyone in the area to contact 211 and provide an update on their situation.
Town officials with the assistance of the Armed Forces were crossing the closed portion of Fraserburg Road Wedneday to undertake wellness checks on individuals who have stayed in the area.
Town officials are also reminding all members of the public that it is illegal to travel on roadways marked as closed. The integrity of closed roads cannot be guaranteed and may pose a hazard.
Meanwhile, all town water-side parks, access points and trails are closed until further notice to help ensure public safety during the flood emergency.
Officials say that while the flood emergency is ongoing they understand some residents are beginning to look at recovery and clean up.
The town is working closely with the District of Muskoka for a coordinated effort for solid waste disposal. More information will be provided as soon as it is available.
As well, the Drinking Water Advisory issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for the affected areas remains in effect.
Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not potable.
unicipal water sources are not affected by this advisory.
Water filling stations can be accessed in Bracebridge at 336 Ecclestone Drive, and for those on the Alport side of the Beaumont Drive flooding at 1601 Beaumont Drive (Kirby’s Beach water treatment plant). A complete list of Municipal water sources available through the District of Muskoka is available by following this link: Public Water Taps/Source Locations.
REMINDER: Sandbags are available free of charge at Fowler Construction (1206 Rosewarne Dr.) for Bracebridge properties who have been affected by flooding. Sandbags are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
