HUNTSVILLE ENDS EMERGENCY AS WATER LEVELS RECEDE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

HUNTSVILLE — The floods continue but no longer at emergency levels here.

So says the town, which lifted its state of emergency effective Wednesday, May 1.

They say river flows and lake water levels within the Huntsville and Port Sydney area are steadily decreasing.

As of noon Thursday, they say in a release that in the last 24 hours Huntsville lakes have dropped 15 cm, Mary Lake has dropped 7 cm and the river flows have declined.

Officials are anticipating a steady decrease as water makes its way through the system and will continue to monitor conditions.

Algonquin Outfitters kayaks stand out in the flooded area behind the Main Street store on the Muskoka River.

Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not safe to drink. For flooding resources visit the Town of Huntsville website at Huntsville.ca

They note that Transport Canada has issued an interim order on April 30, prohibiting navigation on the Muskoka River, Moon River and Lake Muskoka, with exemptions for those providing aid. And in a bid to avoid rubber-neckers causing wakes that breach sand bag walls on properties.

A few exemptions apply, view full orderfor details.

Police are also patrolling the waters to ensure safety and enforcement of the federal order.

Town officials say that emergency services staff are also securing large floating items from the river and lake systems throughout various locations in Huntsville.

Residents are reminded to call 705-789-6421 ext 0 if they notice large floating debris in waterways.

Please do not try to retrieve objects or debris. The town will notify residents when personal items are available and it is safe to retrieve them.

Smooth Rock Falls in Port Sydney was among the many Muskoka River sites closed to the public.

To assist Huntsville residents with sandbag disposal, a temporary sandbag drop-off has been set up at Madill Yard (169 Madill Church Road, Huntsville), Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.  Residents are reminded that sandbags are considered contaminated waste and proper disposal procedure should be followed.

Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Program for the Town of Huntsville. To see if you are eligible to apply for the program please visit the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website. The Town of Huntsville has provided a brief summary of the Ministry program at Huntsville.ca.

Residents affected by flooding who require assistance are encouraged to call Town of Huntsville Customer Service at 705-789-6421 x0

Huntsville says that is Emergency Control Group and MNRF officials will continue to monitor conditions.

As well, the federal government has engaged an emergency local Services Canada team to assist residents or businesses affected by flooding.

This service is only to assist with federal issues (loss of documents, or EI).

As of April 30, the Service Canada team has been located at the Canada Summit Centre in the Jan Glen Room, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or can be contacted by phone at 705-789-4640.

As water levels decline, Huntsville public works crews will continue to assess and repair flooded roads. For road closure updates follow us on  Facebook , Twitter, or follow our newsfeed. Please note that flooded roads are closed for public safety and it is illegal to drive on a closed road.

The town release says the Huntsville Emergency Control Group and MNRF officials will continue to monitor conditions with updates issued as required. Residents are encouraged to monitor local media outlets, the MNRF and the Town of Huntsville websites for updates.

The town continues to remind residents and visitors to stay clear of waterways. Parents and guardians are also advised to remind children to stay clear of open waters, creeks and rivers.

Docks overlooking downtown Huntsville on the north branch of the Muskoka River had a bit of snow Saturday morning that ended up in the water.
After days of flooding that left Brendale Square flooded, the parking lot that resembled a lake was beginning to drain by Thursday.
The Boston Pizza and Pizza Pizza were among businesses forced to close last weekend.
The Boston Pizza restaurant deck and gazebo was flooded Saturday on the north Muskoka River branch, which was beginning to recded midweek.
The Muskoka River’s north branch flooded this secction of road in Port Sydney near Smooth Rock Falls.
Businesses that backed onto the Muskoka River protected their back doors with sand bags, but some water still got inside some businesses.
The parking lot at the Port Sydney public beach was awash in water from Mary Lake on the wekend.
Water levels at River Mill Park in Huntsville overcame docks and park of the parking lot but didn’t reach the bandshell.