MNRF REDUCING WATER FLOWS INTO MUSKOKA WATERSHED

MUSKOKA LAKES TOWNSHIP — Officials here said Saturday that they have been notified that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is beginning to reduce flows on the Muskoka Watershed north of Lake Muskoka.

That’s big news for people overwhelmed by weeks of flooding, who believe water management is the problem again this year — as in 2013.

The announcement comes a day after Muskoka Lakes Township Mayor Phil Harding met with Premier Doug Ford in Minett to complain about water management levels, and was told Muskoka officials could meet with their provincial counterparts to discuss what happened this year and plan for future spring freshets.

A day after their mayor met Premier Doug Ford to complain about water management, Muskoka Lakes Township says the MNRF has announced it is reducing water flows into the Muskoka Watershed.

Saturday, the township said water levels over the previous 24 hours had slightly decreased 1-2 cm (0-1 inches) on Lake Muskoka, and slightly increased 1-2 cm (0-1 inches) on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, and stabilized on the Moon River.

The reduction of flow from Kawagama Lake, Lake of Bays, Huntsville Lakes and Mary Lake will reduce inflows to Lake Muskoka and translate to about a 3 cm per day water level decrease.

Ann Street in Walker’s Point at 1003 Ann Street is fully closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This road closure will remain in effect until further notice.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is advising residents that water levels over the past 24 hours have slightly decreased approximately 1-2cm (0-1 inches) on Lake Muskoka, slightly increased approximately 1-2cm (0-1 inches) on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, and stabilized on the Moon River.