NO BOATING ON MUSKOKA LAKE, MOON, MUSKOKA RIVERS

MUSKOKA — The federal boating restriction ordered for Muskoka does not apply to those who live on islands, emergency workers or contractors who are helping them.

Failing to abide by this order could result in fines of up to $5,000.

The move comes as a few people have been on the water causing wakes that have breached sand bags on flooded properties

Transport Canada issued the interim order Monday prohibiting navigation on certain bodies of water within the district, says an OPP release Wednesday.

It says the intent of the order is to protect people, vessels and property and to allow first responders to do their jobs during flood conditions.

Navigation is currently prohibited as follows:

  • Lake Muskoka
  • North and South Branches of the Muskoka River
  • Moon River
Muskoka waterbodies, including at the Muskoka Wharf boat launch in Gravenhurst, are under restrictions say police who cite wake, debris concerns.

As noted above, people who can only access their property by boat are exempted from the interim order and other restrictions for the purpose of going to and from their property.

This exemption is extended to property managers and contractors acting upon direction of those property owners.

There are also exemptions in place for the municipality, police, fire, Canadian Forces and Canadian Coast Guard during emergency operations and for enforcement of this order.

Those who do fall under the exemption are urged to operate their vessels as slowly as possible to ensure safety and prevent further damage from wakes. The high water in these areas pose serious risk to boaters from fast moving water and rapids in areas where those conditions may not have traditionally been present.

Dangerous conditions also exist from debris floating on top and just under the surface of the water.

In addition police say marine patrols in these areas by OPP officers in Bracebridge and Huntsville, and members from the OPP Central Region SAVE (Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement) Team will be assisting in monitoring the area.

For further details please see the release from Transport Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2019/04/minister-garneau-announces-additional-navigation-restrictions-and-flooding-measures.html