April 24, 2026

FOLLOW FLOOD’S EBBS AND FLOWS ALONG GREAT LAKES WATER TRAIL MUSKOKA LOOP AS END IS NEAR — BEFORE DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION RISES FROM BENEATH FLOOD WATERS

MUSKOKA — Eco tourists are busy making the rounds watching flood waters rise ebb and fall around the Muskoka Lakes.

And ironically this week they’ve been helped by new signage erected along what’s now called the Great Lakes Water Trail Muskoka Loop.

Follow the beige and blue signs with the three fish that went up — along with water levels — this past week helping motorists — and soon cyclists — navigate from the eastern headwaters out west to Georgian Bay.

If only Champlain had these maps: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://waterfronttrail.org/maps/Lake-Huron-Georgian-Bay-6.pdf

**A drive around the Muskoka Lakes reveals the continuing extent of the 2026 flooding, which has been lasting much of April. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com**

Meanwhile, as levels are expected to continue to rise slightly — one last weekend hopefully — according to the MNR day-trippers are still seeing the effects of near-record rise and fall similar to 2019.

With the end now a welcoming sight.

After which the cleanup will begin as receding waters reveal this year’s extent of damage.

According to the Town of Huntsville Friday, some flood conditions there remain active.

However, water levels throughout the area are continuing to decrease.

This weekend the town will continue to monitor local water levels, waterways, flooded areas, and road conditions as the Ministry of Natural Resource’s Flood Warning is on until Wednesday, April 29.

Sandbags are being monitored and topped up this weekend at many Muskoka locations, such as here at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. For list of locations see here or at the district website.

District garbage flood vouchers

Meanwhile the District of Muskoka has launched its flood response program.

And their Flood Debris Program. See details on their website Spring Flood website page.

It says flood debris will “not be collected at the curb.”

Items that don’t follow regular collection rules (i.e. bag limits and the Clear Bag Program) will not be picked up.

To support residents impacted by the April flooding event, the district is launching temporary fee relief programs for eligible flood-damaged residential waste.

Residents are encouraged to check with their insurance provider before applying for a voucher or fee relief.

What is flood debris?

Water-damaged furniture, mattresses, and household items
Drywall, wood, insulation, and other building materials saturated/exposed to floodwater
Appliances and electronics exposed to floodwater
Branches, logs, and yard waste mixed with flood debris
Mixed waste that cannot be separated into regular curbside categories

However they say on their website here that many water-damaged small appliances and electronics can be accepted free of charge at transfer stations with electronic waste programs.

Flood debris disposal voucher:

Eligible residential property owners may receive a single-use physical voucher to dispose of one load of flood-damaged residential debris without tipping fees.

One voucher per eligible residential property
Valid for one disposal trip only
Must be presented before unloading
Collected by staff at time of use
Voucher must be picked up in person or by an authorized representative
Voucher Pick-Up Locations
70 Pine Street during regular business hours
Rosewarne Landfill during select times (details shared through application process)

Click here to apply for your voucher.