SAND BAGS AVAILABLE TO SHORE UP FLOOD AREAS IN GRAVENHURST

GRAVENHURST — Winter-weary home and cottage owners are urged to be prepared for the freshet.

Free sand and sand bags can be picked up at three locations, two at the south end of town and one at the north end.

Spring may have officially arrived, but Muskokans know it hasn’t arrived till the snow is gone and the lakes and rivers are back down to normal levels.

That means with the spring temperatures warming and above average snowfall this winter, high water levels in lakes and rivers are in the forecast.

“Property owners should be prepared before water levels reach their homes,” said Todd Clapp, Gravenhurst’s community emergency management coordinator.

“Particularly in the areas that are prone to high water levels annually, preparation is key to limiting damage,” he added.

As such, the town  has set up three locations where sand/sand bags are available to affected residents. Those locations are:

  • Cowbell Lane (at the end of lane);

  • Severn River Road East (at cul-de-sac at Hwy 11);

  • Municipal public works yard at 1054 Crawford Road at the north end of town.

“Public works crews are monitoring water levels on roadways and in waterways daily,” added Caroline Kirkpatrick, manager of operations for infrastructure services.

“As water levels rise this spring, staff will be watching conditions closely and may add additional sand/sand bag locations as conditions warrant.”

The town is also asking residents and visitors to be extremely diligent when venturing out near waterways as well as traveling along roads, as conditions can change quickly, sometimes in only the matter of a few hours.

Everyone is encouraged to check regularly for updates as the conditions change.

Police are also warning that with temperatures forecast in the double digits next week, residents should be aware of open and fast moving water.

As water levels rise and become unstable due rain and snow runoff, river banks and shorelines become slippery and unpredictably dangerous as ice deteriorates and muddy soil emerges.

Rivers will be moving fast with strong currents and the water is still dangerously cold.

Residents should be aware of the dangers present around rivers and open water and certainly be mindful of children who might be curious and venture too close to these highly dangerous areas.

The OPP strongly urge parents to take the time to properly educate their children of the dangers of spring runoff conditions, and to steer clear.

Furthermore, the OPP wish to remind snowmobilers and other ice going adventurers to check before you go when approaching frozen waterways. Plan ahead, stop to be sure and proceed only if it’s safe to do so.