GRAVENHURST NOT WAITING FOR FLOOD WATERS

GRAVENHURST — Rising water levels have all local governments on alert.

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Roads across the region, including Gravenhurst, are under water and social media images are showing high water levels anywhere near lakes or rivers.

As Muskoka communities to the north have declared flooding related emergencies, officials in the Town of Gravenhurst say they are closely monitoring local waterways, just as they have been for the past six weeks.

“The town’s infrastructure services staff instituted enhanced monitoring in mid-March in anticipation of the spring freshet, and a staff team has been watching the data points daily,” said Deputy Fire Chief Todd Clapp, who is also the Community Emergency Management Coordinator.

He said in a release Thursday night that while isolated pockets of flooding have occurred in the southern most part of Gravenhurst, none have been as catastrophic as those in the northern portion of Muskoka.

“We also began public messaging in early March prior to the start of the freshet, because we wanted those who have traditionally been affected to have it top of mind.”

“The river systems in North Muskoka are very different from those in our community, and we know from past years that our experience is dissimilar to theirs, but having said that, we’ve been extremely vigilant about the safety of our community,” said Mayor Paul Kelly in the release. “The extreme water flows that warranted declarations of emergencies in Bracebridge and Huntsville have not materialized in Gravenhurst to this point in time, but we are being very watchful,”

Sandbagging supplies were established in Gravenhurst during the March break as an added proactive measure, and these are seeing good usage by the community.

“There are small pockets of Gravenhurst that are affected by the freshet every year. I spoke to several property owners today on the Severn River and they advised me that the water level is already dropping and believe that this year is not as bad as they have seen in the past,” added Kelly.

Still with a rainfall warning issued Thursday by Environment Canada, town officials say they are keeping a keen eye out for changes in water levels.

“We continue to get regular inputs from a variety of sources like the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Trent Severn Waterway, and the network with all of our neighbours, so our data collection system is good, we just need mother nature to cooperate and let the water levels diminish,” said Clapp.

He said the emergency management team is poised to act when and if necessary, and all of the Town’s Departments are standing on guard to do so.

Residents can continue to take the following preparatory actions if they are in flood prone areas:

  • Relocate items of value above flood levels. This includes items in basements, garages, sheds, yards, boathouses or other structures.
  • Check your sump pump to ensure its working properly.  Make sure the area around and above the pump is free from combustible materials.
  • Know where sandbag/sand stock piles are located nearest to your home.
  • Have an emergency generator available in case of power failure.
  • Pre-arrange emergency accommodations and prepare a “go bag” in case of evacuation. If you are forced to evacuate your home, remember to make allowances for pets, medications and other personal items.
  • Make sure docks and propane supply tanks are secured.
  • Listen to radio and media alerts regarding severe weather. Stay informed.
  • Plan Prepare, Be Aware!  Visit www.gravenhurst.ca/alerts