May 2, 2019

ALL EYES WEST AS FLOOD WATERS REACH MOON RIVER

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA LAKES — As the headwaters of more than a week’s worth of flooding their way through the Muskoka watershed into the Moon River, Muskoka Lakes Township officials are bracing for some of the same severe weather conditions found farther north.

On Thursday, the township release said water levels over the past 24 hours have raised approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) on Lake Muskoka, 5 cm (2 inches) on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph, and have stabilized on the Moon River.

Mortimer’s Point Road from #1194 to #1245 fully closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The road closure will remain in effect until further notice.

They advise residents in need of sand bag support to call the township office at 705-765- 3156 for assistance.

(

**The Moon River is the “pinch point” for all the water flowing from up north in the Muskoka River. At rear left you can just see Ragged Rapids. (Photos courtesy Pam McDivitt)**

As well, federal navigation restrictions have been issued by Transport Canada for Lake Muskoka, Moon River, and North and South Muskoka River until further notice. Non-emergency vessels is strictly prohibited. Individuals 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. Property managers and contractors are exempted for the purpose of going to and from property on behalf of property owners.

If citizens must use a waterway to access a property, they are urged to navigate at as slow a speed as possible.

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

Police warn that failing to abide by this order could result in fines of up to $5,000.

**The old main street road through Bala where Swift River is building its power plant was closed early this week as massive flood waters pour over bptj controversial Bala waterfalls dams.**

As well, township officials are currently working with the province on Disaster Recovery Assistance for residents of Muskoka Lakes, which has activated the Disaster Recovery Program to help cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property for individuals (primary residence), small owner-operated businesses and farms, and not-for-profit organizations.

Residents are encouraged to contact your insurance provider to determine level of coverage.

It is best practice to photograph all damage throughout the emergency, and record/keep all receipts related to damage and clean up.

The District of Muskoka has closed the Port Carling Locks until further notice.
In Bala, River Street from Muskoka Road #169 to Maple Avenue is fully closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This road closure will remain in effect until further notice.
Individuals displaced by flooding that require assistance with emergency accommodation can contact the Red Cross Personal Support Assistance Number at 705-715-8138.
There are a number of associated road closures with this announcement and for a complete list please visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes 2019 Flood Information Page. Roadways marked as closed are not to be passed as the integrity and safety of the road cannot be guaranteed and may pose a hazard.

Seasonal residents wishing to check on their properties are encouraged to wait until the flooding emergency has ended to visit their property. Seasonal roads and access to those roads may be compromised by flooding, and our goal is to ensure the safety of all residents both permanent and seasonal.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a Drinking Water Advisory for the District of Muskoka. Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well or lake/river water should assume the water is not potable. Municipal water sources are not affected.

Water filling stations can be accessed at the Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Avenue) and the Township Municipal Office (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling). Sand bags are to be used to protect homes and accommodations only.
The Township has made sand, sandbags and shovels available on a fill your own basis at:

The Glen Orchard Yard (3951 Muskoka Road 169)
Patterson Yard (1078 Raymond Road),
Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Road 169)
Hanna Park (40 Bailey St)

Township staff will continue to communicate all information by means of media releases to radio stations and local newspapers, social media and municipal website.

For more information on flooding, visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes 2019 Flood Information page on the Township website. For Municipal Emergency contact after hours call: 1-705-765-3156 For emergency services call 911.