From the District Municipality of Muskoka
Catch basins, the metal grates found along roads and in neighbourhoods, are a vital part of Muskoka’s flood management system. They channel excess water to stormwater management ponds, which then flow into local lakes and rivers. With more than 1,000 catch basins across Muskoka, keeping them clear ensures proper drainage and reduces the risk of pooling water on roads.
What Not to Put in Catch Basins
To keep drainage systems working properly, avoid placing the following materials in catch basins:
- Chemicals
- Construction material
- Food
- Residential, hazardous and yard wastes
Safe Clearing Tips
When clearing a catch basin, follow these safety precautions:
- Use a long-handled shovel, broom or rake to clear away materials
- Stay visible with bright clothing or a safety vest when clearing a catch basin
- Be aware of traffic and stay off the travelled portion of the roadway whenever possible
- Do not attempt to move or pick up hazardous materials like needles, broken glass, or deceased wildlife
To report a blocked catch basin, water pooling, or street flooding, call 705-645-2100.
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We are Seniors, we have not seen a plough in our area for sometime. There are areas two cars cannot pass . So how do we clear basins????
You gotta be kidding! Asking the public to put on a safety vest and clear catch basins! I can see the head lines now …..elderly man struck by car while cleaning catch basins…..district says he wasn’t following all the instructions they provided and accept no responsibility. Maybe the district should have hired a consultant to see if this is a good idea…they hire them for everything else it seems. Or maybe this should have been posted on April first.
Be glad to keep them clear WHEN we can find them under all that beautiful snow! Maybe a picture of a Muskoka catch basin under 10 feel of snow would have been more appropriate.
You have to be kidding. Our road is so narrow and down to one lane . We would have to move tons of snow to try and find our catch basin. Secondly, we are seniors and unable to do it. We pay enough taxes to the Town of Bracebridge and the town portion has gone up 9% with the District’s portion up around 5%. We are on a town road and the town should be blowing our snow away so we can have two lanes of traffic and able to exit our driveway safely. Emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and hydro vehicles need to be able to access our properties!