The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the Muskoka River watershed.
Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features. Lake and river water levels are anticipated to continue to decrease in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.
If you have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past, please continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as many may have been damaged by seasonal conditions, including washouts. These roads may be impassable.
The MNR closely monitors the weather and developing watershed conditions. For more information on flood updates, visit the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program website or contact the Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District Water Team via email at [email protected].
Operations Update
Public Works crews continue to assess any damage to infrastructure and clear debris. Some trails have experienced damage from the flood. Please continue to use caution in all parks and trails and follow any posted signage.
Water testing kits continue to be available at the Bracebridge Fire Station 1, 225 Taylor Road.
Water Safety
The Town of Bracebridge encourages the community to continue to use caution around all bodies of water.
- Keep children and pets away from fast-moving water and riverbanks;
- Always wear a lifejacket when boating, paddling or participating in water activities;
- Stay clear of dams, culverts and flooded areas;
- Use caution when navigating waterways and watch for floating debris;
- Exercise caution on riverbanks, trails and seasonal roads, which may have experienced washouts or damage due to seasonal conditions.
Sandbags
Sandbag disposal stations have been decommissioned. Used or empty sandbags can be disposed of for free at the Rosewarne Landfill.
Debris Cleanup
The District of Muskoka’s flood debris disposal voucher program remains active. Eligible residential property owners can apply for a single-use physical voucher to dispose of one load of flood-damaged residential debris without tipping fees. The program ends on May 25, or earlier if funding limits are reached.
- 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
Learn more at muskoka.on.ca/flood-updates.
Disaster Relief Funding
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) is a Provincial program that can help residents recover costs after a natural disaster. The program may be activated for damage to private property if there’s a sudden, unexpected natural event, such as a flood.
DRAO has not been activated for Bracebridge. To learn more about the program, eligibility, or to request activation, contact 1-877-822-0116 or [email protected].
For additional safety tips on how to prepare and stay safe and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit bracebridge.ca/flood.
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