As the weekend approaches, residents are reminded to remain diligent and aware as the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Flood Warning for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District remains in effect until Wednesday, April 22 for the Muskoka River Watershed.
MNR advises municipalities and residents to expect lake water levels to continue to rise and river flows to remain high throughout this week and into late next week.
Operations Update
Public Works crews continue to monitor known flood prone areas and crews will be patrolling over the weekend. Residents are reminded not to move any pilons or barriers in flood prone areas and to be safe around all bodies of water. Flood water is moving rapidly, and these barriers are there to ensure community safety.
Refrain from boating while water levels remain high. Boating and the wake produced can cause additional damage to shoreline property, and there is a significant amount of debris in the waterway. Some lakes within the area are still covered in ice which creates floating ice hazards that could damage waterfront infrastructure.
Please be reminded that the Town does not service private roads. Please use extreme caution.
For updated road closure and condition updates, visit bracebridge.ca/roadclosures.
Sandbags
A limited supply of free sand and sandbags continue to be available for self-serve, personal use at multiple locations, including:
- Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court;
- 331 Fraserburg Road – Fairground parking lot on the right;
- George Road Landing – 1006 Sandbar Lane, at the Commercial dock area;
- At the intersection of Beaumont Drive and Beaumont Farm Road on the paved cul-da-sac; and
- Bracebridge Fire Station 2, 3448 HWY 118 East.
Sandbags can be placed around lower-level doors and windows to help prevent water from entering a home, or around propane tanks or other vulnerable infrastructure. Private contractors can also provide additional resources and support if necessary.
Be a Good Neighbour
As seasonal flooding continues, take the opportunity to check on neighbours and vulnerable members of the community who may need additional assistance. If residents are in danger, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
If you are in need of a wellness check, please call 705-645-5264 ext. 3650 to talk to a Town representative during office hours. To leave a message after hours, dial extension 3650. Calls are being monitored and will be returned accordingly.
If you are interested in volunteering your time to help with flood efforts, please complete the Town’s volunteer sign up form.
Health and Safety
If there is water in your basement and it’s above the electrical outlets or baseboard heaters, DO NOT enter. Call your utility provider immediately for them to disconnect power to your home.
- Lakeland Power, 705-789-5442
- Hydro One, 1-888-664-9376
If private wells are affected by flooding, residents are advised to stop using them immediately and use an alternative water supply such as commercially bottled water for ALL water use. This includes drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food including baby food and infant formula, cleaning, bathing, and hand washing. For more information on drinking water safety and flooding, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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 watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca.
For additional safety tips on how to prepare and stay safe and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit bracebridge.ca/seasonalflooding.
Additional Resources: