Seasonal Flooding

Before a Flood

During a Flood

After a Flood

Ontario Flood Map

Seasonal Flooding

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has ended the flood warning and issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the Muskoka River watershed.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize. Those who have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect or secure their property and monitor developing conditions.

Ontario Flood Map

Debris Cleanup

Sandbags

News Updates

Sandbags

Sandbag stations have been decommissioned, and all sandbags have been removed. The following locations can be used for sandbag disposal. Please place your used or empty sandbags near the signage. This area is not to be used for flood debris disposal.

  • At the end of Herbert Court
  • George Road Landing, 1006 Sandbar Lane, at the Commercial dock area

Used or empty sandbags can also be disposed of for free at the Rosewarne Landfill.

District of Muskoka Flood Debris Disposal Voucher Program

The District of Muskoka's flood debris disposal voucher program is 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

Flood debris will not be collected at the curb. Items that don’t follow regular collection rules will not be picked up.

Learn more

Resources

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as “the silent killer.” It is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell and is created when fossil fuels such as kerosene, gasoline, natural gas, propane, or wood don’t burn completely.

Exposure to CO can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness, and death. If a CO alarm activates or you suspect someone in your home has symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately go outside and call 9-1-1.

  • Portable generators should only be used outdoors and carefully located to ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the home;

  • Ensure outside vents for all fuel-burning appliances are clear of snow and ice;

  • Test your CO Alarms today and monthly; and

  • If a CO alarm activates or you suspect someone in your home has symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately go outside and call 9-1-1.

If private wells or water sources are affected by flooding, stop using them immediately and use an alternative water supply such as commercially bottled water for ALL water use. 

  • Assume that your private well water or lake/river water is not safe to drink. Follow drinking water precautions to protect you and your family.
  • Food that has come into contact with flood water is no longer safe. Any items that have been in contact with contaminated flood water should be discarded.
  • If you operate a food premise, personal service setting or childcare setting, and flood waters enter the building, you must close until further consultation with a public health inspector.
  • Any surfaces or items (e.g. equipment, toys) that have been in contact with floodwaters are considered contaminated and need to cleaned and disinfected appropriately.

For more information on drinking water safety and flooding, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/flood.

Water and electricity do not mix. Electricity can move through water or wet flooring and cause a severe electrical shock. Do not enter your basement or any room if the water is above the level of electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, or is near your electrical panel.

If you see water approaching these areas, contact your power service provider to have your power disconnected.

If power has been disconnected to your property, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) will be required to inspect the property prior to hydro being restored.

Please NOTE: Any electrical devices, plugs, heaters, furnaces, or pumps that have been flooded or affected by water, will require an electrician to service it before the inspector is called.

To schedule an inspection when you are ready to have power restored, contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) or visit esasafe.com/floodsafety.

During and after a power outage or flood it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses.  Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for information to ensure that you are safe after a power outage.

Generators, when used properly, can provide an alternative power source. However, they must be used safely and properly.
  • Never operate a generator inside your home or garage. It can cause a build-up of fatal fumes, including carbon monoxide. Fans or open windows and doors do not provide enough fresh air to keep you safe;
  • Never connect portable generators to electrical appliances or wiring components that have been affected/damaged by water;
  • If extension cords must be used, only use grounded cords that are rated for proper use;
  • Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool for at least two minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline; and
  • Ensure that generators are placed away from the house and that snow and ice are cleared from around the unit to ensure proper ventilation. 

Electricity is supplied by two organizations in Bracebridge. For updates on any power outages, visit: 

Disaster Recovery Assistance

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 yet been activated for Bracebridge. To learn more about the program, eligibility, or to request activation, contact 1-877-822-0116 or DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca.

Additional Resources

Emergency Preparedness

Flood Plain Mapping

District of Muskoka Road Closures

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

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