The Township of Muskoka Lakes is telling its residents that more water is coming.
With the heavy rain falling in the area water levels are expected to rise says Fire Chief Harry Baranik.
“Water levels are high and still rising,” he says. “There are currently no roads in Muskoka Lakes that are impassible although they may be narrow or damaged due to water on the edges.”
The town is offering up sand, bags, and shovels for self serve access to sandbags at the Glen Orchard Yard – 3951 Muskoka Road 169, Patterson Yard at 1078 Raymond Road and Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Road 169).
With water levels rising officials are advising property owners in low-lying areas to get ready to protect persons and property.
Mayor Phil Harding, who earlier this week called for residents to complain directly to Premier Doug Ford for damages from flooding, is satisfied no one is in danger but says damage is likely to occur.
“With no immediate danger to our residents, the concern now will be damage to waterfront properties,” says Harding. “In many instances, water levels have risen above docks and will enter boathouses. Please ensure there are no loose items on your docks that can float away and raise your boathouse doors well above the water level to protect them against water and ice damage. Additionally, for those early season boaters once the ice goes out – please be mindful of your wakes which will compound this already serious issue.”
The Director of Public Works for the township Ken Becking is asking people driving on secondary roads to reduce speed as maintenance schedules are about several weeks behind, making for uneven surfaces due to frost heaving.
“There is still a significant amount of frost in the seasonally maintained roads and we estimate that the conditions are approximately three weeks behind where they would normally be for this time of the year,” states Becking. “This has prevented township staff from undertaking normal spring maintenance in preparation for the annual May 1st date. Seasonal residents should verify the condition of the road prior to attempting to access their properties.”
Over the weekend the township will communicate with residents through various social media platforms and it’s website.
