As promised by Premier Doug Ford two weeks ago, a task force to look at flooding protocols has happened.
Members from various levels of local and provincial government met in Huntsville yesterday afternoon to examine what happened to cause historic flooding in Muskoka and what can be done to better manage the watershed going forward.
The first session took place today in Huntsville where local MPP Norman Miller was joined by Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Toby Barrett, and Finance Minister Vic Fedeli of Nipissing.
The meeting was held at the Huntsville Town Hall and included mayors from around Muskoka along with key stakeholders within the municipalities from various works departments.
“I want to thank the Ministers of Natural Resources and Forestry and Municipal Affairs and Housing for their quick responses to the flooding and for turning their attention to future planning,” said Miller. “It was good to bring everyone together to hear their suggestions for how to improve the system going forward as extreme weather seems to be happening more frequently.”
The Ontario government is also seeking feedback from the public through a newly created page at www.ontario.ca/floodsurvey.
In recent weeks the Disaster Relief Assistance for Ontarians program has been made available for areas of Bracebridge, Huntsville, Muskoka Lakes, Armour Township, Ryerson Township and Burk’s Falls that were impacted by the flooding. Residents of these areas can get more information at www.ontario.ca/disasterassistance.
Similar meetings for Pembroke and Ottawa will be taking place next week.
