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GRAVENHURST CONTINUES TO MONITOR - SPRING FRESHET

April 28, 2019 9:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

With all the reports surfacing around the flooding happening in the area, we wanted to share some communications.


The ice on Muldrew has finally thawed and thankful we are experiencing relatively seasonal water levels for those who haven't had the chance to be there themselves.  


Below is the statement issued from the Town of Gravenhust this afternoon that will be of interest.



GRAVENHURST CONTINUES TO MONITOR - SPRING FRESHET

Enhanced monitoring in effect.

Gravenhurst, ON – As Muskoka communities around Gravenhurst have declared flooding related emergencies, officials in the Town of Gravenhurst have increased monitoring of local waterways, just as they have been for the past six weeks.

“The Town’s Infrastructure Services staff instituted enhanced monitoring in mid-March in anticipation of the spring freshet, and a staff team has been watching the data points daily,” said Deputy Fire Chief Todd Clapp who is also the Community Emergency Management Coordinator. Isolated pockets of flooding have occurred throughout Gravenhurst. “We also began public messaging in early March prior to the start of the freshet, because we wanted those who have traditionally been affected to have it top of mind.”

“The river systems in North Muskoka are very different from those in our community, and we know from past years that our experience is dissimilar to theirs, but having said that, we’ve been extremely vigilant about the safety of our community,” said Mayor Paul Kelly. “The extreme water flows that warranted declarations of emergencies to the north of us have had an effect on Lake Muskoka and we are being very watchful of changing conditions,” he added.

Sandbagging supplies were established in Gravenhurst during the March break as an added proactive measure, and these are seeing good usage by the community. An additional location has been added at Sunshine Court in West Gravenhurst.

Town officials are keeping a keen eye out for changes in weather and water levels. “We continue to get regular inputs from a variety of sources like the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Trent Severn Waterway, and the network with all of our neighbours, we just need mother nature to cooperate and let the water levels diminish,” said Clapp. The emergency management team is poised to act when and if necessary, and all of the Town’s Departments are standing by as needed.

The District of Muskoka is also monitoring water levels and road conditions.

Residents can continue to take the following preparatory actions if they are in flood prone areas:  

  • Relocate items of value above flood levels. This includes items in basements, garages, sheds, yards, boathouses or other structures.
  • Check your sump pump to ensure its working properly.  Make sure the area around and above the pump is free from combustible materials.
  • Know where sandbag/sand stock piles are located nearest to your home.
  • Have an emergency generator available in case of power failure.
  • Pre-arrange emergency accommodations and prepare a “go bag” in case of evacuation. If you are forced to evacuate your home, remember to make allowances for pets, medications and other personal items.
  • Make sure docks and propane supply tanks are secured.
  • Listen to radio and media alerts regarding severe weather. Stay informed.

  Plan Prepare, Be Aware!  Visit www.gravenhurst.ca/alerts

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For more information, please contact:

Todd Clapp 

Deputy Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator

todd.clapp@gravenhurst.ca

 705-687-3414



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