BRACEBRIDGE (April 22, 2026) – The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has extended the Flood Warning for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District until Wednesday, April 29 for the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.
MNR is advising municipalities and residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding can occur quickly and with little or no warning. Several areas are experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, levels are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure impacts and flooding. Residents who have sandbagged on Lake Muskoka should consider keeping them in place for a couple of weeks as water levels change with precipitation.
Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to start to stabilize in some areas over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.
MNR is also advising extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be impassable due to current water levels.
The MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. 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.
Operations Update
Public Works crews continue to monitor known flood prone areas. Residents are reminded not to move any pylons or barriers in flooded areas and to be safe around all bodies of water. Flood water is moving rapidly, and these barriers are there to ensure community safety.
Several road closures and cautions remain in effect, please obey all onsite signage and barriers. The Ontario Provincial Police are assisting with enforcing road closures in several areas.
Town of Bracebridge parks and trails remain closed and are not maintained during the off season. If you are visiting, please use extreme caution and use at your own risk. Recreational boating is not advised.
Please be reminded that the Town does not service private roads. Please use extreme caution.
Road and water safety
The Town is aware of increased traffic to local roads and waterfalls to view the impacts of the ongoing flood. Please be respectful of the fact that many community members continue to be affected and are working hard to protect their property.
Excessive road and water traffic can cause more damage to roads, property and shorelines, causing adverse impacts to the flood mitigation procedures homeowners have in place. Please obey all road closures and limit traffic to affected areas.
Recreational boating is not recommended due to hazardous conditions and increased water levels. There is a significant amount of debris in the waterway which is extremely hazardous. Several local marinas are also currently being affected by flooding.
Please be advised that the George Road landing boat launch and parking lot on Lake Muskoka is flooded.
Sandbags
A supply of free sand and sandbags continue to be available for self-serve, personal use at multiple locations.
Sand and bags for filling:
- Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court
- 331 Fraserburg Road, Fairground parking lot on the right
Sand, bags, and filled sandbags:
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.
Thank you to the many community groups and municipal partners who have helped fill sandbags for the community.
Sandbag Disposal
Sandbags from flooded areas have been in contact with unsafe water. Both the bags and the sand may contain harmful bacteria. Treat used sandbags as municipal waste.
- Wear appropriate protection such as gloves and eye wear to reduce your risk of exposure to bacteria, chemicals, or other hazards that could be present on or in used sandbags.
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after contacting floodwaters or handling items such as used sandbags.
- Do not reuse sand from used sandbags in areas where there may be human contact.
- Do not use the sand from used sandbags in children’s sandboxes, playgrounds, or for landscaping purposes where there may be direct human contact.
- Never dispose of sand from used sandbags in a wetland, along waterways (shorelines), or other locations where it may have contact with people, wildlife, and the water.
To learn more about flood cleanup, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/flood.
Debris Cleanup
The District of Muskoka has introduced a flood debris disposal voucher program. Eligible residential property owners may receive a single-use physical voucher to dispose of one load of flood-damaged residential debris without tipping fees. Applications for vouchers open on Thursday, April 23.
Tipping fees will apply without a voucher. No voucher is required for sandbag disposal; they are free to drop-off at Rosewarne Landfill. Flood debris will not be collected at the curb. Items that don’t follow regular collection rules (i.e. bag limits and the Clear Bag Program) will not be picked up.
Flood debris can include items such as:
- Water-damaged furniture, mattresses, and household items
- Drywall, wood, insulation, and other building materials saturated/exposed to floodwater
- Appliances and electronics exposed to floodwater
- Branches, logs, and yard waste mixed with flood debris
- Mixed waste that cannot be separated into regular curbside categories
Learn more at muskoka.on.ca/flood-updates.
Wellness Checks
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.
Members of the Bracebridge Fire Department are actively providing wellness checks in flood-affected areas. 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.
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.
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.
Flood Damage to a Boathouse or Outbuildings
If your property experienced flooding and appears to have sustained water or structural damage, or has been destroyed by flooding, the Town recommends hiring an engineer or a qualified home inspector to assess the damage. If repairs are needed, please contact the Building Services Branch to see when a building permit is required. Where possible, document the damage to the building with photos. Do not enter any buildings that have collapsed or partially collapsed, they will need to be checked by building authorities.
Septic System Maintenance
High water levels can seriously impact your septic system. If your property experiences flooding, take immediate action to prevent larger issues.
- Pump it. Have your septic tank pumped out as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
- Inspect it. Hire a qualified professional to perform a full inspection when your tank is pumped. They will need to verify that the tank, filter, and leaching bed have not suffered structural or functional damage.
- Repair or replace it. If the inspection reveals damage, hire a qualified septic installer to determine the best course of action. Obtain the necessary permits needed to complete the installation or repairs.
Learn more about septic maintenance at bracebridge.ca/septic.
For additional safety tips on how to prepare and stay safe and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit bracebridge.ca/flood.
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