Town of Bracebridge significant weather event update #3

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (December 5, 2024) – The Town of Bracebridge’s Emergency Control Group continues to monitor the outcome of the recent winter storm event. Public Works crews continue to clear roads, monitor weather and are focusing on sidewalk maintenance.

The Significant Weather Event will remain in effect until further notice.

The following Town of Bracebridge facilities continue to be available during regular hours:

• Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court;
• Bracebridge Sportsplex, 110 Clearbrook Trail
• Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, 56 Salmon Avenue;
• Fire Station 1, 225 Taylor Road; and
• Oakley Village Square, 1198 Vankoughnet Road.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Location: Muskoka River Watershed

Due to the winter storm, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has issued a water safety bulletin for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District until Tuesday, December 10 for the Muskoka River Watershed.

A Water Safety rating indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around bodies of water and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Property owners are encouraged to take necessary action to protect/secure their property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.

Please stay safe around open water.

• No ice is safe ice. Temperatures have not been cold or consistent enough to produce stable ice, if any at all;
• Maintain close supervision of children and pets around open water;
• Be prepared. Have a 72-hour kit prepared with all the items you and your family need to sustain themselves for at least three days; and
• Pay attention to changing weather conditions. Follow local news for updates. 

The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Status updates can be found on the Ontario flood map.

Emergency Safety
In an emergency, every second matters. 

• Please ensure that blue 9-1-1 civic address signs are cleared of snow to maintain visibility for emergency services; and
• If there is a fire hydrant on your property, keep it clear of ice and snow. Clear a path to the hydrant and maintain a clearing of one metre around the hydrant for easy access. 

Health and Safety
During and after a power outage it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses. For more information on food safety during a power outage, visit Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.

Removing snow from roofs and other structures
If considering snow removal from roofs and other structures, please be safe and consider these tips:

• Safety always comes first. Never climb onto a snowy roof without appropriate safety equipment and working at heights training, make sure you are not alone in case you need assistance, and dress appropriately;
• Ensure snow is cleared evenly and consistently from the roof. Avoid clearing only the edges or eaves of your roof as well as uneven or concentrated loading on any roof as this can lead to structural damage; and
• Falling snow and ice can create extreme safety hazards. Make sure the area where snow is being dropped is clear of people and safely secured.

Be a good neighbour
Take the opportunity to check on neighbours and vulnerable members of the community, especially those who may be snowed-in or have experienced prolonged power outages. If residents are in danger, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information on staying safe and emergency preparedness, visit bracebridge.ca/emergencypreparedness.

Additional Resources:

• District Municipality of Muskoka road closures
• Provincial highways and road closures
• Snow Angels
• Carbon monoxide safety
• Winter storm safety and preparedness

 

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About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country.  With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.




MEDIA CONTACT

Town of Bracebridge

media@bracebridge.ca