Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety and road condition update

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (March 7, 2024) – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect in the district until Monday, March 18. Please exercise caution while around bodies of water.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
A Water Safety rating indicates that high flows, or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected. Local river sections included in this Water Safety rating include the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.

Due to unseasonably warm weather and fast deteriorating ice conditions, residents are advised to exercise extreme caution.

• No ice is safe ice. Warmer temperatures and precipitation have weakened or adversely influenced ice conditions and many water bodies are now open;
• Maintain close supervision of children due to changing water levels and ice conditions;
• Exercise extreme caution when using forest access, gravel or secondary roads as they may be prone to soft areas and washouts and become impassible due to localized flooding;
• 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.

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

Monitoring Road Conditions
The Town’s Public Works Department continues to monitor the conditions on sections of gravel and secondary roads for wet conditions due to the warmer temperatures. Public Works crews will continue to make repairs where possible to ensure roads are passable. Permanent repairs will be addressed in the summer months or as part of future construction projects and ongoing maintenance.

To report any concerns, please email publicworks@bracebridge.ca

- 30 -

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