Spring Flooding - 2026 - The District Municipality of Muskoka

Page last updated: May 7, 2026 10:45am

Flooding in Muskoka: What you need to know

Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has ended the Flood Warning for Muskoka and issued a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook that is in effect until Wednesday, May 13th, 2026. (Updated)

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to stabilize over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.

What would you like to do

After a flood

Returning home safely

Only return when it is safe
Do not enter if power is still on
Have a qualified electrician inspect your home

Clean up safely

Wear gloves, masks, and protective gear
Avoid contact with contaminated water
Keep children away from affected areas
Use proper cleaning supplies and ventilation

Drinking water safety

Flooding can contaminate wells and surface water.

If you use well or lake water, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for testing and guidance.

View public water tap locations: Municipal Public Water Taps

Debris cleanup

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.

To support residents impacted by the April 2026 flooding event, the District is launching temporary fee relief programs for eligible flood-damaged residential waste. Residents are encouraged to check with their insurance provider before applying for a voucher or fee relief.

What is flood debris?

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

Electronic Waste

Many water-damaged small appliances and electronics can be accepted free of charge at transfer stations with electronic waste programs.

Hazardous Waste

Batteries, used oils and other hazardous substances can be dropped off at the hazardous waste depot, or through scheduled events at Transfer Stations.

Got Sandbags to dispose of? No voucher required, free to drop-off at Rosewarne Landfill at this time, or check with your Area Municipality for local drop off locations.

Flood Debris Disposal Voucher

Eligible residential property owners may receive a single-use physical voucher to dispose of one load of flood-damaged residential debris without tipping fees.

Key Details

One voucher per eligible residential property
Valid for one disposal trip only
Must be presented before unloading
Collected by staff at time of use
Voucher must be picked up in person or by an authorized representative

Voucher Pick-Up Locations

70 Pine Street during regular business hours
Rosewarne Landfill during select times (details shared through application process)

Freon Appliance Fee Waiver

Residents disposing of flood-damaged appliances containing refrigerants (such as fridges or freezers) may apply for a one-time electronic fee waiver.

Eligibility Requirements (Voucher & Fee Waiver)

Applicants must meet all of the following:

Residential property located in District Municipality of Muskoka
Materials damaged by the April 2026 flooding event
Materials are not covered by insurance
Proof of ownership provided (property tax bill, driver’s license, and/or utility bill)

Program Limits

One flood debris voucher per eligible property
One load only per voucher
One-time Freon fee waiver per property
Programs end May 25, 2026, or earlier if funding limits are reached

View local flood risk (GeoHub)

Use Muskoka GeoHub to see how flooding may affect your property:

Explore flood mapping in 2D and 3D
Check current lake levels
See how rising water levels may impact your shoreline

Helpful for both residents and seasonal property owners.

Launch GeoHub's Floodline and LiDAR Mapping 2.0 app

Need help getting started? Watch our YouTube tutorial.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit: Emergency Preparedness

Check road closures, waste and service updates

Road closures:

Visit www.municipal511.ca (municipal roads, see map below)
Visit www.ontario511.ca (provincial roads)

Curbside collection:

Curbside collection impacts and delays

District services and offices continue unless otherwise noted.

Spring Flooding - 2026