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Extreme Weather

HomeHealth and Emergency ServicesExtreme Weather
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Extreme Weather Conditions

If you need assistance staying cool in the extreme heat, or staying warm in the extreme cold, the District's Homelessness and Housing Support Fund program can help you.  

During Business Hours (8:30am - 4:30pm) please call 705-645-2412 for further assistance.  

After Hours - Any individual or household requiring shelter from the extreme cold temperatures may contact any of the following agencies to request assistance: 

  • O.P.P. 1-888-310-1122 (toll-free in Ontario)
    • Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes, and Gravenhurst: 705- 645-2211
    • Huntsville and Lake of Bays: 705-789-5551
    • Georgian Bay: 705-526-3761
  • Muskoka Victim Services: 1-844-762-9945
  • Muskoka Women’s Shelters - Interval House (Bracebridge): 705-645-4461 or Chrysalis (Huntsville): 705-789-8488
  • The Table Men’s Shelter (Huntsville): 705-783-5827
  • Each community may also have local churches or faith groups who are able to assist with emergency accommodation.
  • Call 9-1-1 for emergency or crisis situations.

Jump to Extreme Weather - Winter


During the extreme weather conditions, cold or hot, the District would like to remind residents to limit exposure to the elements and to seek shelter, as needed.  If you are planning on being outdoors you should be prepared to deal with a variety of weather from extreme heat to extreme cold, very rainy days or very dry days. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can pose a significant risk for many residents, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Some of those most at risk include: 

  • Infants and young children
  • People with chronic medical conditions
  • People on certain types of medication
  • People with limited mobility
  • Outdoor workers
  • Pets

The District encourages residents and visitors to seek comfort during extreme weather conditions (e.g. warmth in extreme winter conditions, and cooler spaces in extreme heat).

People who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact The District Municipality of Muskoka at 705-645-2412 for resources. 

Emergency or Crisis Situations and After Hours

In emergency or crisis situations after hours, please connect directly with:

  • Contact your local emergency services or hospital;
  • Contact the Canadian Mental Health Association crisis line (1-800-461-5424);
  • or dial 9-1-1. 
    • The number to call in an emergency is 9-1-1.  A call taker will then connect you with police, fire or ambulance.
    • Do Not use 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations.  For more information about 9-1-1 and how it works, visit:  Ontario Provincial Police Website or call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Stay Connected - Resources, Information, and Weather Alerts
  • Government of Canada - Public Weather Alerts
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada Weatheradio

You can also register to receive weather warnings directly at:  https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/createaccount_en.php

  • Extreme heat: heat waves - Canada.ca
  • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - EXTREME HEAT
  • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - EXTREME COLD
Pets

If it is too cold or too hot for you to go outside it is most likely too cold or too hot for your pets to go outside.  Be sure to visit the Muskoka OSPCA website to make sure your pets are protected during extreme temperatures.

Public Buildings and Spaces in Muskoka Available for Comfort

If you need assistance staying cool in the extreme heat, the District's Emergency Shelter program can help you with the purchase of a fan or sprinkler. If any individual or household requires emergency accommodation, food or clothing (i.e. homeless or at risk of homelessness), please call 705-645-2412 ext. 4363 for further assistance.

All Towns and Townships encourage visiting public spaces during regular hours such as libraries, fitness centres, community centres, and the like to access resources and comfort during extreme weather conditions.  More information can be found below.

District Municipality of Muskoka Community Offices 

Temperate office space with comfortable surroundings.  Access to a variety of community services.

Summer Hours (Victoria Day to Labour Day):  Monday to Friday 8am-4pm 

Winter Hours (Labour Day to Victoria Day):  Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

  • 70 Pine Street, Bracebridge
  • 169 Pine Street, Bracebridge
  • 141 Main Street, Gravenhurst
  • 1 King William Street, Suite 5, Huntsville
Town of Bracebridge

Website: www.bracebridge.ca

  • View access to public beaches
  • Salvation Army - 456 Manitoba St. Bracebridge - can visit to cool down and get water during extreme heat
  • Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court (Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm)
  • Bracebridge Sportsplex, 110 Clearbrook Trail (Monday to Friday 6:30am-9pm; Sat  8:15am-9pm; Sun  10am-5pm)
  • Bracebridge Public Library, 94 Manitoba Street (Monday to Friday 9am-6pm; Tues-Thurs  9am-8pm; Sat  9am-4pm)
Town of Gravenhurst

Website: www.gravenhurst.ca 

  • View access to public beaches
  • Salvation Army - 620 Muskoka Road North, Gravenhurst  - can visit to cool down and get water during extreme heat
  • The Centennial Centre/Graeme Murray Arena, 101 Centennial Drive (8am - 9pm)
  • Gravenhurst Public Library, 180 Sharpe St.W - 8:00pm
  • Gravenhurst Municipal Office, 3-5 Pineridge Gate - 4:30pm
Town of Huntsville 

Website: www.huntsville.ca

  • Canada Summit Centre, 20 Park Drive, Huntsville (6:30am-11pm, as operations allow)
  • Town Hall, 37 Main Street East (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm)
  • Huntsville Public Library, 7 Minerva Street East
  • View access to public beaches
Township of Georgian Bay 

Website: www.gbtownship.ca

  • Splash Pad is open
  • View access to public beaches
  • Baxter Ward Community Centre, Port Severn (Mon-Fri  8:30am-4:30pm)
  • Township Office, Port Severn (Mon-Fri  8:30am-4:30pm)
  • Georgian Bay Public Library
  • Honey Harbour, MacTier and Port Severn Libraries
  • MacTier Arena (call to confirm hours:  705-375-2140)
Township of Lake of Bays

Website: www.lakeofbays.on.ca 

  • View access to public beaches
  • Baysville Arena (Fri 8am-7pm; Sat 10:30am-7pm)
  • Baysville Library (Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-2pm)
  • Dwight Library (Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 10am-2pm)
Township of Muskoka Lakes

 Website: www.muskokalakes.ca

  • View access to public beaches
  • Township Office 705-765-3156 (Mon-Fri  8:15am-4pm)
  • Port Carling Library 705-765-5650 (Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri  10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-3pm)
  • Bala Library 705-762-1086 (Mon & Wed  2pm-5pm; Thurs & Sat  10am-1pm)
  • Walker's Point Library 705-687-9965 (Wed, Thurs, & Sat  12pm-3pm)
  • Bala Sports Centre (Mon to Sun - call to confirm hours:  705-762-5390)
  • Port Carling Arena (Mon to Sun - call to confirm hours:  705-765-5725)
Extreme Weather - Summer

Extreme Heat and Health Hazards

Extreme temperatures and high humidity can pose serious health hazards to healthy individuals, as well as those most vulnerable, and some of the most common affects include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

Learn more about whether you or someone you know is at risk and the things you can do to protect yourself during extreme heat by visiting:    Extreme heat: heat waves - Canada.ca

Various Weather Events

Various weather events can occur starting early Spring and continue through until late September, including: Heavy Rainfall and High Winds, Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Tornadoes.

Prior to a Storm, you can take actions to prepare yourself and your property to minimize damage:

  • Listen to your local radio station for the most up-to-date storm information
  • Trimming dead branches and trees that may threaten to strike your house
  • Tie down or store outdoor furniture, lawn ornaments, garbage cans and other loose objects that may blow around in the wind
  • Check that the drainage around your home will not cause flooding
  • Know how to safety shut off your utilities if the potential for flooding exists
  • If time permits, draw blinds and shades over the windows in your home to minimize the damage if the glass shatters

During a Storm

  • Take shelter in a basement, crawlspace, closet, under a staircase or in a central bathroom
  • Stay away from outside walls, windows and doors
  • If caught outside, immediately take shelter in a building or vehicle
  • Never approach downed power lines
  • Do not drive through flooded areas
  • Avoid crossing bridges where the water flow is high or fast
  • Drive with caution - traffic lights and street lighting may not be working
Extreme Weather - Winter

Extreme Cold Weather Warning

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will issue an Extreme Cold Warning when the temperature is forecasted to fall for a minimum of two (2) hours to -35 degrees. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) may then issue a warning to implement their protocol for notification to individuals in the Vulnerable Population Sector.

When a warning is received from SMDHU, Municipal Warming Centres may be opened and the locations will be posted on the website and notification will be provided to the media.

During Business Hours (8:30am - 4:30pm)

  • Comfort stations or warming centres may be found in some of the local Area Municipal buildings (i.e. community centres, libraries, municipal offices, etc.). Visit municipal websites for details and more information and/or listen to local radio.
    • Town of Bracebridge
    • Town of Gravenhurst
    • Town of Huntsville
    • Township of Georgian Bay
    • Township of Lake of Bays
    • Township of Muskoka Lakes
  • If any individual or household requires emergency accommodation, food or clothing (i.e. homeless or at risk of homelessness), call the District's Community and Planning Services at 705-645-2412.

After Hours:

  • Any individual or household requiring shelter from the extreme cold temperatures may contact any of the following agencies to request assistance:
    • O.P.P. 1-888-310-1122 (toll-free in Ontario)
      • Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes, and Gravenhurst: 705- 645-2211
      • Huntsville and Lake of Bays: 705-789-5551
      • Georgian Bay: 705-526-3761
    • Muskoka Victim Services: 1-844-762-9945
    • Muskoka Women’s Shelters - Interval House (Bracebridge): 705-645-4461 or Chrysalis (Huntsville): 705-789-8488
    • The Table Men’s Shelter (Huntsville): 705-783-5827
  • Each community may also have local churches or faith groups who are able to assist with emergency accommodation.
  • Call 9-1-1 for emergency or crisis situations.

Severe Snow Storms and Blizzards

Muskoka is accustomed to experiencing a variety of weather and significant snow events is not unusual.

Environment Canada uses the following descriptions for different snow events:

  • Heavy snowfall can greatly reduce visibility, create hazardous road conditions, and knock down trees and power lines.
  • Blowing snow is snow driven by wind. It reduces visibility and can cause deep drifts, which can impede transportation and make driving dangerous. Snow drifts can also make it difficult for people to leave their homes or get out of their driveways.
  • A snow squall is a sudden, moderately heavy snowfall characterized by blowing snow and strong, gusty winds that reduce visibility. Intense but very localized, snow squalls usually last for a relatively short period of time.
  • A blizzard is generally characterized by strong winds and heavy or blowing snow that can cause low to no visibility.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has implemented a "Public Alerting Program", which includes the following types of Alerts:  

  • Special Weather Statement - least urgent type of alert and is used to let people know that there may be unusual conditions which could cause concern
  • Advisories - issued for specific weather events (blowing snow, fog, freezing rain, frost) that is less severe but may still impact regular routines
  • Watches - issued for weather conditions that are favourable for a storm or severe weather which may cause safety concerns
  • Warnings - is an urgent message that severe weather is either occurring or will occur

Public Alerts

Public Alerts are issued through the media, the Weather Radio Services or through the Government of Canada website. The following links are to these two important websites:

  • Government of Canada - Public Weather Alerts
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada Weatheradio

For tips on driving at night and in bad weather, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation

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Contact Us

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Phone: 705-645-2100
Fax: 705-645-5319

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