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This year has already shown how changing climate conditions can impact communities across Muskoka. From spring flooding and changing water levels to smoke from forest fires in Northern Ontario affecting local air quality, residents, cottagers and visitors have all experienced the effects. The District of Muskoka has two resources that can help residents and cottagers stay informed and prepared: the Floodplain and LiDAR Mapping and the Forest Fire Preparedness Maps, both found on the Muskoka Geohub.
Floodplain and LiDAR Mapping
Understanding the flood risk is an important part of being prepared, particularly when buying a home or cottage in Muskoka.
The Floodplain and LiDAR Map allows users to search an address anywhere in Muskoka and see where the property falls within a mapped flood hazard area. The map identifies three key areas:
- Floodway: The portion of the floodplain where water has sufficient depth and/or velocity to create potential risk to safety.
- Flood fringe: The area between the floodway and floodline. This area may still experience flooding, but water depths and velocities are generally less severe than in the floodway.
- Static floodline elevation: This applies to lake floodplains where the flood elevation is consistent around the lake.
The maps can be viewed in body 2D and 3D, making it easier to understand the relationship between properties, terrain and potential flood areas.
Image 1: Screenshot of Floodplain LiDAR Map shows the different floodline categories
Track Water Levels in Real Time
The Floodplain and LiDAR Map also provides live water hydrographs, which show data from water monitoring stations across the District.
Monitoring stations are located on several Muskoka lakes, including Lake Muskoka, Lake of Bays, Fairy and Peninsula Lakes, Mary Lake, Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau and Go Home Lake. The hydrographs show if the water levels are currently in the normal, upper, high or low operating zones.
There is also historical data back to 2006, including the maximum water level historically reached, as well as where infrastructure like docks, walkways or wharfs sit in comparison to current lake levels.
As flood risk has increased in Muskoka due to the impacts of climate change (large-scale rain events, stalled weather patterns and a shifting jet stream), it is important that the Muskoka community can easily access this data through the District Floodplain map.
Forest Fire Preparedness
Flooding is not the only climate-related risk facing Muskoka. Hotter and drier conditions can increase the risk of forest fires, while smoke from fires across Ontario can affect air quality throughout the region.
The Forest Fire Preparedness map on the Muskoka Geo hub does just that. The map shows current fires in Ontario and gives details as to how large the fire is, if it is under control and the cause (human or natural).
Stay Informed About Local Air Quality
The Forest Fire Preparedness Map also includes air quality information from monitoring stations across North America, including stations near Skeleton Lake, Dorset, Minden and Parry Sound. These readings can provide a snapshot of local air quality, particularly during periods when smoke from forest fires is affecting the region.
The resource also provides information on:
- How to report a forest fire
- Current fire danger ratings in Muskoka
- Local fire stations
- How to make your property more FireSmart
- Fire danger ratings for municipalities across Muskoka
Together, these resources provide a central place for residents to find important, real-time information about forest fire conditions in Muskoka.
As forest fire danger increases due to the hotter and drier summers that Ontario is experiencing, it is important to be prepared and informed about the risks. Forest fires are not only a danger to property, but the smoke from forest fires can impact those with health issues and make it harder to enjoy the outdoors during the Muskoka summer season.
Take Action and Become a Climate Hero
While the increased impacts of floods and forest fires due to climate change affect all of us, taking action is one way to build more resilience and feel empowered.
Becoming a Climate Hero is an easy way for Muskoka residents and cottagers to learn the positive impact they can have on the environment. From small changes in everyday habits to actions that can be taken around the home and in the community, everyone has a role to play.
By staying informed, preparing for climate-related risks and taking small steps to reduce our environmental impact, we can all help build a more resilient and sustainable Muskoka.
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