Don't Let the Spring Freshet Catch You Off Guard

Ready for Anything: Reminders from MERC 

March 31, 2023 (Muskoka, ON) – As the snow melts and the rivers rise, it's important to prepare for the annual Spring Freshet. With longer days on the horizon, your Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) reminds our community to prepare for the 2023 Spring Freshet. 

The spring thaw, commonly known as the Spring Freshet, results from snow and ice moving and melting into our lake and river systems - which can last for weeks as the snowpack melts.  

Working Together to Prepare   

We know we can’t stop or prevent flooding - but we can reduce the impacts if it happens. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is the provincial lead for flooding, but we all have a role to play in preparing ourselves, our properties and our community.

Here’s what you can do:   

• Create or refresh your family emergency plan. 
• Understand and monitor your property, and prepare it for flooding. 
• Refresh or get your 72-hour Kit ready and know your risks. 

“No one knows your property better than you - assess the risks in and around your property and make a plan,” said Jeff McWilliam, Chief of Paramedic Services and Emergency Management with the District of Muskoka. “Being prepared can make all the difference. Don't wait until it's too late to prepare for an emergency, it only takes a few moments to put a Kit together.”  

Key Steps to Being Prepared  

A 72-hour Kit will support you and your family with the essentials you need to survive an emergency. Learn more about how you can prepare and what should be included in your Kit, visit www.muskoka.on.ca

See what the water level is at your Muskoka property anytime, anywhere - a Floodline and LiDAR mapping app is available through the Muskoka GeoHub. Water level readings with that of the previous days and the historic high-water level can be compared, and the data is linked directly to Natural Resources Canada – it is updated automatically, every day.     

MERC - Ready for Anything  

Your MERC collaborates to protect residents and visitors during emergencies. MERC representatives include dedicated emergency response representatives from the District of Muskoka, Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, Township of Muskoka Lakes, First Nation Communities and OPP partners.   

One Step Ahead - Voyent! Alert  

Voyent Alert is a powerful tool designed to help you stay informed and prepared if emergencies happen in Muskoka. You can customize alerts based on your location or the location of your family member's property and receive real-time updates and critical information about emergency situations as they unfold.   

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About: Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC)

MERC is made up of representatives from Muskoka’s six area municipalities, First Nation Communities, and the District of Muskoka. In the event of an emergency, MERC is responsible for coordinating the response efforts of these departments and ensuring that the necessary resources and personnel are deployed to respond to the emergency.