News

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  • May 23, 2021 10:43 AM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    The Muskoka Lakes Association is proud to be participating in the 2021 “Your Lakes, Your Views” survey with Safe Quiet Lakes. The survey looks at what people value from their cottage experience, how they use the water and what their boating activity concerns are.

    This helps us to understand the priorities of our members as well as providing information for advocacy and action by Safe Quiet Lakes. Past survey data has been shared with Transport Canada, municipalities, the OPP and boating organizations.
     

    We know you have been getting lots of surveys from us lately but we promise this is the last one for a bit! Please take 10-15 minutes of your valuable time to respond. 

    This survey closes Monday, July 12th, 2021

    Your responses are confidential. This research is being conducted in partnership with Marketing Research and Business Intelligence Program of Algonquin College, Ontario. If you have any questions or difficulties in completing the survey, please get in touch with the survey team at stonen@algonquincollege.com.  Or check out safequiet.ca for more information about the survey and Safe Quiet Lakes.

    We look forward to sharing the results with you in the fall.

    Click this link to go to the survey.
     


  • September 04, 2018 3:57 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    Often on the island the discussion of what can be burned and when comes up in our discussions.  View our Fire & Safety page for more details including a link to view By-Law 2014-018 which explains in detail the towns Burning Control rules.  Be safe!

  • August 27, 2018 1:53 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    On Saturday the Friends of Muskoka (FOM) led a protest rally in Wallace Bay.  View our new Friends of Muskoka page (click on the link or navigate to the Associations tab) to view a quick youtube video showing the turnout for this event.  We encourage members that are interested to join (it's free) or follow them for updates on their efforts.

  • October 05, 2017 1:20 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    Click HERE to view the October FOCA Elert.

  • April 17, 2016 7:13 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    **FLOOD LETTER FROM THE MLA**


    Dear Member,


    The MLA has listened carefully to member feedback and is in progress of assembling all the facts that have contributed to the flooding currently happening in Muskoka. As many of you may know, the water levels have not dropped materially yet. Damage to properties and shorelines continues, as the winds have shifted ice. Ice flows are still around the lakes in selected areas and being carried by wind and waves, connecting with docks and boathouses.

     

    Given this urgent matter, the MLA has formed an emergency task force, which we are calling the MLA Water Level Management Task Force.  Action must be taken today to address the flood, and a plan must be developed to avoid this in the future.  That is what we will be driving towards on your behalf.


    One key focus of the group will be pressing for an update of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP) which expired last month and has been given a 5 year extension by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). 


    Flooding has been a problem in 3 of the last 5 years and we believe that the potential damage and impact of another 5 years of possible flood events is not acceptable.


    Below is a summary of some of the key actions our task force has commenced on your behalf. While these are mostly in the information gathering stage, other actions additional are on the horizon.

    • 1.       We are obtaining additional information on the extension of the MRWMP,
    • 2.       Making contact with the local representatives of MNRF in addition to our recent contacts,
    • 3.       Conducting personal meetings with local municipalities and the District of Muskoka to determine what they are doing regarding the plan update and flood conditions,
    • 4.       Making contact with the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to pass along the concerns of cottagers regarding the ongoing issue of high water levels,
    • 5.       Making contact with other cottage associations and groups to see what they have been doing,.
    • 6.       We will be communicating our progress with members on a regular basis.

    In the meantime, we have included a couple of attachments (see links below) you may be interested in regarding insurance and electrical safety.


    As well, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has announced that it is working with MNRF and are making arrangements to allow repairs of docks and boathouses damaged by water/ice on an expediency basis.  If you are in the township, please contact the building department for more information.


    Thank you for your support and comments so far.  While we are not quite there yet, we will be looking for your input and help with information in future emails which we hope you'll participate in.


    Flood Affected Areas (PDF)

    Flood Water Coverage.pdf


    MLA Water Level Management Task Force

    Muskoka Lakes Association

    65 Joseph Street, Port Carling

    (705) 765-5723


    Follow us on Twitter: @muskokalakes

    Like us on Facebook: Muskoka Lakes Association


  • March 28, 2016 5:48 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry issued the following flood watch yesterday:

    The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect for all watersheds within the District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton.


    Water levels and flows in local lakes and rivers are expected to rise following significant rainfall forecasted across the area beginning Sunday evening.


    It is expected that lower-lying portions of known flood-prone roads along river courses may be impacted to various degrees as river levels rise.


    Flows in the North Branch Muskoka River within the Town of Bracebridge are expected to surpass early flood-watch levels and to continue to rise over the next few days. Flow in the South Branch Muskoka River is also expected to climb above early watch levels if the forecasted rain materializes.


    Flows out of Lake Muskoka into the Bala Reach will surpass early watch levels of 200cms within the next 24 hours.


    Water levels in all area lakes, rivers and streams are expected to rise to or above typical spring levels over the next week.


    Residents affected by high water conditions in the past should take necessary action to secure any vulnerable property in close proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.


    Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed conditions, exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.


    MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.


    Description of Weather System

    A rainfall warning issued by Environment Canada is in effect for most areas within Parry Sound District. Environment Canada is currently forecasting 30 to 50mm of rain beginning Sunday evening and ending Monday afternoon. Temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of 11 degrees Celsius Sunday and falling to minus 1 degree by Monday afternoon.


    Description of Current Conditions

    Lake levels and river flows have dropped or remained stable over the past week with cooler weather. The local snow pack still contains between an estimated 20-75mm of water content that has been melting very slowly over the past three weeks. It is expected that the forecasted rain will cause an increased rate of rise in lake levels and river flows over the next few days as melting of the snow pack accelerates with forecasted rainfall.


    During this time of year we can expect higher and faster flowing water in most watercourses. Slippery and unstable banks and extremely cold water temperatures can lead to very hazardous conditions around any water body.


    Muskoka Lakes Association

    65 Joseph Street, Port Carling

    (705) 765-5723


    Follow us on Twitter: @muskokalakes

    Like us on Facebook: Muskoka Lakes Association


  • April 15, 2015 4:43 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    Flood Watch downgraded to Water Safety notice today

    (April 15, 2015 2pm MUSKOKA-PARRY SOUND) The MNR has downgraded its Flood Watch statement to a Water Safety bulletin as of 2 pm today. The spring thaw continues as expected and Environment Canada is forecasting more seasonally typical April showers, possibly starting tomorrow(April 16) afternoon.

    According to the MNR, Flooding is not anticipated based on current weather forecasts and watershed conditions. It is advised that caution be used when around water bodies as water levels continue to rise with typical spring flows continuing throughout the rest of April.

    Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed conditions, exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Residents affected by high water conditions in the past should take necessary action in advance of rising water levels to secure any vulnerable property in close proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.


    The five day weather forecast is calling for warmer temperatures in the 10 to 15 degree Celsius range with approximately 5mm of rain.

    The snow pack within the district is diminishing with less than an average of 70mm of water content remaining. Warmer temperatures with rain will continue melting the snow pack and sustain high spring flows. Lake levels will continue to rise over the next few days.

    During this time of year we can expect higher and faster flowing water in most watercourses. Slippery and unstable banks and extremely cold water temperatures can lead to very hazardous conditions around any water body.

    Expiry Date: This message will expire on Monday, April 272015, 05:00 PM


  • April 09, 2015 1:47 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    Flood Watch - Parry Sound District/ Muskoka

    BULLETIN: Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

    Flood Watch
    Parry Sound District/ Muskoka
    Thursday, April 09, 2015

    The Ministry of Natural Resources – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect for all watersheds within the District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton.

    Water levels and flows in lakes and rivers will increase as a result of rainfall and continued melting of the snow pack. The rate of rise in water levels and flows will increase over the next several days due to warmer air temperatures and forecasted rainfall.

    It is expected that lower-lying portions of known flood-prone roads along river courses will be impacted to various degrees as river levels continue to rise. It is anticipated that vulnerable, low-lying roads and properties along the Big East River within the Town of Huntsville may begin to be impacted over the weekend as river flows increase.

    Residents affected by high water conditions in the past should take necessary action in advance of rising water levels to secure any vulnerable property in close proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.


    Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed conditions, exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

    MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION

    Description of Weather System

    Rainfall amounts up to 45mm with possible thunderstorms are forecasted for today and tomorrow with daytime highs reaching 13 degrees Celsius over the weekend will advance the melting of the snow pack and cause a significant increase in water levels and flows over the next few days.

    Description of Current Conditions

    The remaining snow pack in the area continues to average a depth of 50 centimetres with an average water content of 150 millimetres. This is approximately 50% higher than normal for this time of year. Levels and flows have been slowly increasing over the past few days but warmer temperatures with rain will cause flows and levels to increase more rapidly.
    During this time of year we can expect higher and faster flowing water in most watercourses. Slippery and unstable banks and extremely cold water temperatures can lead to very hazardous conditions around any water body.

    Expiry Date: This message will expire on Monday, April 13 2015, 05:00 PM

    Terminology: Notification Levels

    WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

    WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

    FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

    FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

    Contact Information

    For more information please contact:
    705-646-5531
    705-646-5509
    705-773-4226

    A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.

    Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

    The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: http://www.ontario.ca/flooding


  • December 16, 2014 3:38 PM | Michael Cleverdon (Administrator)

    Click HERE for full FOCA Elert



     
    FOCA Elert - December 2014

    FOCA Webinars
    RECAP of WEBINAR #1 -

    In early December 2014, we held FOCA's first online-only webinar, on the topic of Cottage Succession. We were thrilled that almost 500 of you signed up to participate. We are still sifting through the event survey responses, and have had a number of requests to make a DVD of the event, or to repeat it in 2015. Stay tuned for developments!

    COMING UP NEXT - 

    Webinar #2: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 - Environmental Commissioner of Ontario - the Environmental Bill of Rights and You

    This webinar will help FOCA members interested in participating in environmental law-making that impacts your waterfront experience and communities - through Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). 
    FOCA members: Watch your Inbox for sign-up details in mid-January!  


    FOCA's Gold Sponsors
    Yamaha   Cottage Life   Superior Propane      CottageLINK Rental Management   BLG   Xplornet logo 
    Toronto International Boat Show - FREE TICKETS!
    We are very excited that FOCA will be part of the "Boating Community Program" at theToronto International Boat Show from January 10-18, 2015, where we will be meeting boaters, and dreaming of an early summer... Plan to join us there. 
     
    (above = sample only) 

    LAST CALL for free tickets!   
    FOCA has 2 free tickets to the Boat Show for each and every one of our member associations. Thanks to all the Associations who have already contacted us to claim their tickets. 

    IMPORTANT: Associations MUST email FOCA by December 31, 2014 with the designated names for the 2 tickets, which will be held at the entry to the Boat Show. Click here for the details... 
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