The Ontario government is exploring ways to reduce the impacts of flooding in the Muskoka region.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is assessing recommendations from the Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative and considering potential water management plan amendments. This project will include a public engagement and consultation process to hear from interested parties in the watershed, including municipal partners and other dam owners.
“The Muskoka River watershed is one of our province’s treasures, contributing significantly to the local economy and serving as a thriving hub for Ontario’s tourism industry,” said Graydon Smith, MPP, Parry Sound-Muskoka and Minister of Natural Resources. “That’s why we are working with the community and our partners to assess possible water management plan amendments that could further protect this important area.”
“The District Municipality of Muskoka recently completed several projects under the Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative. This included recommendations on potential amendments to the Muskoka River Water Management Plan to improve water management operations,” said District Chair, Jeff Lehman. “The work we completed over the past several years with Provincial funding has allowed us to make major advancements in watershed planning. We are further ahead in Muskoka than ever before in mapping and analyzing factors affecting flooding in the watershed. However, the climate waits for nobody, and so we welcome the Minister’s commitment to reviewing the watershed management plan to work to prevent future flooding.”
The government will continue to work collaboratively with the plan co-signatories and watershed partners to determine if amendments to the Muskoka River Water Management Plan are required.