Flood Warning Remains in Effect for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District (until April 29, 2026)

Information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, April 22, 2026 – The Ministry of Natural Resources (“MNR”), Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District advises residents that the Flood Warning, originally issued on April 13, remains in effect until Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

This message applies district‑wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne, Black, French, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River watersheds.

MNR advises residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning. 

In some locations, levels are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure impacts and flooding. Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to start to stabilize in some areas over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.

Summary: 

• River levels and flows within the district remain elevated and are expected to persist across most locations. 
• Lake water levels in several areas are near or have exceeded the upper limits of the Normal Operating Zone (NOZ) and are now in the High-Water Zone. 
• Remaining snowpack is limited and is expected to have minimal impact on runoff.
• The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 12°C to 17°C and overnight lows between 1°C and 7°C with up to 10 mm of rainfall. Generally dry and warm conditions may limit additional runoff.

Be advised:

• Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies. Increased water levels and precipitation may erode the ice and create floating ice hazards that could damage waterfront infrastructure.
• Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads may be impacted to various degrees as runoff from rainfall and melting snow enter watercourses.
• Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
• Keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages on our website and social media, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

Winter Drawdown: 

• Utilizing the flexibility within the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP), MNR conducted a winter drawdown of water levels on Lake Muskoka to the bottom of the Normal Operating Zone (NOZ) by March 1, 2026. 

Water Management:

• Dam operators across the Muskoka River Watershed work collaboratively to manage the system in a safe and responsible manner consistent with the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP). 
• The watersheds are complex cascading systems: water inputs received upstream must travel down through the watershed before exiting the system and permitting water levels to return to normal levels. This means that water levels and river flows for locations near the bottom of the watersheds can remain elevated for longer periods of time while the additional water works its way through system.

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

For more information:

• • District Municipality of Muskoka provides near real-time water level observations for the main managed lakes: Floodplain Mapping
  • Muskoka Water Web provides detailed information on the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP) and how to check water levels on your lake - http://www.muskokawaterweb.ca/mnr-resources/water-management/checking-levels 
  • Environment Canada Real-Time Hydrological stations provide up-to-date information on water levels: https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/search/real_time_e.html and bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca 
  • Flood Forecasting and Warning Program:  https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/webapps/swmc/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program/#ontarioFloodMap and https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods 
  • Township Flood Information Webpage: Flood Information

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For more information on this advisory, please contact: 
Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District Office
705-645-8747
watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca 

For more information on Township Operations, please contact:
Nick Colucci
Director of Public Works
(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250
ncolucci@muskokalakes.ca

For general, media or accessibility inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca

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