Watershed & Environment

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a swimming advisory for Hanna Park, located at 40 Bailey St., Port Carling.

During a Swimming Advisory:

• Bacteria levels are above 200 E. coli per 100mL.
• There is a higher risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections as well as stomach illness.
• If you choose to swim during an advisory avoid putting your head under or swallowing water.
• Advisories are lifted once bacteria levels return to safe levels.
• A notice has been posted at the beach to inform visitors of the advisory.
• Stay Informed by visiting the list of current swimming advisories.

Conditions that can increase bacteria levels in the water include recent heavy rain, wind and high waves, large number of birds or swimmers, cloudy water.

Contact: For more information, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520. For after-hours public health emergencies, call 1-888-225-7851.

Note: This advisory on muskokalakes.ca will be updated in alignment with information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (“MNR”), Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising area residents and visitors that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect for the following portions of the Muskoka River Watershed:

• Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph (including the Indian River between Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka)
• Moon River including the Bala Reach

Be advised:

• Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features.
• Use caution in lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads as they may be impacted to varying degrees. 
• Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 
• In areas experiencing high water levels, please slow down and be mindful of your wake. 

For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026 

Water levels and river flows in many locations are currently elevated and are expected to remain high over the next week, which include: 

• Lake Muskoka
• Lake Rosseau
• Moon River including the Bala Reach
• Lake Cecebe
• Ahmic Lake and portions of the watershed downstream of Ahmic Lake

Be advised:

• Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features.
• Use caution in lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads as they may be impacted to varying degrees. 
• Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 
• In areas experiencing high water levels, please slow down and be mindful of your wake. 

For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026 

Water levels and river flows in many locations are at near normal conditions, though some areas remain elevated. 

Be advised:

• Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features.
• Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads may still be impacted to varying degrees. 
• Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 
• In areas still experiencing high water levels, please slow down and be mindful of your wake. 

For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026 

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize. Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads may be impacted to varying degrees should significant rainfall occur.

Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Take the necessary actions to safeguard your home and property.

For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026  

Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Take action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.

Sandbags: Self-serve sandbags are available at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

For current conditions and resources, visit: Flood Information

For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026  

Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Take action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.

Sandbags: Self-serve sandbags are available at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

For current conditions and resources, visit: Flood Information

(Updated April 17) Locations of particular concern due to the potential for heightened impacts include Lake Muskoka and Moon River including the Bala Reach. Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 

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

Sandbags are available for self-serve pickup at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising residents that a Flood Watch is in effect until Friday, April 17, 2026.

Summary:

• Higher-than-normal flows are occurring due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. Lake water levels in most areas of the district are within normal operating ranges, although lake water levels increased following last week’s precipitation.
• Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies.
• Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
• Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
• The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 4°C to 20°C and overnight lows between -4°C and 10°C with up to 90 mm of rainfall.

Remember, no ice is safe ice.

Remember, no ice is safe ice. 

Summary:

• Higher-than-normal flows are occurring due to recent rainfall and snowmelt
• Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies.
• Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
• Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
• The 7-day forecast is predicting daytime highs of 13°C to -2°C and overnight lows are forecasted between 3°C and -8°C with up to 3 cm of snowfall and 50 mm of rainfall. Yellow Rainfall Warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for portions of the district.