UPDATE #2: Highway #141 has been closed due to rising flood waters. Authorities advise motorists to take Aspdin Rd. from Huntsville to bypass Highway #141.
UPDATE: Power has been shut off in some parts of Huntsville as flood waters rise to what officials are calling record levels. Police are also rerouting traffic on Highway 11 in the area after a sinkhole opened in the road Friday night.
TORONTO – Two Ontario towns, Bracebridge and Huntsville, have declared a state of emergency due to rising water levels.
In a statement posted on the town of Bracebridge’s official website Friday afternoon, a spokesperson for Mayor Graydon Smith said that Bracebridge had been advised by the Ministry of Natural Resources “of rising water levels on the North and South Branches of the Muskoka River and Black River.”
According to the statement, staff members from Public Works are responding to the flooding issues, adding that due to the severity of the floods, it will take time to re-open some of the affected roads.
The town of Bracebridge issued an update at 3pm on Friday, stating that the Bracebridge Sportsplex and the Oakley Village Square will be open 24 hours a day as temporary shelters.
Bracebridge is located approximately 190 km north of Toronto.
Meanwhile, 40 km north of Bracebridge, the town of Huntsville, Ont. has also declared a state of emergency, reporting “massive destruction” to the town infrastructure and numerous road washouts. Officials stated on the town website that damage is estimated to be in excess of $1 million.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has cautioned in both cases that water levels will continue to rise, advising homeowners in the low lying areas to protect themselves and their property.
Parents are being reminded to keep their children away from open waters, creeks and rivers.
For more information on closed or flooded roads, please visit bracebridge.ca and huntsville.ca.
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