Gravenhurst backs calls for provincial action on Muskoka flooding

The municipality is calling on the province to enact a review and update of the water management plan

Gravenhurst Council supported a Township of Muskoka Lakes resolution calling on the Province to take action on flood mitigation and disaster assistance, during its August 11, 2026, meeting.

The concerns reflect issues following damaging flooding during the 2026 spring freshet.

The resolution points to significant impacts from flooding on municipal infrastructure, private property, businesses, roads, the natural environment and residents, along with financial hardship, property damage, displacement and loss of access.

It also notes municipalities within the Muskoka River Watershed have repeatedly raised concerns about increasing flood frequency, changing climatic conditions, watershed management practices and the need for coordinated and transparent flood mitigation planning.

The resolution calls on the Province to reconfirm its November 2024 commitment to undertake a comprehensive review and update of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan.

It also asks the Province to reaffirm its January 2025 commitment to assess recommendations arising from the Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative, including updates to the water management plan and public consultation involving municipalities, dam owners and other interested parties.

Another request is for a formal implementation framework for the review, with clearly defined deliverables, publicly reported milestones, firm completion timelines, assigned ministry responsibilities and regular progress reports.

The resolution also calls for public information sessions in affected watershed communities to hear from residents impacted by the 2026 flooding and provide information about water management decisions and operational considerations surrounding the spring freshet.

Financial assistance is another focus.

The Township is asking the Province to activate the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians and Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance programs for communities affected by the flooding and expedite the review and approval process.

It also wants eligibility under the provincial disaster recovery program expanded to include seasonal and secondary residential properties, citing their importance to the economy and tax base of watershed and seasonal municipalities.

The resolution follows provincial investments beginning in 2021 in studies examining conditions within the Muskoka River Watershed and potential measures to reduce flooding impacts. It states that despite extensive analysis and recommendations, concerns remain that the work has not resulted in sufficient tangible flood mitigation measures.

CAO, Scott Lucas, explained they want the province to put money up regarding watershed. He explained that supporting the resolution is to say, “put your money where your mouth is regarding implementing these studies.”

He added that the Province “has been slow since they did the analysis.” “So, now what?” he asked.

He also suggested, “There should be forums open, so the Province sees the impacts.”

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, indicated that the Town is coordinating with other area municipalities, as a “joint advocacy in the area” which will apply to the delegation at the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference to “let them know that this affects our residents and that this is important.”