2023 Flood Season is here; sandbags and materials now available for pick-up

Kawartha Lakes – Each year as the Spring thaw takes place, areas of the municipality are prone to flooding. For those who are in a flood plain area, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, in partnership with the Public Works division, has prepared both pre-filled sandbags as well as provided materials for residents to make their own sandbags to assist with flood preparation.

Please see the below for information on what materials are available and where they can be found:

Pre-filled sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Burnt River Community Centre: 16 Somerville Centre Rd, Burnt River
• Coboconk Legion Ball Park: 6699 Highway 35, Coboconk

Sand and bags for filling are available at the following locations (shovel required):

• Ward Park Norland Community Centre: 7675 Highway 35 North, Norland
• Dalton Community Centre: 13 Rumohr Drive, Sebright
• Chisholm Trail south of Black River Road near Amon Drive

Please note for locations with sand and bags available, residents will need to bring their own shovel to fill the bags.

With the sandbags and materials now available, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the supplies and prepare their properties now. As the warmer weather approaches with the possibility of rain in the forecast, it’s important to act now and ensure you have a plan in place should flooding occur.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety in effect March 21 to 27

Kawartha Conservation issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for Tuesday March 21 through March 27. Widespread flooding is not anticipated; however, a significant snowpack remains on the ground throughout the Kawartha Region and this snowpack, combined with warmer temperatures, is expected to increase water levels and flows in watercourses, and ponding of water in low lying areas, across the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction.

At this time of year watercourses can be dangerous, and Kawartha Conservation is warning residents to stay a safe distance from all streams and rivers, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams, and that ice conditions, particularly in areas of moving water, may be unsafe due to the warming temperatures.

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705-328-2271 or 705-344-0155 after hours.

Read the Watershed Conditions Statement news release.

Stay informed

The most important step you can take to be prepared is to ensure you stay up-to-date on flood warnings and advisories. The municipality has many different channels to help keep the community informed. Please take the time to sign up for any of the following:

• Subscribe to the municipal newsroom to receive public notices and advisories straight to your email
• Follow Kawartha Lakes on Facebook and Twitter to see the latest updates
• Download our municipal information tool, Pingstreet, on your mobile device to receive emergency push notifications
• Tune in to the latest warnings and advisories on 91.9 Bounce FM radio and Global/CHEX television and other local news sources.
• Road closures due to flooding: Public safety is our top priority. Roads will be closed if they are deemed to be unsafe. All road closures and re-openings are posted on Municipal 511 and can be viewed on the flood page of our website at www.kawarthalakes.ca/flood or directly at www.municipal511.ca

Visit the municipality’s Emergency Management page for tips on how to prepare yourself and your property for flood season.

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