Kawartha Lakes encourages property owners in flood-prone zones to prepare for 2026 flood season

By City of Kawartha Lakes - Mar 11, 2026

Kawartha Lakes – With warmer temperatures, melting snow and several rainy days, signs of spring are starting to appear. This seasonal change also means it’s time to prepare for the spring thaw and the potential flooding it can cause. 

Flooding is unpredictable and is caused by a variety of weather factors. Being prepared helps to ease the stress and damage that can be caused by high water levels. As snow melts, some areas are prone to high water levels, and residents in flood-prone zones are encouraged to prepare. 

How flood communication flows  

Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and Kawartha Lakes staff are in regular contact with Kawartha Conservation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Trent-Severn Waterway. Messages about the current state of waterways, expected changes in water levels and instructions for public safety are communicated through a variety of outlets including City website and social media channels, and Municipal511 for road closures.  

If you’d like to receive email updates on flood information, consider signing up for the Jump Inbox (select Weather and Emergency) to receive updates straight to your email inbox. 

Sandbag information

To assist with flood preparedness, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and Public Works have provided free sandbags at the following locations: 

Fill-your-own sandbags (bring a shovel) 

  • 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) 

Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis; please only take what you need to protect your home. 

Sandbag use reminders

  • Sandbags are only effective if you stack them correctly (with edges overlapping in a brick pattern) before your property is threatened by water or debris.  

  • Do not make a dam in an attempt to stop water.  

  • Use sandbags in front of windows and doors and think of ways to redirect the water toward areas of your property where it can drain off naturally without damaging anything.  

Remember: floodwaters can’t be stopped, they can only be re-directed. 

Flood watch and safety advisory 

As of March 10, 2026, Kawartha Conservation issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Watch due to rising water levels from rain and snowmelt. Streams, rivers, and lakes are dangerous with high water levels and ice instability. Residents with waterfront properties should prepare for elevated water and potential flooding. 

Stay informed 

  • Activate your Jump Inbox and subscribe to Weather and Emergency news to receive flood news and advisories straight to your email. 

  • Follow Kawartha Lakes on Facebook to see the latest updates. 

  • Tune in to the latest warnings and advisories on Y91.9 FM radio and Global Peterborough. 

  • See road closures on Municipal511

Need help? 

If you require emergency fire, paramedic or police services call 911 immediately.   

For non-emergencies, reach out using the following information: 

  • City of Kawartha Lakes Call Centre: 705-324-9411 extension 0 (Toll-free 1-888-822-2225 extension 0)  

  • After Hours Municipal Emergency Number: 1-877-885-7337 

For flood preparation tips, visit our Emergency Management page. Stay safe and be prepared! 

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Kawartha Lakes 
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337

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