News

The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society, owners of the iconic RMS Segwun, are embarking on a significant fundraising campaign to ensure that our "grand lady of the lakes" continues to be maintained in the best possible condition.

Built in 1887 and as North America’s oldest operating steamship, Segwun requires routine care and maintenance on an annual basis. However, there is an immediate need to replace the decking under the ship’s wheelhouse.

"Segwun’s second deck flooring under the wheelhouse has not been replaced since the early 1960’s", indicated John Miller, President of the Muskoka Steamships Association. "Our goal is to continue preserving Segwun in impeccable condition to ensure her career continues on the Muskoka lakes for future generations. It is essential that we have this work done this coming winter and have the ship ready for our 2015 sailing season", noted Miller.

The restoration project will be led by Fred Mischler, a Swiss trained, master boat builder who has worked on Segwun for over 35 years. "Weather over time has caused damage to the wheelhouse decking and it is really imperative that this wood be replaced", confirmed Mischler. The project will take several months to complete and will entail raising the wheelhouse before replacing the wood with cyprus or fir. The estimated total cost for the project is $125,000.00.

The Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society funds its operations primarily through cruise ticket sales. However, the unfavourable weather this summer has resulted in lower visitation and passenger counts for Muskoka Steamships.

This fundraising campaign will be the first significant call out for support for Segwun since her centennial in 1987. The Society’s Board of Directors and management have passionately propelled the campaign with over $50,000.00 already raised.

The Society is asking that supporters please contribute to the campaign by visiting the fundraising website page at www.realmuskoka.com/HelpSegwun or by contacting John Miller directly at Muskoka Steamships at (705) 687-6667.

The following was issued April 22, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.:

The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect.

Residents within the Parry Sound-Muskoka area are advised that some additional or prolonged flooding will occur within known flood-prone areas of many rivers and lakes. Recent warm air temperatures and rainfall has now accelerated the melting rate of the remaining snow pack with an increased runoff into local waterbodies. High water levels or flooding will occur over the next 24-48 hours within Lake Muskoka and the Moon River as part of the lower Muskoka River sub-watershed.

Residents are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around rivers and lakes as high water levels and flows continue. There is the potential for higher water levels and flows than what is currently being experienced.Residents may wish to take action to protect property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates to this Flood Warning will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System
The current weather forecast through to Saturday April 26th is for daytime temperatures in the range of 5-10 degrees Celsius with near freezing nighttime temperatures. Today’s forecast is calling for a range of 3-30mm of rainfall Friday through Saturday.

Description of Current Conditions
A significant amount of the remaining snowpack has melted in recent days due to warm air temperature and rainfall, increasing the runoff into local river systems. A significant amount of snow still remains within local watersheds at higher elevation areas including the western slopes of Algonquin Park; the headwaters of some local river systems. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will continue to melt the remaining snow pack with continued runoff into local river systems and lakes.

Expiry Date: This message will expire Friday April 25, 2014; 5:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

** FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Contact Information
For more information please contact: Ministry of Natural Resources Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509 or 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

The following was Issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Natural Resources -Click here to enter text. Parry Sound District is advising residents within flood-prone locations that a Flood Warning is in effect as flooding is imminent. Residents affected by flooding in past years are advised to take immediate action to secure or protect property in advance of river flows and lake levels rising to flood levels.

Those residents that have evacuated their homes in past years due to flooding may wish to make similar preparations at this time as rising water levels will hinder, limit or prevent the ability to evacuate as driveways and roads in lower-lying locations become impassible.

All residents in close proximity to local rivers are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution as river flows and levels rise.

MNR continues to monitor weather conditions and flows and water levels. Further updates to this Flood Warning will be issued as conditions change.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The current forecast is calling for 45mm or more precipitation beginning the evening of Saturday April 12th through Monday April 14th. The forecast through to next Monday is for daytime high temperatures up to 16 degrees Celsius with near freezing nighttime temperatures.

Description of Current Conditions

The water content within the existing snow pack throughout local watersheds continues to be greater than the normal or historical average for early April. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will significantly accelerate the melt of the snow pack Saturday through Monday. It is expected that the melting of the snow pack and rainfall amounts will significantly increase the amount of runoff into local rivers and lakes.

Expiry Date: This message will expire Wednesday April 16, 2014; 12:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

** FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

First Nation and Municipalities please contact: 705-646-5531

Other Inquiries please contact:  705-646-5509

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flood

The following was issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10:00 am

The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect in the District.

Residents along rivers and lakes within the Parry Sound-Muskoka area are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regulary check for updated messages and exercise caution around waterbodies as river flows and water levels continue to rise in the coming days.  A significant potential exists for flooding due to current conditions and forecasted rainfall.  Residents may wish to take any further action necessary to secure or protect property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.

Local lakes are still ice covered which has the potential to impact shoreline infastructure such as docks and boathouses as water levels rise and with prevailing winds.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.  Futher updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The current forecast is calling for up to 45mm or more precipitation Saturday, April 12th through Monday April 14th.  The forecast through to next Monday is for daytime high temperatures in the range of 6-13 degrees Celcius with near freezing nighttime temperatures.

Description of Current Conditions

The water content within the existing snow pack throughout local watersheds continues to be significantly greater than the normal or historical average for early April.  Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will accelerate the melt of the snow pack but flooding is not expected at this time.  It is expected that the melting of the snow pack in addition to rainfall will significantly increase the amount of runoff into local waterbodies.

The rate of rise in water levels and flows is expected to increase through the weekend and into next week given current conditions.

Expiry Date: This message will expire Monday April 14, 2014 at 12:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected

**FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Steve Taylor, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509

Amanda Vincent, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.  Environment Canada bulletins can be found at www.weather.gc.ca

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

The following was issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 2:00 pm

The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect in the District.

Residents in the Parry Sound - Muskoka area should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as flows within rivers and streams continue to increase in the coming days.  Although flooding is not expected at this time, residents may wish to consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed condidtions.  Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The weather forecast for the remainder of this week is for daytime high temperatures in the range of 1-13 degrees Celcius with near to below-freezing nighttime temperatures.  The current forecast is calling for up to 35mm of precipitation this week through Sunday April 13th.

Description of Current Conditions

The water content within the existing snow pack throughout local watersheds is approximately 60% above normal or historical average for early April.  Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will continue to melt the substantial snow pack but flooding is not expected at this time.  It is expected that the intact snow pack will retain much of the forecasted rainfall which will minimize the amount of snow melt and runoff into local waterbodies.

Seasonal daytime/nighttime air temperatures for the reminder of this week will allow the snow pack to continue melting at a moderate rate therefore reducing the potential or likelihood for significant flooding within local rivers and lakes.  The rate of rise in water levels and flows is expected to increase by this weekend and into next week given current conditions.

Expiry Date: This message will expire Monday April 14, 2014 at 5:00 pm

Terminology: Notification Levels

**WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected

FLOOD WATCH: potential for floosing exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Steve Taylor, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509

Amanda Vincent, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5531

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.  Environment Canada bulletins can be found at www.weather.gc.ca

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding

 Click here for the FULL Newsletter

Dear Member,

The following is an update on current weather conditions in Muskoka.  Muskoka-Parry Sound is still under a Snow Squall Warning and is expected to receive another 10-15 cm before the snow stops late this evening.

Over the past week, Muskoka has experienced temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius with wind chill factors approaching -40, and has received significant snowfall.  Most areas have seen three to four feet of snow.  We are also expecting warmer temperatures and rain this weekend.  While we are not experts, the MLA recommends that you or a representative check your cottage roof.  Heavy snow accumulation can pose a threat to your home both as it builds up and as it melts.

While the MLA cannot endorse or recommend a local snow removal service, we encourage you to consult a neighbour or your local Chamber of Commerce.

We will keep the membership updated should conditions warrant.

Thank You

Click HERE for FULL Newsletter

Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations FOCA Elert November 2013 In This Issue FOCA Fall Meeting ONCA update Spring Flood Reports released Planning Act & OMB Changes Asian Carp FOCA on the Road - recent events FOCA - recent media mentions Community News: Online! Support FOCA Corporate Sponsors   Quick Links Read past FOCA Elerts What are the Benefits of Supporting FOCA? FOCA's Gold Sponsors:        Event Recap: FOCA Fall Meeting  FOCA hosted freshwater expert Bob Sandford at the FOCA Fall Meeting on November 2, 2013. Read the event summary, prepared by FOCA Board Member Anne McCauley. Click below for brief video highlights from the event:   FOCA members: contact the office to receive summary notes from the Executive Director's advocacy update: info@foca.on.ca    705-749-3622   Bob Sandford stirred up attendees with his presentation about recent extreme water events. With Bob's permission, FOCA is compiling a summary to be shared with members. Stay tuned for details!   For more on the subject: Read FOCA's recent interview with Bob Sandford in Water Canada Magazine. Click to link-->   Sincere thanks to our generous event sponsors: Yamaha Motors Canada and Insurance Bureau of Canada. ONCA: Is Your Non-Profit Group Ready? Nick Pasquino of BLG spoke on the subject of ONCA at the FOCA AGM in March 2013   The Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) is due to be proclaimed by the Legislature in early 2014. The coming changes will impact all associations incorporated in Ontario. On behalf of our members, FOCA is working with our legal partners at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) to develop an ONCA Toolkit, which will be made available to interested member associations after the Act is proclaimed. Get info about the Toolkit on FOCA's ONCA webpage... * Members: act now to access a reduced rate on the ONCA Toolkit!   (Not yet incorporated, but looking at taking this step? We have an option for your association as well. Follow the link above to the ONCA webpage for more information.)  Spring 2013 Flood Reports released    Two independent cottage country flood reports have now been released:     1) Gull River Flooding Report - a third-party review (by AECOM) of Parks Canada's actions before, during and after spring flooding of the Gull River sub-watershed, including the Township of Minden Hills and the Haliburton lakes. The report indicates that, "other alternative management decisions would not have led to reduced overall flooding." Find links to the report and other news, on FOCA's Ontario Waterways webpage.     2) Muskoka Flooding Report - Read a summary of the report commissioned by Muskoka Lakes Association (from Baird & Associates) and MLA's responses, by clicking here.    NEW - Planning Act, OMB Changes Ontario is reviewing its land use planning and appeals system and its development charges system, to ensure they are working well and are responsive to the changing needs of our communities. FOCA will be submitting input on behalf of our waterfront community. Get links to both reviews on the FOCA Land Use Planning webpage... and provide your comments by January 10, 2014.