While it might not feel like it with this weekend’s frigid temperatures, strong winds, and blowing snow, warmer weather is, in fact, just around the corner.
The District Municipality of Muskoka is urging locals to prepare for all the heavy snow from this winter to melt and prevent flooding by keeping catch basins clear.
The district reminds residents that issues can arise if catch basins or sewers are blocked by ice or debris.
There are more than a thousand catch basins across Muskoka according to the district, which channel excess water to stormwater management ponds and then flow it into local lakes and rivers.
By keeping catch basins and sewers clear, residents can help reduce the risk of water flooding on roads and ensures proper drainage.
Residents are urged to avoid placing items such as chemicals, construction material, food and residential, hazardous or yard waste.
To clean catch basins, residents are encouraged by the district to use a long-handed shovel, broom or rake to clear away materials, to stay visible with bright clothing while on district roads, to avoid the travelled portion of roads when possible, and to avoid moving hazardous materials such as glass, needles or dead animals.
Residents are asked to report any blocked catch basins or areas of street flooding to the district.
