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The Muskoka River Watershed (MRW) originates in the northeast section of Algonquin Park and travels approximately 210 km southwesterly to its terminus in Georgian Bay an approximate area covered by the watershed of 5,100 km2. The MRW contains fifteen (15) sub-watersheds, two (2) of which is the North and South Branch of the Muskoka River that converge into the Muskoka River at the Town of Bracebridge (Town) prior to depositing into Lake Muskoka. Originating from the 2013 Flood, the Town has taken an active role in raising awareness to other levels of government on the concerns with flooding and the siltation of the Muskoka River at the delta with Lake Muskoka.
The erosion of shoreline throughout the MRW is a naturally occurring process, but human activity has compounded the significance of erosion in many areas, particularly on the open lakes. The recent flooding events of 2013, 2016 and 2019, have manifested new areas of concern in relation to erosion and siltation. In response, the Town of Bracebridge held public open house events in 2015 to allow property owners, commercial operators, and others who utilize the Muskoka River to provide any additional background information. In the area of the Muskoka River delta at Bracebridge, exceptionally high-water levels and flow volumes resulted in substantial erosion, damage to the built infrastructure and silt deposits. The silt deposit has created navigational concerns for both recreational and commercial operators on the Muskoka River.
In subsequent years, the Town identified the following for potential concerns from sediments that have accumulated at the mouth of the Muskoka River:
The navigational channel is no longer defined and the mouth of the Muskoka River is approximately 0.3 m deep at its deepest point and shallows to nothing in some areas where sandbars continue to form.
Historically, the channel is typically 2.74 to 3.65 m deep at this location.
The navigation channel is 375 m long by 52 m wide with approximately 39,000 m3 of sand and sediments that have accumulated near the western shoreline off of Caisses Island.
A bathymetry study was completed in 2017 for the Muskoka River delta consisting of the part of the Muskoka River from a point at Sandpit Island on Lake Muskoka easterly for approximately 1900 m including a portion of Alport Bay and from a point at Peninsula Island on Lake Muskoka southerly for approximately 1200 m.
While there has been some research and public discussion in the past, the need to fully understand the sedimentation of the river delta, river bank erosion and the effects of these problems on the environment and the community, as well as the options available to address these issues, are critical to deciding on a path forward for the Muskoka River.
The Muskoka River Watershed (MRW) originates in the northeast section of Algonquin Park and travels approximately 210 km southwesterly to its terminus in Georgian Bay an approximate area covered by the watershed of 5,100 km2. The MRW contains fifteen (15) sub-watersheds, two (2) of which is the North and South Branch of the Muskoka River that converge into the Muskoka River at the Town of Bracebridge (Town) prior to depositing into Lake Muskoka. Originating from the 2013 Flood, the Town has taken an active role in raising awareness to other levels of government on the concerns with flooding and the siltation of the Muskoka River at the delta with Lake Muskoka.
The erosion of shoreline throughout the MRW is a naturally occurring process, but human activity has compounded the significance of erosion in many areas, particularly on the open lakes. The recent flooding events of 2013, 2016 and 2019, have manifested new areas of concern in relation to erosion and siltation. In response, the Town of Bracebridge held public open house events in 2015 to allow property owners, commercial operators, and others who utilize the Muskoka River to provide any additional background information. In the area of the Muskoka River delta at Bracebridge, exceptionally high-water levels and flow volumes resulted in substantial erosion, damage to the built infrastructure and silt deposits. The silt deposit has created navigational concerns for both recreational and commercial operators on the Muskoka River.
In subsequent years, the Town identified the following for potential concerns from sediments that have accumulated at the mouth of the Muskoka River:
The navigational channel is no longer defined and the mouth of the Muskoka River is approximately 0.3 m deep at its deepest point and shallows to nothing in some areas where sandbars continue to form.
Historically, the channel is typically 2.74 to 3.65 m deep at this location.
The navigation channel is 375 m long by 52 m wide with approximately 39,000 m3 of sand and sediments that have accumulated near the western shoreline off of Caisses Island.
A bathymetry study was completed in 2017 for the Muskoka River delta consisting of the part of the Muskoka River from a point at Sandpit Island on Lake Muskoka easterly for approximately 1900 m including a portion of Alport Bay and from a point at Peninsula Island on Lake Muskoka southerly for approximately 1200 m.
While there has been some research and public discussion in the past, the need to fully understand the sedimentation of the river delta, river bank erosion and the effects of these problems on the environment and the community, as well as the options available to address these issues, are critical to deciding on a path forward for the Muskoka River.
The Muskoka River Siltation Project is intended to improve the understanding of sedimentation of the river delta, river bank erosion and the range of options for addressing the sedimentation of the Muskoka River. This project is focused on the area from the river delta at the mouth of Lake Muskoka for a distance of approximately 1,900 meters upstream. The Muskoka River from Bracebridge Bay to Lake Muskoka is a key transportation route bringing boaters from the Lake into the heart of the Town of Bracebridge. The Town has heard several concerns expressed regarding siltation that appears to have occurred along the length of the Muskoka River. The Town would like to hear from residents, visitors and businesses who use the river regarding changes they have seen in the River over the past several years.
Muskoka River Siltation Project has finished this stage
This consultation is open for contributions.
Muskoka River Siltation Project Survey
Muskoka River Siltation Project has finished this stage
The Muskoka River Siltation Project Survey is now open for contributions. Thank you in advance for your contributions to making this study a success!
Bathymetry Study
Muskoka River Siltation Project has finished this stage
Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of ocean, lake and river floors.
The Bathymetry study and review is currently being completed. Reports and outcomes will be provided in the reports section.
Geotechnical Study
Muskoka River Siltation Project has finished this stage
Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics for the solution of its respective engineering problems.
The Geotechnical study and review is currently being completed. Reports and outcomes will be provided in the reports section.
Interim Report
Muskoka River Siltation Project has finished this stage
The interim status of the outcomes from the consultation are documented here.
Final report
Muskoka River Siltation Project is currently at this stage
The final outcomes of the consultation are documented here. This will include a summary of the data review, synopsis and recommended actions as well as the summary of the contributions collected.