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You can become a Climate Hero!
 

You can become a Climate Hero through the District of Muskoka's Climate Hero program! The Climate Hero program is a way for everyone - individuals and businesses - to take actionable steps to reduce their carbon footprint and make Muskoka more sustainable. The program has many different levels with various actions to choose from and reflect everyone's unique interests and lifestyle. Enjoy gardening? Plant a pollinator or a sustainable food garden! Into technology? Take your e-waste to be properly recycled by the District.

The Climate Hero program is part of the District’s Community Energy and Emissions Reduction plan, which was developed in partnership with the community.  The program will help to support greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions targets of 50% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050 (based on 2018 levels). Every fraction of a degree we can keep the earth from warming can positively impact the future of our community. When we work collectively, we can make big impacts!

How to get started:

1. Visit the Climate Hero Engage Page.
2. Download the Climate Hero guide - there is one for individuals and one for businesses.
3. Start at the Bronze level and pick 7 of the 12 actions to complete or, if you are already doing these things, great, that counts too!
4. Once you have completed all the actions, document them with a photo or screenshot. 
5. Complete the survey on the Engage Page to share what actions you have done and your documentation.
6. After we receive your survey, we will send you a window cling sticker and pin so you can showcase your commitment to climate action. 
7. If you want to keep going you can start working on Silver and then Gold level actions, reporting to us after each one.

Now is the time to make impactful changes to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Muskoka for generations to come.

Real-Time Water Levels Available on Muskoka GeoHub Web Mapping Portal

While spring brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions, including heavy rain, severe weather, and rapid snowmelt that can increase the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas.

This spring thaw, commonly known as the spring freshet, is a result of snow and ice moving and melting into our lake and river systems, which can last for weeks as the snowpack melts. Residents can prepare for the spring freshet by creating an emergency plan, preparing your property, putting together a 72-hour kit in case of emergency, and monitoring water levels in Muskoka.

“When it comes to emergency preparedness, we all have a role to play” shares Jeff McWilliam, Chief of Paramedic Services and Emergency Planning with the District of Muskoka. “No one knows your property better than you. Assess the risks in and around your property and make a plan. Prepare an emergency kit that will last you and your family at least 72 hours and be sure to include items such as water, food, medications, and supplies for your pet if you have one. Don’t forget to also subscribe to your town or township news page online for flood updates right to your inbox”.

For more information and resources on being prepared for a flood visit the DMM website at: www.muskoka.on.ca/flooding. 

Floodplain Mapping and Real-Time Water Levels

Floodplain mapping and real-time water levels for Muskoka are now available through the Muskoka GeoHub, Muskoka’s online web mapping portal. This new feature in the GeoHub Floodline and LiDAR mapping application displays a water level station layer showing real-time water levels in Muskoka.

With this tool, residents are able to see what the water level is at their property in Muskoka in real-time and compare that with the previous days’ water level reading as well as the historic high water level. The information is linked directly to map services from Natural Resources Canada and the data is updated automatically every day. 

Learn More!

You can access Muskoka GeoHub “how-to” videos at www.muskoka.on.ca/gis. These videos will show you how to access the Muskoka GeoHub, tips, tricks and where to find floodplain maps and real-time water level information.