Flood advisories issued for north Simcoe townships

Ariel footage obtained by CTV News shows mass flooding in the Township of Severn, Ont., near Hampshire Mills Road on March 11, 2026. (Source: Connor Earl Productions/Supplied)

As stubborn areas of snow and ice continue melting, they may continue posing a risk for residents near north Simcoe County waterways.

The Ministry of Natural Resources in the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District issued a ‘Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Watch’ on Friday, impacting the Townships of Severn, Ramara, Tiny and Tay. It also applies to the Severn and Black Rivers around Washago, as well as Sparrow Lake and Lake St. John.

Current Conditions

“Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions are present throughout the area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams,” said the Township of Severn in its notice. “Water levels in most lakes and rivers remain high with the recent precipitation and snowmelt and are expected to continue to remain high as runoff continues to enter the watersheds.”

The Township specified that remaining snowpack is expected to enter the watershed on Sparrow Lake with warm weather and precipitation in the forecast.

“Water levels are expected to remain high and fast flowing with potential for flooding to occur,” the township added.

The Lake Simcoe watershed in Ramara Township is also under a ‘high risk’ shoreline hazard watch issued by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) through April 24.

“River flows, particularly along the Severn River system, remain elevated, and water levels are expected to stay high and fast-flowing as runoff continues to move through the watershed,” said the Township of Ramara in its notice. “Residents in historically flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions to protect property and secure belongings and continue to monitor conditions closely.”

Forecast and protection

According to Environment Canada, most areas in northern Simcoe County could experience consecutive rainy days between Sunday and Thursday.

Severn Township has been offering sandbag stations for residents since mid-March at the following locations:

• Washago Centennial Park (3376 Quetton Street)
• Intersection of Cambrian Road and Canal Road
• Lauderdale Point Crescent (Peninsula Point Road and Bennett Avenue)
• Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive)

Ramara Township reminds residents to avoid all ice-covered waterbodies and areas of fast-moving water.