Water levels in Lake Simcoe remain high despite spring weather

Boating season is fast approaching and boaters are getting restless.

As warmer temperatures and sunny conditions take over the region, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) continues to warn of increasing water levels.

Kenneth Cheney, director of flood management, said the water level is above average.

“The water level in Lake Simcoe is 219.41 metres. The average for this time of year is 219.09 metres,” said Cheney in a statement to CTV News. “This means the water levels in Lake Simcoe are approximately 32 centimetres above average for this time of year.”

With precipitation in the forecast, water levels could remain high and take some time to go back down to normal levels.

“Parks Canada manages the water levels on Lake Simcoe and they have reported that the flows leaving Lake Simcoe are maximized. The length of time for the flows to return to normal will be dependent on the rainfall that is received. It is likely that it could take a month to see some relief in high water levels, and several months to return to more seasonal levels,” said Cheney.

Despite the high water levels, boat owners are getting ready for the season at Barrie’s downtown marina.

Lee Callhahan and Robert Deakin were cleaning their sailboats on Monday.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do to make sure she’s fast this year,” said Callahan. “Very excited the weather’s finally turning for us.”

The recent string of warmer weather means boaters are putting the final touches before being placed in the water.

“Totally enjoying it, we’re enjoying these last two days,” said Deakin. “Let’s hope it just stays until Halloween.”

Deakin also said he expects his boat to be lifted into the water this Friday.

“Friday at 7 a.m.” said Deakin. “Anybody want to come on down and take a look at, you know, even grab a rope or do something and give advice.”

City of Barrie Snow Mountain

The City of Barrie cleared 385 kilometres of snowbanks this past winter season or 180 thousand cubic metres, ending up at yards across the city that saw piles as high as seven stories.

Dave Friary, director of operations for the City, said as the weather warms, the hill is melting, leaving sand and debris.

“There was a salt shortage this year, so, we did use a little bit more sand and this is kind of what it looks like every year,” said Friary. “Last year, June 1, was when it all finally melted. This year, it’ll be significantly longer than that.”

This year, the City took extra measures to ensure they had room for the snow.

“We brought in bulldozers to compact all that snow, so now it’s very compacted,” said Friary. “That expanded our capacity for storing snow, so it’ll be probably into July now before this all goes.”

Four-Wheelers ready to go

As the sun shines it means forests around Simcoe County will soon be buzzing with four wheelers.

Joe Racco, sales manager at St. Onge Recreation said the conditions are ideal for riders.

It’s always nice to get out once you hit that first splash of water and mud, then it’s game on,” said Racco.

After a prolonged winter season, riders are starting to come out with rides planned this weekend in the Wasaga Beach area.

“Normally we start seeing them a little bit earlier, but winter held on this year. But the weather’s coming in and everything’s melted down, so they’re excited to get on the trail,” said Racco.