Parks Canada issues water safety notice for Lock 42 at Lake Couchiching

High water levels on lakes Simcoe and Couchiching are prompting action at Lock 42 near Washago.

It’s that time of year where residents and boaters in the Washago area are being asked to stay alert as Parks Canada warns the public of increased water flows at Lock 42-Couchiching.

Due to higher-than-normal water levels on Lake Simcoe and Couchiching, officials are preparing to release extra water to help manage the conditions. The discharge valves at the lock could be opened as early as Monday.

This step will cause water flows to rise immediately between Lock 42 and the channel below the Severn River, so the public is being warned to exercise caution near the lock or on the waterways.

High water is also reported on the Severn, Trent, and Otonabee rivers.