Canadian lakeside locals launch $900m lawsuit due to weather

Saturday, September 17, 2016, 3:00 PM - Residents and property owners on Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, and Lake Rosseau have launched a $900-million class-action suit against the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR) for damage caused by flooding.

High water levels led to the flooding, which destroyed boathouses, docks, and properties during this year's spring thaw, The Toronto Star reports.

The plaintiffs allege that the Ontario MNR did not uphold their responsibility to maintain the water levels of Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, and Lake Rosseau, due to negligence and poor management.

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"In early 2016 Ontario failed to follow the standards established by the plan," the statement of claim reads. "Ontario’s failure to draw down the water levels and or effectively manage the water levels resulted in abnormally high water levels and flood situations on the Muskoka Lakes in March and April 2016."

Muskoka District councillor Phil Harding told the Globe and Mail that the region's water management plan has been ineffective for years.

"The fluctuations on the watershed have been significantly more severe in the last four, five years than they have been in my entire lifetime, and I have spent 50 years on the Muskoka Lakes," Harding noted. "There’s no question that we are experiencing climate change."

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The Ministry has reportedly expressed sympathy for the damages, but notes that severe weather conditions are not in its control.

Marina and restaurant operator Cassandra Ford told the Star that she's faced with up to $400,000 in repair costs. Ford is looking for answers as to why no flooding took place over six decades, but since 2010 three significant floods occurred.

Aside from fiscal compensation, the suit looks to obtain a judge's order that will ensure the Ministry addresses the complaint and maintains safe water levels going forward.

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SOURCE: The Toronto Star | Globe and Mail