Worst of Muskoka flooding over, cleanup begins

Two Ontario cabinet ministers visited cottage country Tuesday for a first-hand view of several communities hit by flooding.

Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur and Municipal Affairs Minister Linda Jeffrey planned to visit several areas, including Huntsville, Bracebridge and South Algonquin, to see the extent of the damage and offer government support.

Officials in most of the central Ontario communities say they believe the worst of the flooding is over but water levels remain extremely high.

Seven communities — from Muskoka to Kawartha Lakes — declared states of emergency as they dealt with the flooding that submerged roads and forced dozens of people to evacuate waterlogged homes.

The town of Huntsville announced Tuesday that it was ending its state of emergency.

But Mayor Claude Doughty said officials would continue working on the problem, adding that many roads could remain closed for the next few days.

"I thank the residents on behalf of council and myself, for their continued patience and support of this challenging situation," Doughty said.

The town also reminded people to keep children away from open waters, creeks and rivers.