Earlier this month, Huntsville and Lake of Bays announced a new app to help residents plan for the weather and emergency situations.
Development of ‘The Weather Engine’ began in the Fall of 2024 and was first shared publicly at the GIS (Geographic Information System) Day event in November 2024. It works by consolidating approximately 16 different data sources into one centralized platform, saving users from having to go to multiple websites to get information on issues like severe weather, air quality, and local water levels. The mapping system was developed by the municipalities’ shared services GIS team and provides real-time environmental information tailored to the region. However, its reach is not limited to the Huntsville/Lake of Bays area. Users can zoom in for local details or pan out for a broader Muskoka-wide view.
Key features of the app include:
- Live Weather Alerts & Radar: Real-time updates from Environment Canada, including integrated radar imagery
- Wildfire Monitoring: Fire danger ratings and satellite data from NASA and NOAA to help track wildfire risks.
- Flood Monitoring:Local water levels, including Fairy Lake and Oxtongue River, with historical flood trends for better planning.
- Air Quality & Smoke Forecasts:Current air quality conditions and predictive insights to help residents plan their activities.
- Snow Cover & Forecasts:Real-time snowfall data, predictions, and water content for better winter and spring preparedness.
A news release states that “By integrating multiple data sources into a single, user-friendly system, it empowers staff, residents, and citizen scientists to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect their properties and communities.” Not only is it a useful guide for residents, it helps the municipalities to respond quickly to emergency situations.
“The map provides a centralized platform that consolidates various sources of weather and environmental information.” Tracey Mellersh, Communications Coordinator for the Town of Huntsville told us. “This allows emergency responders and residents to access real-time data in one place, making it easier to stay informed and make timely decisions. By streamlining information and improving access, the map can support emergency planning, enhance response efforts, and help mitigate issues such as traffic disruptions during severe weather events.
The wallop that the 705 got this winter, including heavy snowfalls that lead to widespread blackouts in Huntsville, demonstrates how the app can help residents prepare for inclement weather.
“While this winter’s challenges highlighted the need for weather-related information, the project was not specifically prompted by this season,” Tracey says. “Instead, it was developed in response to significant weather events over the past decade, including local flooding in 2013 and 2019, as well as the Quebec wildfires in 2023, which impacted air quality in Muskoka.”
Tracey told us that the map was developed using existing software tools and freely available public data to ensure a cost-effective project while still improving access to critical weather and environmental information.
You can view The Weather Engine by clicking here.
