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The Ontario government has appointed nine members to an advisory committee that will provide recommendations to the province to protect the Muskoka Watershed.

“Dealing with flooding issues [and] ensuring that the area is resilient to the severe weather changes leads to people enjoying the recreational opportunities that are available throughout the watershed,” Jeff Yurek, Ontario’s environment, conservation and parks minister, told Global News on Wednesday.

“Ensuring that the watershed is kept in good condition and identifying issues that need to be dealt with is pretty key, not only to protecting the environment, but at the same time, ensuring that the economy stays strong in this area.”

In the spring, Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes and Huntsville – three of six municipalities in Muskoka – were under states of emergency due to immense flooding. The region also saw mass floods in 2013.

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Muskoka Lakes Mayor Phil Harding has been vocal in his criticism of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan, especially in the wake of the floods that hit the community in the spring.

Regrettably lake levels are controlled by the Province and the MNRF who follow the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP). This plan however is significantly out of date as it came into effect in 2006. — Phil Harding (@muskoka365) April 24, 2019

The Liberal government rubber stamped a 5 year extension to this plan in 2016 – compounding this problem is that when the plan was created it used data from the 80's or 90's – absent of climate change information and as such the plan does not address the issues facing properties — Phil Harding (@muskoka365) April 24, 2019

“We already have a Muskoka Watershed council, but I’m really hoping that the new advisory group, they go obviously far beyond that, and they try to understand all things watershed and water management,” Harding told Global News.

According to the Muskoka Lakes mayor, addressing the region’s water management plan should be the first task of the advisory group.

“I think there’s two things that have to happen,” Harding said. “Number one, the plan doesn’t address climate change. Additionally, the plan needs to address moving water faster through the system, and at times, holding water back in the system.”

WATCH: Muskoka Region recovering after spring flooding

2:06 Muskoka Region recovering after spring flooding Muskoka Region recovering after spring flooding

Members of the Muskoka Watershed advisory group have experience in the fields of environmental protection and conservation, resource management, urban and land use planning, municipal government, natural and applied sciences, and finance in Ontario.

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Mardi Witzel, chair of the advisory group, said in a statement that there needs to be a more comprehensive approach to watershed management due to various environmental issues in the region, including recent and frequent flooding, increased development pressure, increasing nutrient loads and water quality concerns.

Last year, the Ontario government announced the $5-million Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative to identify risks and issues facing the Muskoka region.

Joined MPP @normmillerpc and regional mayors @Gateway2Muskoka to introduce the members of Ontario's new Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group. Part of our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan commitment to keep our water clean and healthy. pic.twitter.com/pZc2mO3uXk — Jeff Yurek (@JeffYurekMPP) August 7, 2019

READ MORE: Ontario government announces new pilot program to help protect communities from extreme weather

“We have $5 million committed for the advisory group, and we will match up to an additional $5 million of any charity donations that are given to the advisory group,” Yurek said.

According to the minister, the Muskoka Watershed supports a tourism and recreational economy of up to $400 million.

Protecting and restoring watersheds in Ontario is part of the province’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.

WATCH: Bracebridge homeowner talks about flooding impact

1:52 Bracebridge homeowner talks about flooding impact Bracebridge homeowner talks about flooding impact