Township of Oro-Medonte Continues Under a Declared State of Emergency Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act

April 6, 2025 - Hydro One - 1:00 p.m.

Update Received from Hydro One at 1:00 p.m.

• Since the start of the devastating ice storm (March 28th at 11 p.m.), crews have restored power to more than 95 per cent of customers throughout the province. At this time there are approximately 69,000 customers without power. This includes all active outages in our service territory.  
• Today’s weather forecast is favourable for restoration and our helicopters and drones are back in the air. Severe damage continues to be discovered as new areas are accessed. Rebuilding of sections of the local distribution grid continues in many places. For example, yesterday crews replaced 50 poles to rebuild a section of the power system in the Minden area.
• We continue to bring in more crews from other utilities with more than 4,800 crew members working to restore power. This includes Mutual Assistance resources from our contractors and 29 utility partners.
• Ice Storm 2025 Recovery Grant launches tomorrow - We've seen firsthand the devastation this storm has caused, and cleanup will continue long after power is restored. With the amount of damage to trees and infrastructure, some of these communities will never look the same. These are communities where we live and work, and we care about them deeply. We will be there as they rebuild and provide support through our Ice Storm 2025 Recovery Grant. Directly impacted Indigenous communities and Municipalities can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in their local community. Applications will open on Monday, April 7.

Safety is our priority

• We continue to hear concerns from local emergency services about carbon monoxide and stoves left on in homes. It is critical that generators, BBQs and hibachi grills are used outside, away from any windows or ventilation. In addition, turn off the stove and other major appliances that may have been in use when the power went out.
• Customers experiencing flooding in their home that is starting to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, need to call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235 to have power safely turned off. Water and electricity do not mix. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.
• Customers that have damage to their home’s electrical equipment (ex. stack/pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to have a licensed electrician make the necessary repairs. Customers can learn more about the steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority.
• Customers in the process of having a licensed electrician install a generator should follow instructions to avoid the temporary disconnection requirement and breaking the meter seal.
• Hydro One serves customers in largely rural parts of the province which poses unique challenges such as thousands of kilometers of distribution line traversing through various off-road terrain including heavily forested areas, Canadian Shield, water access only locations and islands. Hydro One has 126,000 circuit kilometres of primary distribution lines - enough to wrap around the earth three times.

April 4, 2025 - Hydro One - 9:00 p.m.

Update Received from Hydro One

The Township is in close contact with Hydro One. The following update was received today (April 4, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.): 

• Since the start of the storm (March 28th at 11 p.m.), crews have restored power to more than 91 per cent of customers affected throughout the province. Of the 124,000 customers without power at this time, 24,000 have been out for less than 48 hours, and nearly 35,000 are secondary properties such as cottages and trailers. 
• There are 3,900 crew members working as safely and quickly as possible to restore power. This includes our contractors and utility partners providing us with Mutual Assistance. Severe damage continues to be uncovered as restoration continues. In some areas, damage is so severe that crews are rebuilding sections of the local distribution grid.
• Restoration in the hardest hit areas will continue in the coming days. For remote areas, including customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer. 

April 4, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.

Potable Water Available – Drive-through Model
• Township Environmental Services Staff will be offering potable water this weekend.

Dates
• Saturday, April 5th
• Sunday April 6th

Time 
• 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Locations 
• 344 Moonstone Road East 
• 24 Elvyn Crescent

We kindly ask that a maximum of two (2), 5 gallon (18.5L) water bottles per family are filled to ensure that we can help support as many families as possible who are currently without a water supply.

Township Roads Update

• Several arterial roads throughout the township are open. Please continue to drive with caution as road and hydro crews continue critical work 
• Township roads that remain closed are due to downed powerlines

Update Received from Hydro One

• Of the 140,000 customers that are without power at this time, nearly 37,000 are secondary properties such as cottages and trailers. Crews will not stop until every customer is restored. 
• As restoration work progresses, crews continue to discover significant damage as they access new areas. Given the largely rural service area Hydro One covers, crews are using off-road vehicles to create access roads to repair powerlines that traverse various types of terrain in many locations
• We also have additional utilities providing Hydro One with Mutual Assistance. We thank Algoma Power, Centre Wellington Hydro, Enova Power, New Brunswick Power, Ottawa River Power, Quebec Hydro, Wellington North Power and Westario Power for supporting us and making us now 3,900 strong.
• Restoration in the hardest hit areas will continue in the coming days. For remote areas, including customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer.

Staying safe

• It is critical that customers and the public stay safe by remaining far away from fallen power lines. Remain at least 10 metres back and report fallen lines to 92887 (WATTS) or Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Learn more: Mind the Lines 
• Customers that have damaged to their home’s electrical equipment (ex. stack/pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to have a licensed electrician make the necessary repairs. Customers can learn more about the steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority.
• Some areas are also starting to be affected by flooding. If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, customers should call us at 1-800-434-1235 to have power safely turned off. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.

Generator and Household Safety

Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services has attended 4 fires started by generators over the last 4 days. Please take the following steps to operate your generator safely:

• Never run a generator inside 
• Always maintain at least 10 feet clearance from your home, car, deck or any other combustible 
• Always turn your generator off and allow it to cool prior to fueling  
• Do not over load extension cords  
• Do not pinch extension cords in doors
• Try to place generators downwind from your home so carbon monoxide does not enter your home. This will also help with ensuing flames are not fanned toward your house if the generator catches fire

Household Safety

• Ensure that all stoves and heat generating appliances/devices such as kettles and hair dryers etc. are turned off as power is starting to be restored 
• Make sure all smoke and CO alarms are in working order and please don't take any unnecessary risks during this time

April 3, 2025 - 24/7 Storm Helpline in Place for Oro-Medonte Residents - Dial 211 for Help

The Township has established a 24/7 storm helpline for Oro-Medonte residents through 211 who can answer your questions and direct you to the Oro-Medonte Storm Helpline. By calling 211, the storm helpline offers:

Wellness Checks
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, call the helpline to request a wellness check. This free service is especially helpful for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or living alone.

Transportation to the Warming Centre
For those without power, heat, or warm shelter, the helpline provides information on the Warming Center, offering safe and warm refuge. A transportation plan will be arranged to get you to/from the Warming Center. 

Evacuation Support
If you require evacuation or movement, the helpline can provide assistance and guidance on how to safely leave your area and find a secure shelter.

Care and Compassion
If the storm is making you feel a bit isolated and weighed down, please pick-up the phone. The helpline will provide a dedicated responder, willing to listen with a compassionate ear.

April 3, 2025 - Hydro One - 8:00 p.m.

• Today’s system has been progressing as expected and Hydro One is working to restore power to approximately 175,000 customers.
• Since the start of the storm (March 28^th at 11:00 p.m.), crews have restored power to more than 85 per cent of customers affected. However, significant restoration efforts are required to get every customer restored and crews continue to discover significant damage. They will not stop until every customer is restored.
• At this time, high winds moving through parts of the province are causing additional outages in central, eastern and northern Ontario. Of the customers without power at this time, nearly 45,000 lost power in the last 24 hours as a result of high winds that have affected the central and eastern parts of the province.
• Restoration in the hardest hit areas will continue in the coming days, with most customers back online by the weekend. For remote areas, including customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer. 

Staying safe

• It’s critical that customers and the public stay safe by remaining far away from fallen power lines. Remain at least 10 metres back and report fallen lines to 92887 (WATTS) or Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Learn more: Mind the Lines
• Customers that have damaged to their home’s electrical equipment (ex. stack/pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to have a licensed electrician make the necessary repairs. Customers can learn more about the steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority- Electrical Safety Authority 
• Some areas are also starting to be affected by flooding. If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, customers should call us at 1-800-434-1235 to have power safely turned off. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.

April 3, 2025 - 8:30 p.m.

Brush Collection Support Through the County of Simcoe

In response to the recent ice storm, the County of Simcoe is deploying brush collection services starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, particularly Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn, which are in a continued declared emergency. For details, please see – County Ramps Up Brush Collection To Support Residents Following The Ice Storm.

April 2, 2025 - 9:00 p.m.

The Township has received the following update from Hydro One:

• Hydro One is working on restoring power to approximately 192,000 customers that remain without power and working with communities to support their needs. 
• Since the start of the storm (March 28th at 11:00 p.m.), crews have restored power to more than 80 per cent of customers affected. However, significant restoration efforts are required to get every customer restored. Crews will not stop until every customer is restored. 

Restoration 

• A Unified Command Approach is in effect which pairs Hydro One crews, Hydro One emergency operation leads and, on the ground, municipal emergency resources to prioritize clearing road access and restoration to critical infrastructure.
• When an outage is reported, damage is assessed and the main powerlines that serve a community are prioritized to bring power back to the greatest number of customers.
• Then the focus is on clearing damage from lines that serve smaller groups of customers to get the power back on.
• On some lines, crews have identified multiple types of damage that need to be addressed before power can be restored. Road access continues to be a challenge in the most impacted areas, along with safety concerns of tree branches and limbs coming down. It is likely that as crews continue cleanup, they will uncover more damage and additional power outages.
• In some cases, after power is restored, it can go out again if crews are repairing damage or clearing debris on powerlines that are connected, or nearby, to make sure they can do their work safely. In these situations, customers can anticipate that power will be restored as soon as the repairs are made. 
• After most storms, Hydro One typically see damage concentrated in specific areas. This storm has been widespread with damage accumulating over several days. 
• Hydro One expects restoration in the hardest hit areas to continue throughout the week. 
• For remote areas, including customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer. 

Staying Safe

• It is critical that customers and the public stay safe by remaining far away from fallen power lines. Remain at least 10 metres back and report fallen lines to 92887 (WATTS) or Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
• Customers that have damaged to their home’s electrical equipment (ex. stack/pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to have a licensed electrician make the necessary repairs. Customers can learn more about the steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority   
• Some areas are also starting to be affected by flooding. If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, customers should call us at 1-800-434-1235 to have power safely turned off. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.

April 2, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.

Warming Centre - Open 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. until future notice
Warming Centre amenities located at Horseshoe Valley Resort, 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West include:
• Public Wi-Fi
• Charging stations (please note priority will be given for medical devices)
• Access to restrooms
• Access to shower facilities including personal items (shampoo, towels etc.)
• Light refreshments

Warming Centre Room Locations Through Friday, April 4, 2025:
•    Tuesday, April 1st – Alpine Room
•    Wednesday, April 2nd – Alpine Room
•    Thursday, April 3rd – Fairway Room
•    Friday, April 4th – Fairway Room 

*Please note the Township is not able to provide child care services at the Warming Centre - minor children must be supervised by an adult at all times. 

Generator Safety Reminder
• Store fuel in approved containers away from the generator and any heat sources
• Use outdoor-rated cords designed for the generator’s power outlet
• Always operate your generator outside and away from your home
• Have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your home
• Keep generators a minimum of 10 feet away from your home

Oro-Medonte Community Centre/Arena
•    The Oro-Medonte Arena is closed for the season. Refunds will be provided to those with rented ice time.

April 1, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.

Warming Centre
In partnership with Horseshoe Valley Resort, the Township has opened a Warming Center at the Resort located at 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until further notice.

Warming Centre Amenities:
• Public Wi-Fi
• Charging stations (please note priority will be given for medical devices)
• Access to restrooms
• Access to shower facilities including personal amenities (shampoo, towels etc.)
• Light refreshments

Warming Centre Room Locations Through Friday, April 4, 2025:
• Tuesday, April 1st – Alpine Room
• Wednesday, April 2nd – Alpine Room
• Thursday, April 3rd – Fairway Room
• Friday, April 4th – Fairway Room 

Please note the Township is not able to provide child care services at the Warming Centre - minor children must be supervised by an adult at all times. 

April 1, 2025 - 11:00 a.m.

Power Restoration
With the new Special Weather Statement issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for potential freezing rain, residents are encouraged to prepare to be without power for the remainder of the week. The Township understands how challenging and frustrating this extended outage has been. If you are able, please refer to  Outage Tools | Hydro One and the Hydro One App for the most recent updates and alerts. Roads/Operations and Hydro One crews continue to work tirelessly with clean-up efforts.

Warming Centre – Horseshoe Resort 
A Warming Centre has been established at Horseshoe Resort located at 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, which will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. starting this afternoon (April 1st). More details will be shared as they become available.

Cancellation of 2025-2026 Budget Open Houses
Due to extended power outages and forecasted additional inclement weather, Township Budget Open Houses on April 1st and April 3rd have been cancelled. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback regarding the 2025-2026 Budget via the Online Comment Form. The timeframe to provide feedback regarding the 2025-2026 Budget has been extended to April 16, 2025.

Cancellation of April 2, 2025 Development Services Committee Meeting
Due to extended power outages and forecasted additional inclement weather, the Development Services Committee meeting scheduled for April 2, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. has been cancelled.

Cancellation of April 2, 2025 Wildland Fire Presentations - Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services
Due to extended power outages and forecasted additional inclement weather, Wildland Fire Presentations scheduled for April 2, 2025 have been cancelled.

Clearing of Property Debris
We understand that many residents have been impacted and are challenged with the task of cleaning up damage caused by the storm. To ensure roads and hydro crews are able to continue with getting Township roads open and cleared, we are asking residents to please refrain from moving debris onto Township roads or shoulders. There are opportunities to drop brush and yard waste off free of charge at County of Simcoe waste drop off sites when roads are safe for travel. 

Mayor Greenlaw has issued a Public Statement to the Oro-Medonte community containing important updates. Please take time to review the statement.

March 31, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.

Township Service Update
The Township Administration Centre will be open tomorrow (April 1, 2025) but some services might be limited. Residents are encouraged to call ahead. Services that are utilized online remain available to our residents. 

Oro-Medonte Community Centre/Arena
The Oro-Medonte Community Centre/Arena remains closed until further notice

Township Parks and Trails 
Township parks and trails are closed until further notice due to downed trees and unstable branches which have created unsafe conditions.

Clearing of Property Debris

We understand that many residents have been impacted and are challenged with the task of cleaning up damage caused by the storm. To ensure roads and hydro crews are able to continue with getting Township roads open and cleared, we are asking residents to please refrain from moving debris onto Township roads or shoulders. There are opportunities to drop brush and yard waste off free of charge at County of Simcoe waste drop off sites when roads are safe for travel. 

March 30, 2025 - 8:30 p.m.

Township Administration Centre and Facilities (including the Oro-Medonte Community Centre/Arena)
Due to damage resulting from the weekend storm, the Township Administration Centre and all Township facilities including the Oro-Medonte Community Centre/Arena will be closed on Monday, March 31st. Services that are utilized online remain available to our residents. 

Township Parks and Trails 
Township parks and trails are closed until further notice due to downed trees and unstable branches which have created unsafe conditions.

Please Refrain from Travel on Township Roads
Many Township roads remain impassable with downed trees, powerlines, and debris. We are urging residents to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel as the Township works to keep our community safe. 

Hydro One Updates and Reporting Power Outages
To report power outages or to get updates from Hydro One:
Report online by visiting Outage Tools | Hydro One  
Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS)
Call 1-800-434-1235

State of Emergency - March 30, 2025

In consultation with the Township’s Emergency Management Team and Emergency Control Group/Operations Centre, Mayor Greenlaw declared a state of emergency effective 12:30 p.m. in response to the escalating impacts of the ongoing ice storm impacting the region.

This decision is a result of prolonged freezing rain which has caused widespread power outages, hazardous road conditions, and downed trees and hydro lines.

Mayor Greenlaw commented that “this declaration allows the Township to access additional resources and streamline emergency response efforts to protect the health and safety of our residents. Many Township roads are impassable with downed trees, powerlines, and debris. We are urging residents to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel as the Township works to keep our community safe.”

Emergency Response in Progress:

• Roads crews are working around the clock to clear roads, respond to downed trees, and address road conditions.
• Fire, police, and paramedic services remain fully operational and are responding to emergency calls across the township.

Please monitor Outage Tools | Hydro One for updates.

Township Services Update:

• All Township facilities remain closed until further notice.
• All Township roads are closed to the travelling public due to downed trees, powerlines, and debris.

Important Safety Reminders:

• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed hydro lines and report downed lines to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire.
• Never use BBQs, propane heaters, or generators indoors – carbon monoxide can be fatal.
• Keep sump pumps operating and drains clear to help prevent flooding from melting ice.

Power Outage Safety Tips:

• Residents are encouraged to follow these safety precautions during power outages:
• Stay warm using blankets and layered clothing.
• Never use generators indoors or near open doors or windows due to carbon monoxide risk.
• Do not use barbecues, gas stoves, or camp stoves inside.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
• Use battery-powered lights instead of candles.
• If you have an electric vehicle, please ensure that it is unplugged to prevent damage to your vehicle and reduce power surges.

Reporting Information:

Report power outages or get updates from Hydro One:

• Online:  Outage Tools | Hydro One
• Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS)
• Call 1-800-434-1235

·         Downed power lines: Stay at least 10 metres back and call 911 immediately. You can also report downed lines to Hydro One - Outage Tools | Hydro One.

The Township is continuing to monitor storm impacts. Updates regarding facility status, road conditions, and municipal services will be provided through oro-medonte.ca and the Township’s social media channels.