Township of Oro-Medonte Terminates State of Emergency Following Historic Ice Storm

Please note additional options below to drop brush off free of charge at County of Simcoe waste facility sites over the Easter long weekend:

Easter Long Weekend Information

The following brush-only drop-off sites are open on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.:

• North Simcoe Transfer Station (1700 Golf Link Road)
• Oro Facility (610 Old Barrie Road West)
• Mara Facility (5200 County Road 169)
• Medonte Facility (1675 Anderson Line)

Click here to see the full County of Simcoe waste drop-off site schedule until Saturday, April 26th. After clicking, scroll down to view the schedule.

The following parks have been reopened:

• Ramey Memorial Park 
• Starfall Park

Additionally, the Rail Trail from Line 1 to Line 4 has been cleared of debris.

Please note contractors will continue to work in Township parks and on Township trails over the Easter weekend. For your safety, please remain out of Township parks and off of Township trails that are still closed due to hazards, including overhanging broken tree limbs and branches. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation.

If you hired a private contractor to clear debris from your property, please ensure your contractor is disposing of debris at County of Simcoe waste collection sites. Some private contractors are pushing brush and debris onto Township roads which is significantly slowing down clean-up operations for Township crews, making this large-scale critical initiative increasingly difficult, and negatively impacting efficiency. Please see Waste Drop Offs - Simcoe County for locations and hours of County of Simcoe waste drop-off sites offering FREE of charge drop-off until the end of May.

At this time, for your safety, all Township parks and trails remain closed due to hazards including overhanging broken tree limbs and branches, resulting from the ice storm. Please respect closures and remain out of Township parks, and off of Township trails. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation – we know it has been a very difficult and challenging time.

Please see a Public Statement issued today by Mayor Greenlaw regarding the Township's declared state of Emergency still in place, along with resources that are available to support you.

Throughout the duration of the ice storm, the Township maintained close contact with Hydro One. Hydro One provided the following final update today (April 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.): 

Over the past two weeks, we’ve worked alongside local leaders and communities to respond to the widespread damage caused by this storm. Below is our final update as we near completion of restoration efforts.

 Restoration by the Numbers

• Crews have restored power to more than 99.6% of customers since the start of this generational ice storm (March 28th at 11:00 p.m.)
• All residential customers that crews can safely access are restored.
• Work continues to restore power to the 1,009 residential customers and 5,140 secondary customers (cottages/trailers) where there are access issues creating unsafe conditions for crews. This includes partially frozen lakes and the inability to safely land our helicopters along with localized flooding
• In these final stages of restoration, we are releasing most of our Mutual Assistance utility and contractor resources as our crews can support the remaining restoration work.
• Hydro One crews continue to focus on restoring power and reconnecting customers that had damage to their owned equipment and have passed the Electrical Safety Authority inspection.
• Our team of full-time foresters continue to support restoration. This team also conducts our ongoing vegetation maintenance work to remove trees and brush from powerlines to support power quality and reliability across the province. Hydro One is one of the only utilities with an in-house forestry team, 552 employees strong.

 Storm Recap

• This ice storm was a generational storm that devastated parts of central and eastern Ontario. Freezing rain started on Friday, March 28th and continued into late Sunday. The weight of the ice accumulation caused trees to fall, lines to collapse, and more than 2,700 poles to break.
• Damage was severe and compounded during this three-day storm. The same regions saw high winds and additional freezing rain on April 2nd.  
• Hydro One crews, alongside Canadian utilities and contractors, worked day and night in freezing rain, snow and wind to restore power.
• Throughout this event, we have received Mutual Assistance from our Canadian contractors and 30 utility partners.

We also saw neighbours helping neighbours. We thank the restaurants that fed our crews, the hotels that provided them with warm beds, and all of the coffee, hot meals and kind words that continue to keep their spirits high

Similar to your organics, recycling, and garbage collection, the County of Simcoe is responsible for yard waste (brush, leaves, etc.) collection.

Please review information provided by the County of Simcoe regarding brush clean-up and collection resulting from the ice storm by clicking HERE.

If you are in a position to offer help and support, it is a meaningful way to care for your community and connect with those around you. If you are able to help, please complete this short form or call 211 directly to get connected and added to a list of available resources.

If you require help (yard clean-up etc.), please call 211 to be matched with individuals in the community that are able to provide help.

Understanding the vast amount of damage resulting from the storm, residents are encouraged to contact a landscape or tree contractor of their choice. Residents should also consult their insurance provider to review coverage and policy details.

Unfortunately, some take advantage of people in times of crisis. To protect yourself when working with a contractor, the Township recommends the following:

• Obtain written details regarding payment terms including a quote for work that you are comfortable with
• Avoid paying upfront and in full
• Verify the legitimacy of the business through evidence of business license and HST number, certification of insurability, and if applicable, arborist certification and business reviews

Please see the following resources provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:

• Food Safety & Disposal After a Flood or Power Outage
• Drinking Water Safety and Floods  - Private Drinking Water Wells
• Clean-up After a Flood

The Township is in close contact with Hydro One. The following update was received today (April 10, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.): 

By the Numbers

• Crews continue to work tirelessly through the widespread and significant damage to make repairs and rebuild local electricity infrastructure and have restored power to more than 99% of affected customers across the province.
• At this time, there are 2,169 residential customers without power from the ice storm and each outage/incident affecting these customers has a crew assigned to it today.
• There are also 6,539 secondary customers (cottages/trailers) without power from the ice storm at this time. It is not safe to access many of these properties due to lake conditions. Restoration for these customers will continue over the coming weeks as conditions allow. 

Restoration Updates

• Weather is favourable for restoration today. Cleanup and restoration continue with the use of helicopters, boats and off road vehicles. Most of the remaining outages/incidents have significant damage and access issues including partially frozen lakes and localized flooding.  
• Each accessible outage/incident has a crew assigned to it today. As crews complete restoration in areas, they continue to be redeployed to where there are still outages and they can safely access the area.
• At this time in the restoration process, we have started to release out of province contractors and utilities (Quebec Hydro and New Brunswick Hydro) providing Mutual Assistance. We continue to have contractors and 28 utility partners providing us with Mutual Assistance. 

Safety is our priority

• 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.

CAO Shawn Binns provided a detailed update to Oro-Medonte Council regarding the Township's response to the storm event. 

Tips to Consider When Selecting Contractors

Understanding the vast amount of damage resulting from the storm, residents are encouraged to contact a landscape or tree contractor of their choice. Residents should also consult their insurance provider to review coverage and policy details.

Unfortunately, some take advantage of people in times of crisis. To protect yourself when working with a contractor, the Township recommends the following:

• Obtain written details regarding payment terms including a quote for work that you are comfortable with
• Avoid paying upfront and in full
• Verify the legitimacy of the business through evidence of business license and HST number, certification of insurability, and if applicable, arborist certification and business reviews

Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program

Neighbours helping neighbours matters more now than ever. If you are in a position to offer support during this declared State of Emergency, it’s a meaningful way to care for your community and connect with those around you. Our Resource Team will match you with a resident in need. If you're able to help, please complete this short form or call 211 to get connected.

Brush Collection Through the County of Simcoe

• The majority of Township roads have been opened. The Township’s focus is now on removal of roadside hazards from Municipal road allowances. Given the volume of downed trees/brush across the Township, and the need to address safety as a top priority, Township crews and contractors do not have the resources to provide curbside brush and debris pick-up at this time.
• Similar to your organics, recycling, and garbage collection, the County of Simcoe is responsible for yard waste (brush, leaves, etc.). 
• Effective Monday April 7th, the County of Simcoe deployed yard waste collection services prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, including Oro-Medonte. Please see the County of Simcoe's website for details regarding preparing brush for curbside collection. Please note from April 7th - 25th only brush will be accepted curbside, not bagged leaf and yard waste or bagged brush.
• The County of Simcoe is also offering free brush and debris drop-off at waste sites until the end of May 2025. Please check the County of Simcoe’s website for timely and updated information -  simcoe.ca/icestorm.
• The County is currently reviewing what other assistance they might be able to provide.

Warming Centre Closed

With power continuing to be restored throughout Oro-Medonte, use of the Warming Centre located at Horseshoe Valley Resort became minimal. The Warming Centre closed effective 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th.

Update Received from Hydro One at 2:00 p.m.

By the Numbers

• Crews have now restored power to more than 99% of customers across the province impacted by the ice storm (up 2% per cent from yesterday’s update).
• At this time, there are 6,485 residential customers without power from the ice storm and 10,304 secondary customers (cottages/trailers).
• We continue to have 4,800 resources restoring power, including contractors and 30 utility partners providing us with Mutual Assistance.

Restoration Update

• We expect most residential customers to be restored by the end of week – except for those that have damage which requires inspections by the Electrical Safety Authority. Customers with damage to their home’s electrical equipment (ex. stack/pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to follow the Electrical Safety Authority’s process to get the repairs done.
• Our customer call centre is calling every secondary property owner with access issues with a restoration update.
• Weather is favourable for restoration today. Our helicopters can support restoration today, and in several locations conditions are safe for our crews to use boats. As crews complete restoration in areas, they continue to be redeployed to areas where there are still outages.
• Crews continue to repair powerlines that serve fewer customers, in many instances power is restored to 20 or fewer customers each time. 

Safety is Our Priority 

• 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 Spill Management

The recent ice storm caused massive destruction to Hydro One’s infrastructure. Broken utility poles have resulted in spills to the environment from pole top transformers. Hydro One Environmental Services Team and Spills Response Contractors have been working diligently to contain and clean-up every spill. Hydro One has also been in communication and reporting spills to the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre. 

Warming Centre Update

• With power continuing to be restored throughout Oro-Medonte, use of the Warming Centre located at Horseshoe Valley Resort has become minimal.
• The Warming Centre will close effective 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th
• Warming Centre supplies will be available until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th 
• Thank you to Horseshoe Valley Resort and all community partners who have provided phenomenal support and resources. Your efforts have made a significant impact during extremely difficult and challenging circumstances.

Brush Collection Through the County of Simcoe

• The majority of Township roads have been opened. The Township’s focus is now on removal of roadside hazards from Municipal road allowances. Given the volume of downed trees/brush across the Township, and the need to address safety as a top priority, Township crews and contractors do not have the resources to provide curbside brush and debris pick-up at this time.
• Similar to your organics, recycling, and garbage collection, the County of Simcoe is responsible for yard waste (brush, leaves, etc.). 
• Effective Monday April 7th, the County of Simcoe deployed yard waste collection services prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, including Oro-Medonte. Please see the County of Simcoe's website for details regarding preparing brush for curbside collection. Please note from April 7th - 25th only brush will be accepted curbside, not bagged leaf and yard waste or bagged brush.
• The County of Simcoe is also offering free brush and debris drop-off at waste sites until the end of May 2025. Please check the County of Simcoe’s website for timely and updated information -  simcoe.ca/icestorm.
•  The County is currently reviewing what other assistance they might be able to provide.

Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program

• If you are in a position to offer support during this state of emergency, it’s a meaningful way to care for your community and connect with those around you. If you are able to help, please complete this short form or call 211 to get connected.

Hydro One Update

• Crews have now restored power to more than 97% (up 1% per cent from yesterday’s update). Crews continue to repair powerlines that serve fewer customers. For example, in many instances repairs to one outage/incident restores power to 20 or less customers each time.
• We continue to have 4,800 resources restoring power, including contractors and 30 utility partners providing us with Mutual Assistance. At this time, there are approximately 16,400 residential customers and 16,300 seasonal customers (cottages/trailers) without power across the province impacted by the ice storm.

Restoration Update

• Restoration is expected to be slower today in areas with high winds, heavy snow or flooding. There is clear weather anticipated tomorrow so we can get our boats back in the water. As crews complete restoration in areas, they are being redeployed to work in other affected areas. Rebuilding of sections of the local distribution grid continues in many places. For remote areas, including customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer. This includes many seasonal properties.

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.

Update - April 7, 2025 - 4:00m p.m.

Brush Collection Through the County of Simcoe

• The majority of Township roads have been opened. The Township’s focus is now on removal of roadside hazards from Municipal road allowances. Given the volume of downed trees/brush across the Township and the need to address safety as a top priority, Township crews and contractors do not have the resources to provide curbside brush and debris pick-up at this time.
• Similar to your organics, recycling, and garbage collection, the County of Simcoe is responsible for yard waste (brush, leaves, etc.). 
• Effective Monday April 7th (today), the County of Simcoe deployed yard waste collection services prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, including Oro-Medonte. Please see the County of Simcoe's website for details regarding preparing brush for curbside collection. Please note from April 7th - 25th only brush will be accepted curbside, not bagged leaf and yard waste or bagged brush.
• The County of Simcoe is also offering free brush and debris drop-off at waste sites until the end of May. Please check the County of Simcoe’s website for timely and updated information -  simcoe.ca/icestorm.
•  The County is currently reviewing what other assistance they might be able to provide.

Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program

• If you are in a position to offer support during this state of emergency, it’s a meaningful way to care for your community and connect with those around you. If you are able to help, please complete this short form or call 211 to get connected.

Update Received from Hydro One 

• Crews have now restored power to more than 96 per cent of customers throughout the province impacted by the ice storm  (up 1% from yesterday’s update).
• At this time, there are approximately 44,000 customers without power from the ice storm. Of those, approximately 20,600 are secondary properties such as cottages and trailers. We continue to receive Mutual Assistance from our contractors and 30 utility partners, so we continue to have more than 4,800 crew members working to restore power. We thank crew members from Oakville Hydro joining us today.

Restoration Update

• Today’s weather forecast is favourable for restoration. However, high winds and snow are expected this evening in areas affected by the ice storm. This may slow restoration and cause new outages as loose trees/limbs may continue to come down. 
• Localized flooding continues to be an issue in some areas. Restoration may be slowed if roads are affected. Severe damage continues to be discovered as new areas are accessed. Crews are rebuilding sections of the local distribution grid in many places. To date, crews have identified more than 2,300 broken poles. We continue to have ample materials to complete restoration.
• Restoration in the hardest hit areas will continue into this week. For remote areas, including customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer. This includes many seasonal properties.

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.

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 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 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 - 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.