Township of Oro-Medonte Declares State of Emergency Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act - Update - March 30, 2025 - 8:30 p.m.

Update - 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 8:00 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.

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. 

Public Statement from Mayor Greenlaw - March 31, 2025

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

Update - 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.

Update - March 31, 2025 - 4:00 p.m.

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. 

Update - 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 Declaration - 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:

o    Online:  Outage Tools | Hydro One

o    Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS)

o    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.

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For media requiring additional information, please contact:

Roree Payment

Director, Fire & Emergency Services/Fire Chief

rpayment@oro-medonte.ca

Jenny Legget

Manager, Communications & Public Relations

(705) 794-7048

jlegget@oro-medonte.ca