Media Release - Significant Weather Event Remains in Effect - April 7

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – With more winter weather on the way, the Township’s Significant Weather Event remains in effect. A reminder to continue to watch for fallen branches on Township roads, and to check on those who still are without power. While in some areas it does seem as though the Township is in recovery, many others are still impacted. The Township will continue to support those who are affected by ongoing power outages.

Operational Services crews continue to work with contractors to clean up debris from last weekend’s storm.

Thank you to those on our crews along with the neighbouring municipalities who are lending a hand during this trying time and working around the clock to clean up debris and ensure Township roads are safe for travel.

Warming Centres

The following warming centres will be open until further notice from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm:

Torrance Community Centre - 1030 Torrance Rd., Torrance
Kitchen, Potable Water, Device Charging
Milford Bay Community Centre (1020 Beaumaris Rd, Milford Bay)
Showers, Kitchen, Potable Water, Device Charging

The Port Carling Branch of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library is open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Thursday for device charging and a warm space in Port Carling.

While warming centres remain open in both Torrance and Milford Bay, regular programming and rentals have resumed at community centres across the Township.

If you or someone you know requires overnight assistance, please call Muskoka Victim Services at 1-877-229-2217 or Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-850-5090.

Power Outages

Crews continue to work tirelessly in challenging conditions to restore thousands of customers across the province, and while we continue to advocate Hydro One to have power restored, the Township is grateful for the work done thus far.

For updates on the outages, or to report downed power lines, visit the Hydro One Storm Centre.

Utility service providers have identified live, downed wires as they continue to clean up. If you see a downed powerline, always stay at least 10m away, and assume it is live and deadly, downed powerlines can electrify the ground around it, so you don’t have to touch the powerline to receive a deadly shock.

If the electrical stack or pipe on your home is damaged, a licensed electrician is required for repairs. If flooding is reaching outlets, heaters, or your furnace, call your hydro provider to have power safely disconnected. Do not enter flooded areas until power is off.

During and after a power outage it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses. Residents with private water systems are encouraged to disinfect, flush and test their water before consumption. For more information on food safety during a power outage, visit Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.

Exemption to the Reduced Load Designation

The Township confirms that the delivery of liquid or gaseous heating fuel is exempt from reduced load restrictions on Township roads. This exemption is effective April 4, 2025, and will remain in place until revoked by the Director of Operational Services.

Wellness Checks

During this time, take the opportunity to check on neighbours and vulnerable members of the community, especially those who may be experiencing prolonged power outages.

Thank you to the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department and the OPP who have done numerous wellness checks up to this point. If you know of someone in need of a wellness check, please call the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department at 705-765-3156 x 261.

If residents are in danger or in the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Waste Facilities and Debris

Waste facilities are open. Residents are encouraged to check the District of Muskoka Drop-Off Locations and Landfill page for the most recent updates on waste facilities before heading out and only visit the sites for essential needs during the State of Emergency.

The District is offering a temporary fee relief period for disposing chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs and twigs) at all Transfer Stations (except Ridout and McLean) to support the community as they clean-up after the spring ice storm. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet. Stumps are not accepted.

Parks and Trails

The ice storm has caused significant damage to our parks and trails. Out of an abundance of caution, all Township parks and trails will be closed until storm clean-up is complete. Crews will assess the damage and begin clean-up operations as soon as it is safe to do so.

On-site signage and barriers will be placed on parks and trails however, the absence of signage does not indicate a park or trail is open.

District of Muskoka Assistance

In addition to the services being offered by the Township, the District of Muskoka has activated an Ice Storm Assistance phone line and email to support residents in need. The Emergency Response Team is available to help with urgent needs related to health, safety, and access to essential services. When leaving a message please include your name, contact number and type of assistance required.

705-645-2100 ext. 4500
icestorm@muskoka.on.ca

Learn more at www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.

The District Municipality of Muskoka’s State of Emergency and Significant Weather Event declaration also remain in effect.

Water Levels

Staff continue to monitor water levels in the Township. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Flood Warning remains in effect until Friday, April 11. This applies to all watersheds in Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound, including the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.

For a list of resources related to water levels, please visit the Township Website.

For a list of storm related resources, visit the Township Website.

Stay Updated on Road Conditions and Local Weather Alerts:

• Visit www.municipal511.ca for Municipal roads

• Visit www.ontario511.ca for Provincial highways (MTO)

• Visit www.weather.gc.ca for Environment Canada’s most current weather alerts

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For more information, please contact:

Nick Colucci, Director of Public Works

ncolucci@muskokalakes.ca

(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250