Updated April 1, 2025 @ 5:15pm
The District of Muskoka remains under a declared State of Emergency as restoration and clean-up efforts continue across the Muskoka in response to the spring ice storm. The District is working closely with its six area municipalities through the Community Emergency Management Coordinators (CEMC) group and with provincial partners to coordinate recovery support for residents.
With the Province’s assistance, the Mennonite Disaster Relief Team and an Incident Management Response Team are now active in the area, providing hands-on support for debris removal on roads, food delivery, and identifying additional community needs. Assessments are underway to determine priority areas for assistance.
Hydro Restoration
Hydro providers continue to make steady progress restoring power to impacted areas across Muskoka. Crews are working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure and safely reconnect homes and businesses. Residents are encouraged to check their hydro provider’s website or social media channels for the latest outage maps, restoration timelines, and safety information.
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Road Clearing and Clean-Up Support
The District’s and Area Municipal road crews continue to clear debris and restore access with approximately 80 roads across the District still impacted by the storm. Crews are focusing on more severely affected areas, including Muskoka Lakes and Gravenhurst. To support clean-up, effective Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the District is offering a temporary fee relief period for residents disposing of storm-related brush and chippable wood at all transfer stations, excluding Ridout and McLean. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet. Stumps are not accepted.
Food and Crisis Supports
The District is working closely with community food banks and service agencies to ensure vulnerable residents continue to have access to food during storm recovery. Residents who are able, are encouraged to donate non-perishable items or financial contributions to local food banks to help meet increased demand.
If power outages have led to food spoilage, residents can place spoiled food in green bins at the curb or drop it off at waste facility green bins free of charge.
Crisis and wellness supports remain available to residents in need. Warming centres are also open in various locations in towns and townships across Muskoka. For the most up-to-date information, including hours and contact details, please visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.
District Services and Program Impacts
Curbside waste collection will continue to be evaluated throughout the week. Residents are encouraged to check www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm or sign up for alerts through the Muskoka Waste App for up-to-date information as conditions continue to evolve. Most District programs and services, including public transit, seniors, and children’s programming are resuming for Wednesday, April 2, 2025. For the most current details on any remaining service impacts, please visit our website.
Emergency Status and Next Steps
The State of Emergency will remain in effect until key restoration benchmarks are met, including restoration of power to the majority of District residents and safe access across Muskoka’s road network. The District will continue to monitor progress and provide regular updates to the community.
Residents are encouraged to register for Voyent Alert and visit www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm for the most current information, available supports, and clean-up details.
