Orillia Storm Update

The City of Orillia is declaring a Significant Weather Event to alert the community that the current extreme weather conditions could pose a danger to users of City roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

Environment Canada issued a Freezing Rain warning on April 2, 2025, for the Orillia area, with freezing rain ice accretion of 4 to 8 mm on some surfaces.

Members of the public are asked to avoid travel at this time and should be aware of the potential for deteriorating conditions both locally and area wide.

City of Orillia winter control crews remain operational and are addressing conditions on main routes; however, due to extensive road closures and debris related to the major ice storm that recently occurred and resulted in the City declaring a State of Emergency (which remains in effect), access to many areas is currently limited. As a result, crews are unable to reach certain locations to address conditions at this time.

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02, relating to the maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. All roadways in the municipality are deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation.

The City will provide updates at orillia.ca and on the City’s social media channels once the Significant Weather Event has ended.

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In the aftermath of this week’s severe ice storm, widespread power outages across the City are leaving many residents without heat, increasing the risk of hypothermia, especially for young children, older adults, and those with health conditions.

“With homes getting colder with the drop in temperature, the risk of hypothermia is real and serious,” said Mayor Don McIsaac.

“We are urging residents to take this seriously and seek warmth before symptoms set in, whether it’s by going to a friend or family member’s home with power, or using the City’s Relief Centre at the Orillia Recreation Centre.”

UPDATES

Showers Now Available for Orillia Residents Without Power

In response to ongoing power outages in the community, the City of Orillia is now providing temporary shower access for Orillia residents in need at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.), starting April 2, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Residents can register for a time slot online at orillia.ca/sun (search shower) or in person at the Orillia Recreation Centre front desk. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

"We are grateful to our community partners and staff for their support in opening our facilities to those in need during this time,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We encourage residents without power to take advantage of this resource.”

Details: 

• Time Limit: Each registered individual is allotted one 20-minute shower slot (including undress and dressing time).
• Supplies: Residents are required to bring their own towel, soap, and toiletries.
• Parents and Children: One parent and one child under 12 may share a shower stall under a single registration. Family changerooms are not in use.
• Shower areas will be cleaned throughout the day.

Medical Assistance

The Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT) partners have set up a table to support Orillia residents at the Orillia Relief Centre, located at the Orillia Recreation Centre. The COHT will be able to provide support to community members seeking:

• Navigation support to services they need.
• Directly book patients in to see a Nurse Practitioner or Mental Health Crisis Counsellor if they need to do so.
• Meet with Relief Centre visitors to ensure they can connect with the health team onsite.  
• Through a partnership with Helping Hands, coordinate medication delivery or pick up for patients that need support with a pharmacy.

Waste Diversion Site Fees Waived

The City of Orillia is waiving fees for disposal of storm-related debris at the Waste Diversion Site effective immediately. This includes brush, tree wood, stumps, wood chips, impacted drywall, spoiled food and water-damaged material. Staff will be monitoring loads coming in. Please ensure these are essential loads only (not household hazardous waste or electronics) and are materials that can’t wait until next week’s curbside pickup. Please expect delays and be patient while attending the Waste Diversion Site.   

Assistance with Property Damage

Residents requiring assistance with the removal of downed trees and branches that are blocking safe entry and exit of their property can contact 211 to be connected with Team Rubicon for FREE assistance. Team Rubicon Canada is a Veteran-led Not-For-Profit Organization that has been brought to Orillia through the Province of Ontario to assist residents in recovery efforts. All services provided are at no cost to residents. 

SUPPORTS

Information and Support Helpline – 211 Ontario

The City of Orillia is working with 211 Ontario to help residents access up-to-date information and available support resources during the ongoing emergency. Residents are encouraged to call 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, wellness checks, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 is available 24/7 and connects callers with trained professionals who can guide them to the appropriate local supports.

Relief Centre Information

The Relief Centre at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Overnight guests must register for 9 p.m. to stay overnight. The centre offers a warm, safe space, charging stations (priority for medical devices), access to restrooms, and light refreshments. The OPP is providing security 24/7 and a paramedic is onsite 24/7.

Shuttle Service to the Relief Centre

Residents who require transportation to the Relief Centre located at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) can book a ride through the OWLS Transit Service. To arrange transportation, please call 249-385-6762 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Advance booking is required and rides are subject to availability.

Charging Facility

Rotary Place, located at 100 University Ave., is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for access to power to charge devices.

Water Filling Station

A water filling station will be available beginning today (April 1) in the parking lot at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park (450 Atherley Rd.) to support those affected by ongoing power outages. This resource is available to residents of Orillia and surrounding communities who may be without access to water. The City of Orillia extends sincere thanks to the Town of Midland for their support and assistance in making this service available during the emergency response. Please bring your own containers for water collection. The station will remain available 24/7 until further notice.

Residential Property Brush Pick Up

City crews will begin residential brush collection in the coming days. This will be a substantial undertaking and will take significant time to complete.

To assist in safe and efficient collection, residents must place downed tree brush and branches:

• On their front property, behind the sidewalk and off the roadway.
• Do not block sidewalks, roads, storm drains, or fire hydrants or hydro infrastructure.
• City crews and contractors will be moving through the City in the coming days and weeks to chip and remove this brush material. Please do not mix any other materials in with the set out brush/branches.

Warning: Do Not Use Outdoor Heat Sources Indoors

Residents are strongly warned not to use barbecues, propane heaters, camping stoves, or gas generators indoors for heating. These devices produce carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal. Even partially enclosed spaces like garages or balconies are not safe for their use.

If you're using candles for light or warmth, never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything flammable.

How to Stay Warm Without Power

If you’re sheltering in place:

• Dress in multiple layers of loose, warm clothing
• Use sleeping bags, blankets, and towels to insulate
• Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate heat
• Hang blankets over windows and doorways to reduce drafts
• Keep moving periodically to generate body heat

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Reporting Downed Trees

To report downed trees that are not life-threatening, please contact the Municipal Operations Centre at 705-326-4585. Calls will be logged and addressed based on priority. Please be patient. Only call 911 in emergency or life-threatening situations.

Power Outage Safety Tips

• Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm
• Never use generators indoors or near doors/windows (carbon monoxide risk)
• Do not use barbecues, gas stoves, or camp stoves indoors
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food
• Use battery-powered lights instead of candles
• Unplug electric vehicles to prevent power surges and protect the vehicle

Additional Public Health Resources

Residents are encouraged to review the following emergency preparedness and safety resources from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:

• Cleaning up after a flood
• Drinking water safety after a power outage
• Food safety and other emergency tips

Reporting Information

• To report or check on power outages, contact Hydro One:
  • Online: hydroone.com/outages
  • Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS)
  • Call 1-800-434-1235
• The City’s emergency phone lines are overwhelmed. Please do not report downed trees unless it is life-threatening. For all other reports, wait until conditions improve.

The City has been liaising with multiple agencies to establish community supports, stabilize and maintain critical infrastructure and address hazardous conditions by blocking unsafe roadways and clearing priority areas. Efforts have also included preparing and opening the Relief Centre, working closely with Emergency Management Ontario and the County of Simcoe Emergency Management to coordinate response efforts and liaise with Hydro One to support power restoration plans.