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.
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Warming Centre Available for Oro-Medonte Residents at Horseshoe Valley Resort
In partnership with Horseshoe Valley Resort, the Township has opened a Warming Centre at the
Resort located at 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West. The Warming Centre will be open from 9:00
a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until further notice.
The Warming Centre offers the following amenities:
- Public Wi-Fi
- Charging stations (please note priority will be given for medical devices)
- Access to restrooms
- 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
Mayor Greenlaw commented that “the Township understands and appreciates the challenges and
frustrations associated with loss of power. 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 Warming Centre provides a safe and
warm place for Oro-Medonte residents who are currently without the comforts of power. On behalf of
Township Council and staff, our sincere thanks to Horseshoe Resort for this partnership during this
difficult time.”
There is currently room availability at Horseshoe Resort. Accommodation bookings can be made
through Stay - Horseshoe Valley Resort - Barrie Ontario or by calling 1-800-461-5627. Additionally,
the Crazy Horse Restaurant located at the Resort is open daily from noon – 11:00 p.m.
April 1
In response to the weekend storm event, the Township declared a State of Emergency
at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30th. The declaration allows the Township to access
additional resources and streamline emergency response efforts to protect the health
and safety of our residents, which is the top priority for the Township.
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 Township
staff work diligently with the clean-up process.
Clean-up Update
Township operations crews are fully engaged with clean-up following an all-hands-on
deck approach. Assistance is being provided by public works crews from the Town of
Wasaga Beach, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, and the Town of New Tecumseth,
as well as external contractors. We are grateful for their rapid support and assistance.
Timelines associated with clean-up in its entirety is unknown at this time - we anticipate
it will take the majority of this week before all roads will be opened up. Clean-up is
dynamic based on changing conditions. Updates will be provided on the Township’s
website (oro-medonte.ca) and social media channels:
Clearing of Property Debris
The Township understands 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 will be 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.
Restoration of Power
The Township fully understands and appreciates the challenges associated with loss of
power. We are in close contact with Hydro One regarding restoration. The best source
for timelines regarding restoration is through Hydro One directly - Outage Tools | Hydro
One. We recognize this is challenging for those without power, but feel it is important to
get this message out, in the event others see this information who might be able to
provide updates verbally to friends and neighbours who are without internet
connectivity.
Taking into consideration the uncertainty of restoration throughout the community, you
are encouraged to err on the side of caution, and plan for extended outages and
disruptions beyond current estimated timelines.
Oro-Medonte is a strong and supportive community – in times like these we all come
together. The Township is understanding of challenges our residents face with the
amount of damage that has been sustained and the volume of clean-up that lies ahead.
We empathize with our residents and local businesses, and understand coping with
prolonged power outages is very difficult.
Please check in with each other, and assist where possible if assistance can be
provided that does not put you, or others at risk.
Your patience, understanding, and cooperation is appreciated beyond words.
Mayor Randy Greenlaw
