The Township of Springwater’s Municipal Emergency Control Group continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm.
The Township is currently in the response phase of its emergency management plans. In this phase, the Township’s Municipal Emergency Control Group will continue to implement emergency plans, gather necessary resources, ensure essential services, and protect public safety.
Currently the focus of the efforts and resources is on making Township roads passable.
Township crews are evaluating recovery operations to be activated once the response phase to the emergency management operations is completed.
Warming and Relief Centre Information
Township of Springwater Administration Centre Open as Warming and Relief Centre
The Administration Centre (2231 Nursery Road) remains open to the public as a warming and relief centre. Details regarding the warming and relief centre include:
- hours: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- priority is given to those with medical needs;
- service dogs are welcome;
- bring your own chargers and reusable water bottles;
- please sign in with staff upon arrival.
Elmvale Community Arena Open as Relief Centre
The Elmvale Community Arena (14 George Street) remains open to the public as a relief centre.
Available Services at Elmvale Community Arena Relief Centre:
- hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- access to rest rooms and showers;
- charging electronic devices (please bring your own electronic chargers) priority will be
given to medical devices; - access to water (please bring a reusable water bottle).
Township Community Halls are currently closed to user groups. Updates on reopening will be provided when available.
Parks, trails and open space remain hazardous and should not be accessed due to debris and hazardous trees.
Community Wellness
The Township of Springwater Fire and Emergency Services, alongside Township staff, will be conducting door-to-door wellness checks throughout the community starting today, April 3,
2025, as part of our ongoing commitment to community well-being and safety. Wellness checks are to engage residents, check in on their health and safety, and connect them to appropriate resources.
If you would like to sign up or opt-out of a wellness check from the Township of Springwater visit the online form on the Township’s website at Wellness Check.
Ice Storm Cleanup Efforts
Hydro One advises they continue to work around the clock and in full force to restore power to
areas impacted by the ice storm.
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.
Township crews will continue to provide cleanup along roadways once Hydro One has provided safe clearance for roadside cleanup. Cleanup is expected to take several days to make the roads passable, depending on weather conditions.
We are committed to ensuring that all our roads are safe and accessible as quickly as possible, but ask for your patience during these cleanup efforts.
To report debris on municipal roadways, visit the Report a Concern on the Township’s website.
The Township has procured support from outside organizations and contractors to aid in the
priority cleanup of Township roads and parks. This work is anticipated to take 2-4 weeks to
complete.
If clearing debris on your property, use extreme caution—downed wires, unstable branches,
and sharp debris may not be immediately visible. Always assume all wires are live and keep a safe distance. Keep all debris and cleanup off the side of the road. This obstructs emergency response, blocks drainage, and delays cleanup. Residents are encouraged to hire a professional, if possible.
Residents cannot burn brush on their property and must follow the Open-Air Burning permit requirements (no more than 2 cubic meters of material), which only allows for the burning of recreational fires (0.75 m in diameter by 0.75 m in height) and using proper cut wood.
For updated road closures, visit municipal511.ca
County of Simcoe Ice Storm Information Waste Collections and Disposal
Waste collections scheduled for the week of Monday, March 31 to Thursday, April 3rd will continue where possible. If areas are missed due to debris or ongoing road closures on your designated collection day, residents are to leave carts curbside. Collection crews will attempt to collect those locations during the week, up to and including Friday, April 4, 2025.
For information on County of Simcoe waste collections, visit: www.simcoe.ca/icestorm/
Brush and Yard Waste Disposal.
In response to the recent ice storm, the County of Simcoe is deploying brush collection services starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, particularly Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn, which are in a continued declared emergency.
The County, along with its waste collection contractor Miller Waste, has secured additional trucks and labour to collect brush exclusively for the next three weeks, and potentially longer.
Normally, Miller Waste operates 6-8 trucks for spring yard waste collection, but starting April
14, there will be 10-11 trucks collecting daily. For information on County of Simcoe brush collections, visit www.simcoe.ca.
Reporting Power Outages
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 report or check the status of power outages, contact Hydro One:
- Online: hydroone.com/outages
- Text: “OUTAGE” to 92887 (WATTS)
Power Outage Safety Tips: - Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm.
- Never use generators indoors—always place them outside, away from windows and
doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. - Do not use barbecues, gas stoves, or camp stoves indoors, as they produce dangerous
fumes. - Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
- Use battery-powered lights instead of candles.
- Unplug electric vehicles to prevent power surges
Emergency Preparedness Resources
For post-storm safety guidance, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for information
on:
- Flood cleanup
- Drinking water safety after a power outage
- Food safety during emergencies
- Stay Informed Conditions continue to evolve. The Township will provide updates on service disruptions, road conditions, and public safety through its official social media channels and website. Remember to check-in on your neighbours. As a community it is important to stay safe and informed. We're all in this together.
