Update to road closures as of April 9
Three roads remain closed as of April 9 at 11:00 a.m. due to downed power lines or for scheduled road work, including:
- Burnside Line (300 metres north of Maple Valley to Jermey Road)
- Division Road West (Wainman Line to Fairgrounds Road)
Updates will be provided as they become available.
April 7, 2025
Township of Severn remains in a State of Emergency, as declared on the afternoon of April 2, 2025. Severn continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm, working to ensure public safety.
Residential brush and tree clean-up
Do not place trees and debris in ditches
Residents are being asked not to place trees and debris in ditches as this can cause flooding to your property or your neighbours. Our staff are responding to these issues and not responding as needed to the ice storm clean up. If you need to move the debris or trees, please place it on the side of the road, but do not place trees in culverts or ditches.
Residents are also reminded that burning wet trees and brush on their property is not permitted, as this creates excess smoke and unsafe conditions. Residents are asked to follow our Open-Air Burning By-law, which only allows for the burning of residential fires a maximum of 60 centimetres (cm) by 60 cm in size and only using dry, cut wood. Residential fire permits can be purchased online on our Open Air Burning and Permits page.
County of Simcoe collection services
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.
Additionally, to support the cleanup process, County of Simcoe waste drop-off sites will be accepting brush debris, free of charge, until April 28. For more information on waste drop-off locations and hours, please visit the County's Waste Management page.
New temporary brush drop-off facilities
The County of Simcoe has added new brush drop-off locations to support areas that experienced significant damage. Only brush (any size, but no root balls) will be accepted free of charge.
Residents can access the following new location in addition to the regular sites:
- Coldwater (1675 Anderson Line)
- Open on Friday, April 4; Saturday, April 5; and Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12
- Midhurst (1904 Gill Road)
- Open from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12
Flooding
A Flood Warning has been issued from the Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District effective April 3 until Friday, April 11, 2025. Expect rising water levels on the Severn and Black Rivers, Sparrow Lake, and Lake St. John.
As forecasted rainfall continues into next week, residents should prepare for potential flooding—especially if you're in lower-lying areas. With recent snow and ice melt causing significant runoff, exercise caution when near local lakes, rivers, and bridges.
Sandbags for residents
Township of Severn has set up four self-serve sandbag stations as of April 4 at the following locations:
- Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive)
- Washago Centennial Park Boat Launch (3376 Quetton Street)
- intersection of Cambrian Road and Canal Road
- Lauderdale Point Crescent (Peninsula Point Road and Bennett Avenue)
We will provide the sand and burlap bags. Please bring your own shovel to fill them up and take them away. Delivery is not available. The station will remain open until the water has receded and is no longer a threat to properties.
Flood messages and water level information
- View locally issued flood messages from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
- View updates from Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) / Parks Canada.
You can subscribe to receive email updates from TSW by sending an email to trentsevern@pc.gc.ca.
How to report a concern to us
Our eServices portal provides our community with access to a number of online services through an easy-to-use dashboard.
Visit the eServices portal to report a concern to our staff, such as:
- trees downed over Township roads or in ditches
- localized flooding
- road repair
- potholes
Hydro One update
Hydro One crews had restored power to over 85 percent of their customers, however, significant damage continues to be discovered as crews continue with restoration effects.
Customers that have damage to their home's electrical equipment (e.g., stack or 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 steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority.
Power outage safety
Residents are reminded to stay clear of hazards and report issues to the appropriate agency.
- Downed power lines
- Stay at least 10 metres back and call 9-1-1.
- Power outages
- Report an outage online, text 'outage' to 92887 (WATTS) or call at 1-800-434-1235
- Contact Hydro One:
Some areas may also start to be affected by flooding. If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or the furnace, customers should exit the building and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.
Potable water stations
Potable water stations are available for residents who may continue to have no power and those who rely on wells. The current locations that can be accessed by the public are the indoor taps at the Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street) and the Coldwater Water Supply and Distribution System (14 Sheridan Drive).
If you use water from a private well, a power outage will normally cause the water pump to fail. In this situation, you should use an alternate source of safe water, such as commercially bottled water or visit a potable water station.
Warming Centres
Residents can visit our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday to charge their devices or to access restroom.
The City of Orillia Relief Centre (255 West Street South) is also open to Severn residents from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on April 7. This location will cease operations at 6:00 p.m. and will not reopen to the public after this date.
If you are in need of shelter, please visit the County of Simcoe Warming Centres page for local information.
Information and support helpline
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.
