Updated April 9, 2025 @ 8:23pm
Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #11
Township focuses on recovery measures
The Township of Ramara's Municipal Emergency Control Group continues to address the impacts of the ice storm and is actively working on recovery efforts.
“As we move forward with our recovery efforts, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for your patience during this cleanup process,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “The ice storm had a big impact on our Township, and while the cleanup will take some time, I do not doubt that together we will overcome these challenges and restore our beautiful area. If your property has been damaged, please contact your private insurance company for assistance. And if you need to hire a contractor for cleanup on private properties and roads, please take a few simple precautions to keep yourself safe — get a quote, check out the business’ legitimacy, and avoid paying the full amount upfront. We're all in this together, and I appreciate your cooperation.”
Parks and Trail Closures
As a result of damage caused by the March 30 ice storm, many Township parks, trails and green spaces remain closed while assessments and cleanup are ongoing. For safety reasons, residents are asked to avoid closed parks and follow all posted signage and barriers. The full list of park closures will continue to be updated on the Township’s website at www.ramara.ca/IceStorm as sites are reopened.
The following green spaces remain accessible to the public:
- 2958 Suntrac Dr. – South Ramara green space
- 2961 Suntrac Dr. – Open space and boat launch
- Brechin Park – Ball diamond and picnic area only
- Ramara Centre Fields
- Ramara/TransCanada Trail System from Atherley Road to Washago
Ice Storm Cleanup Updates
Private Road Brush and Debris
Make sure to check on your house or cottage, especially if you live on a private road. Follow up with your contractor to confirm that the road has been cleared of brush and debris so that Hydro One can restore power.
Brush and Debris Cleanup
The County of Simcoe provides brush and debris disposal through curbside brush collection or at the waste drop-off sites.
Curbside Brush Collection
The County of Simcoe began regular brush collection services in Ramara on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The trucks can only collect branches and limbs up to 2 m long and 10 cm in diameter. To assist the yard and waste crews, residents are asked to do the following:
- Please sort your debris into larger and smaller brush piles.
- For the smaller brush piles, please ensure they are manageable so one person can clear them.
- Bundling of brush is not required, but it is preferred, as it will help the County get to the communities faster.
Leaf and Yard Waste crews will collect what they can when servicing your property, and crews will return later for larger branches and limbs.
Please follow these guidelines for brush piles that will be picked up later:
- Place the brush and branches in front of or on the side of your property, away from any roadway.
- Do not block roads, storm drains, fire hydrants, or hydro infrastructure.
- Do not place tree brush and branches on public property, including trails, parks, or roads.
County of Simcoe Waste Drop-Off
As this is the fastest way for residents to remove debris from their property, especially large brush, the County of Simcoe is extending free brush drop-off until the end of May 2025, with timing revisited as required.
The free waste drop-off applies to all residents, businesses and municipalities in the County. Private debris contractors will not be charged unless the material is clearly unrelated to the storm. Root balls will have a charge applied, as they require additional processing.
For Ramara residents, the Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open Thursdays to Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A full list of County waste drop-off facilities, including details on expanded operating days and temporary brush drop-off sites, is available at simcoe.ca/waste.
For more information on other waste drop-off locations and brush and debris collection, visit simcoe.ca/IceStorm.
Do not begin cleanup until it is safe to do so. Hazards include:
- Downed wires, sharp debris, and unstable branches pose serious safety risks.
- Increased ER visits have been reported due to cleanup injuries.
- Hire professionals, when possible, especially for seniors or those without proper equipment.
- Never attempt to remove limbs caught in or near power lines — report them to your local utility.
Flooding Update
As the effects of the ice storm are assessed, the Township is also addressing flooding that is impacting residents in the Talbot River and Black River areas, including those on Lake St. John. The Township is monitoring these areas daily and responding to changing conditions as they arise.
Road Closures
The following roads are closed due to flooding:
- Effective April 6, 2025,Sheba Drive, off Airport Road.
- Effective April 7, 2025, Kings River Road, from Coopers Falls Road to Concession Road M-N.
The road closures will be in place until further notice. These roads are open to local and emergency services traffic only and all other traffic is asked to avoid the area.
Sand and Sandbags
In response to the flooding, the Township of Ramara is providing sand and sandbags at seven designated self-serve locations.
The seven self-serve sandbag locations include:
- Bluebird Street Boat Launch
- Bluebird Street Cul-de-sac
- Davy Drive Cul-de-sac
- East River Road Cul-de-sac
- Ethel Drive
- Island Crescent Cul-de-sac
- Municipal Yard 3, located at 7305 County Rd. 169
Each location has sand and burlap bags available. Please bring your own shovel to fill the bags and take them away, as delivery is not available. Residents will be responsible for disposing of the sandbags after use.
Learn more information at www.ramara.ca/flooding.
Supports and Resources
Financial Support for Residents
Residents who were affected by the ice storm are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers. Insurance policies may cover damage from tree limbs falling on a home or business premises, associated debris removal and disposal, and loss of freezer food due to a prolonged power outage.
The Province of Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program has not been activated for the ice storm at this time. The DRAO program is not intended to replace insurance and does not cover all costs (e.g. insurance deductibles are not eligible).
Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access emergency assistance through Ontario’s social assistance programs. An online application form is available on the Province’s website under “Apply for Emergency Assistance” at https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance.
Food Waste Disposal
The County of Simcoe is maintaining its regular waste collection schedule. Residents can dispose of their food either through regular waste collection or by bringing it to waste drop-off locations.
For regular waste collection, all organic and food waste should be disposed of in the organics green cart, with plastic and other packaging removed.
The Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open from Thursday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some sites may experience power outages and may only accept cash payments, charging by volume instead of weight. To drop off food waste, residents can bring spoiled food that is placed into an organic or compostable bag (small or large) free of charge. Please remove all food packaging before placing the spoiled food into the organic or compostable bag.
For more information, visit simcoe.ca/waste or download the Simcoe County Collects app.
Wellness Checks and Resources
The Township continues to complete wellness checks; however, we encourage residents to check in on their neighbours – especially seniors, individuals living alone, or those who may not have access to phones, internet, or social media. A quick call, knock on the door, or offer to share updates can go a long way in ensuring everyone feels supported and connected. To request a wellness check, contact the Township Administration Centre at 705-484-5374 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and 705-623-7295, after-hours.
211, a three-digit helpline answered by Community Navigators, is also available to help residents access information about local resources every day and during times of emergency. Residents are encouraged to call or text 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 service is available 24/7 and interpretation is available in 150+ languages.
Dedicated Ice Storm Response Webpage
The Township has created a dedicated Ice Storm Response webpage that includes information and resources for Ramara residents during the State of Emergency declaration. The webpage can be accessed at www.ramara.ca/IceStorm/.
Important Power Restoration Information
Power Restoration Safety
As power is restored across Ramara, residents are reminded to take extra precautions to stay safe:
- Ensure stoves, ovens, and other heat-producing appliances were turned off during the outage.
- Reset any tripped breakers and check surge protectors before plugging devices back in.
- If electronics were left plugged in, inspect them for damage before use. Power surges during restoration can harm electronics.
- Turn appliances back on gradually to avoid overwhelming your electrical system. Do not run multiple high-power devices at once.
- Power outages can drain backup batteries. Press the test button on each alarm to make sure they’re functioning properly.
- A full freezer can keep food cold for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full). Refrigerated food is only safe for about four hours without power. When in doubt, throw it out.
- After outages and storms, debris can block vents. Clear them before restarting your furnace or dryer to avoid fire or carbon monoxide risks.
- If using a fireplace or woodstove during the outage, ensure chimneys or flues are properly vented and cool before switching back to electric heating.
Hydro Restoration — Damaged Utility Information
Damage to your home's electrical system may have to be fixed before Hydro One can reconnect power. If your electrical mast is pulled away from the wall, broken, or detached, please ensure you contact an ESA-licensed electrician. Visit the ESA website for more information on this process.
Public Safety Information and Reminders
Water Conservation
A water conservation notice remains in effect for those on municipal water in the areas of Brechin and Lagoon City due to elevated turbidity levels in the raw water (lake water before treatment). The municipal water systems are operational but under pressure with the recent ice storm event and precipitation. Residents are asked to conserve water and avoid non-essential use during this period.
If turbidity levels continue to rise, a Boil Water Advisory may be issued. There is also a possibility of reduced water pressure or water supply interruptions until turbidity levels decrease and normal plant operations resume. Residents are advised to ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water and other necessities during this time.
Potable water is available at the outdoor tap at Fire Hall #1 (3290 Ramara Rd. 47) in Brechin, and at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park (500 Atherley Rd.) in Orillia.
Protecting the Wastewater System
Residents are reminded that sump pumps, downspouts, and building drains must not be connected to the municipal wastewater system. These illegal connections can:
- Overwhelm wastewater treatment systems, leading to environmental discharge.
- Cause sewage backups in homes.
- Lead to fines and other penalties.
What to Do:
- Check your property to ensure sump pumps and downspouts are not discharging into sanitary sewers.
- Redirect any improper connections to a safe area (e.g. lawn or rain garden).
- Contact the Township for support or questions.
Help protect your home and the community — Make the Right Connection.
Road and Power Safety
- Stay off closed roads and treat all wires as live.
- Stay at least 10 m away from downed hydro lines and report them to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
- Crossing closed roads is at your own risk and may not be covered by insurance.
- Report downed trees or damage on public property by calling the After-Hours line at 705-484-5374, option 9, or online at www.ramara.ca/ReportIt.
- Emergency services remain fully operational and are responding to calls throughout the Township. Ramara Fire & Rescue Services has a high volume of calls and asks the public to call 9-1-1 only in an emergency.
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
- Report power outages or get updates directly from Hydro One.
- Website: https://www.hydroone.com/outages
- Call: 1-800-434-1235
- Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS)
- Downed trees or damage to local roads: Call the After-Hours line at 705-484-5374, option 9, or report it online at www.ramara.ca/ReportIt.
- Downed power lines: Stay at least 10 metres back and call 9-1-1 immediately. You can also report downed lines to Hydro One.
- To report an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Stay Up to Date
The Township of Ramara will continue to monitor impacts and provide updates to residents on the State of Emergency through the following communication channels:
Residents are strongly encouraged to register for Alertable to receive important updates directly via mobile app, email, text message, or phone call. It’s the fastest way to stay informed during an emergency.
We thank our residents for their continued patience and cooperation as we work through the impacts of this significant weather event.
