Updated February 7, 2025 @ 5:35pm
A multi-vehicle crash on Highway 11 in Orillia on Friday morning claimed the life of a 49-year-old man and left several other people injured, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Acting Sergeant Jake Daynes said police were dispatched shortly after 9 a.m. to the collision, which occurred in the area of Old Barrie Road and involved dozens of vehicles.
"Highway 11 will remain closed for the foreseeable future," Daynes added.
Currently, Highway 11 northbound is closed from Highway 400 to Coldwater Road and the southbond lanes are closed from County Road 169 in Washago to Line 15 in Oro-Medonte.
At the time of the collision, it was snowing heavily with poor visibility, and police said bad weather was a factor.
Police have established a warming centre at Rotary Place in Orillia for those who were involved in the crash.
Snow squalls have battered the Orillia and Midland-areas most of Friday. The squall line off of Georgian Bay has stretched across Lake Simcoe and has even impacted places like Brechin and Lindsay.
Even where there has been no squall activity, strong winds are causing extensive blowing and drifting snow, though the blustry conditions will ease this evening.
OPP in the Midland and Orillia areas are advising the public against travelling unless it is necessary.
Lakehead University in Orillia closed its campus at noon, and the City of Orillia closed its facilities at 2 p.m. including the City Centre due to the severe weather. The Orillia Public Library also closed its doors.
As well as the Highway 11 closure, Orillia OPP have also closed the following roads:
- Line 15 North in Oro-Medonte from Highway 11 to Old Barrie Road
- Old Barrie Road to Line 15 North to Memorial Avenue
- Memorial Avenue from Highway 12 to Highway 11
- University Road from Old Barrie Road to Diana Drive.
