Significant Weather Event Remains in Effect – April 9, 2025
While in some areas it does seem as though the Township is in recovery, many others are still impacted. The Township will continue to support those who are affected by ongoing power outages.
Operational Services crews continue to work with contractors to clean up debris from last weekend’s storm.
Thank you to everyone who continues to work tirelessly to support the restoration and recovery following last weekend’s ice storm. This storm has again shown the resilience of those in Muskoka Lakes.
Warming Centres
With power continuing to be restored throughout Muskoka Lakes, use of warming centres has diminished. Warming Centres will be closed as of 4:00 pm on Wednesday April 9, 2025.
The Port Carling Branch of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library is open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Thursday for device charging and a warm space in Port Carling.
If you or someone you know requires overnight assistance, please call Muskoka Victim Services at 1-877-229-2217 or Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-850-5090.
Power Outages
While we continue to advocate Hydro One to have power restored, the Township is grateful for the work done thus far.
For updates on the outages, or to report downed power lines, visit the Hydro One Storm Centre.
Utility service providers have identified live, downed wires as they continue to clean up. If you see a downed powerline, always stay at least 10m away, and assume it is live and deadly, downed powerlines can electrify the ground around it, so you don’t have to touch the powerline to receive a deadly shock.
If the electrical stack or pipe on your home is damaged, a licensed electrician is required for repairs. If flooding is reaching outlets, heaters, or your furnace, call your hydro provider to have power safely disconnected. Do not enter flooded areas until power is off.
During and after a power outage it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses. Residents with private water systems are encouraged to disinfect, flush and test their water before consumption. For more information on food safety during a power outage, visit Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.
Brush Disposal
The District is offering a temporary fee relief period for disposing chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs and twigs) at all Transfer Stations (except Ridout and McLean) to support the community as they clean-up after the spring ice storm. This temporary fee relief period will run until April 30, 2025. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet. Stumps are not accepted. Second home owners will have another opportunity to dispose of brush at District Transfer Stations for free this summer.
Storm Yard Waste Curbside Collection
Through an extension of leaf and yard waste collection, storm yard waste curbside collection will begin Monday, April 21. This program is available to properties that currently receive curbside leaf and yard waste collection. To check eligibility, residents are encouraged to enter their address in the Muskoka Waste App or on the District’s website.
Exemption to the Reduced Load Designation
The Township confirms that the delivery of liquid or gaseous heating fuel is exempt from reduced load restrictions on Township roads. This exemption is effective April 4, 2025, and will remain in place until revoked by the Director of Operational Services.
Parks and Trails
The ice storm has caused significant damage to our parks and trails. Out of an abundance of caution, all Township parks and trails will be closed until storm clean-up is complete. Crews will assess the damage and begin clean-up operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
On-site signage and barriers will be placed on parks and trails however, the absence of signage does not indicate a park or trail is open.
District of Muskoka Assistance
In addition to the services being offered by the Township, the District of Muskoka has activated an Ice Storm Assistance phone line and email to support residents in need. The Emergency Response Team is available to help with urgent needs related to health, safety, and access to essential services. When leaving a message please include your name, contact number and type of assistance required.
- 705-645-2100 ext. 4500
- icestorm@muskoka.on.ca
Learn more at www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.
Water Levels
Staff continue to monitor water levels in the Township. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Flood Warning remains in effect until Friday, April 11. This applies to all watersheds in Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound, including the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.
For a list of resources related to water levels, please visit the Township Website.
For a list of storm related resources, visit the Township Website.
Stay Updated on Road Conditions and Local Weather Alerts:
• Visit www.municipal511.ca for Municipal roads
• Visit www.ontario511.ca for Provincial highways (MTO)
• Visit www.weather.gc.ca for Environment Canada’s most current weather alerts
