Orillia Storm Update - state of emergency ends

As recommended by the Community Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Chief, Chris Ferry, and the Emergency Operations Centre Commander, Roger Young, the City of Orillia has officially terminated the state of emergency effective April 9, 2025, as conditions have stabilized following the unprecedented ice storm and related impacts.

The state of emergency was originally declared on March 30, 2025, enabling the City to support residents and respond to impacts from widespread power outages and City infrastructure challenges, including a fire at the Wastewater Treatment Centre. The declaration activated the City’s Emergency Management protocols, allowing for rapid decision-making and coordination of support through the Emergency Operations Centre.

As power has been restored to the majority of the city, services stabilized, and the Relief Centre officially closed as of April 7, the City is shifting its focus fully to recovery and long-term cleanup.

City facilities and service status:

• City facilities are back to regular operating hours and services except for the Orillia Recreation Centre, which will resume Fitness Centre operation at 5 p.m. on April 10 and full operations at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, April 11. City day camp registration begins on Monday, April 14 at 7 a.m. Visit orillia.ca/programs for details.
• Parks, including Scout Valley, and City trails remain closed due to storm damage; cleanup is underway.
• Wastewater services are stable. Residents are reminded to discharge sump pump water safely and avoid overburdening the sanitary sewer system.
• Residential brush pick-up is underway. This city-wide effort will take time, and residents are asked to place downed brush and branches on their front property behind the sidewalk and off the roadway without blocking sidewalks, roads, or infrastructure.
• Curbside garbage collection will continue this week and next (April 7–19).
  • No garbage tags are required during this period.
  • No bag limit (clear bags only; double bag spoiled food waste if not using the green bin).
  • Spoiled food waste may be placed in garbage with packaging from April 7–19.
• The Waste Diversion Site is open with extended hours and fees waived for essential storm debris, including brush, wood, drywall, and storm-damaged materials. For questions about acceptable items, call 705-325-3522.

Supports remain available:

• Wellness Checks: If you or someone you know needs extra support, please call 211 to request a wellness check.
• Warmth and Charging: Rotary Place remains open as a charging station, and residents are welcome to visit other City of Orillia facilities during regular hours to warm up.
• The Lighthouse Shelter has resumed regular operations, including community programs such as bagged lunch distribution. Visit orillialighthouse.ca or call 705-329-2265 for details.
• Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has resumed regular operations. Please visit osmh.on.ca or call 705-325-2201 to learn more about hospital operations and services.
• The Couchiching Ontario Health Team provides various health care supports including supporting patients who do not have a primary care provider, information about where to access care, and connecting patients with services like Chronic Disease management, palliative care, seniors support, mental health support and more. Visit COHT.ca or contact 211 for more information.
• Food Services: Residents who require help with food access can contact the Sharing Place Food Centre at 705-327-4273 or visit sharingplaceorillia.org for more information.

The Emergency Operations Centre will stand down, and the City’s Senior Leadership Team will resume standard operations while continuing to monitor and respond to recovery needs.

For continued updates, visit orillia.ca or follow the City’s official social media channels.