Updated April 6, 2025 @ 12:24pm
Following an ice storm that caused a mess throughout Central Ontario, Ramara Township Mayor Basil Clarke provided an update today on recovery efforts.
“We've got all roads open now, and "that was quite a holdup,” Clarke told Barrie 360. “But everything’s opened up that we can get emergency vehicles in and out.”
Officials posted around noon Sunday, after the initial release of this story, that Sheba Drive, from Airport Road to Bluebird Street, was closed due to flooding, with local and emergency services traffic only permitted.
While power restoration continues, Clarke estimates that “Probably 40 per cent of the township is starting to get powered up,” though coverage remains patchy as “One street will have power, the other one won’t,” he noted.
Hydro crews from across the country, including teams from Thunder Bay, Saskatchewan, and the East Coast, have joined the effort.
“It’s heartwarming when you talk to the guys and they’re here to help,” Clarke said. “They’re staying in hotels, away from their families. Some of my municipal staff still don’t have power, yet they’re coming to work every day trying to help out.”
The mayor praised the community’s response, pointing out examples of neighbors supporting one another.
“That’s what being Canadian is all about,” he said. “One gentleman and his wife brought in two elderly women who have been living with them since the start of this.”
Full power restoration remains uncertain and could stretch into mid-week.
“Tuesday night is what they figure,” Clarke said, referencing his own home in one of the township’s more remote areas.
“They’re making better time than even they anticipated, which is good. But people need to be prepared for the next couple of days.”
To support residents, warming centers remain open at the municipal office, with additional overnight accommodations available in Orillia.
More about the warming centres and other relief information can be found on the Ramara Storm Update page.
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Compounding the township’s woes, a flood warning was issued Friday by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Ramara officials say residents in the Black River area, including Lake St. John, could be impacted.
“We’ve dropped some sand off and bags for people to bag their own sand in areas prone to flooding,” said Clarke. "Hopefully, as long as we don’t get any more rain, that water will start to come down.”
There are seven designated self-serve locations:
- 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. They say to bring your own shovel to fill the bags and take them away, as delivery is not available. They add that residents are responsible for disposing of the sandbags.
“Please be patient. I know you’re struggling. Check on your neighbors and reach out. Call us at 705-484-5374 or call or text 211 for information and support.”
For more information, visit the Ramara Storm Update page, or the Ice Storm Update and click on your city or township.
