Township of Severn has cancelled the State of Emergency declaration as of Friday, April 11.

The State of Emergency was initially declared on Wednesday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m. under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as a result of the severe impacts of the ice storm and forecasted weather. 

The end of the State of Emergency does not mean our work is done. Township of Severn will continue clean-up efforts over the next weeks and months to address the damage caused by the ice storm.  With the support of Council, staff have developed plans to continue the removal of debris from roadways, ditches, rivers, trails, and parks. I want to thank the residents for their understanding as we work towards full recovery. I am grateful to all the residents, staff, and volunteers who showed their resilience during this ice storm. In the last week, so many wonderful stories of neighbour helping neighbour have been shared with me. These acts of kindness just prove that Severn is the best place to call home.

Mayor Mike Burkett

The Significant Weather Event declared by the Township of Severn on March 29, 2025 remains in effect. 

This declaration suspended the standard timelines required for municipalities to meet minimum maintenance standards. As Township staff responds to the impacts of the ice storm and focuses on clean up, all road users should continue to exercise extra caution since it may take longer for the municipality to meet the minimum maintenance standards for roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

Public safety remains the municipality's top priority.

Residential brush and tree clean-up

Do not place trees and debris in ditches

Residents are being asked not to place trees and debris in ditches as this can cause flooding to your property or your neighbours. Our staff are responding to these issues and not responding as needed to the ice storm clean up. If you need to move the debris or trees, please place it on the side of the road, but do not place trees in culverts or ditches.

Residents are also reminded that burning wet trees and brush on their property is not permitted, as this creates excess smoke and unsafe conditions. Residents are asked to follow our Open-Air Burning By-law, which only allows for the burning of residential fires a maximum of 60 centimetres (cm) by 60 cm in size and only using dry, cut wood. Residential fire permits can be purchased online on our Open Air Burning and Permits page.

County of Simcoe collection services

The County of Simcoe is deploying brush collection services starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, particularly Oro-Medonte, Ramara, and Severn. 

Additionally, to support the cleanup process, County of Simcoe waste drop-off sites will be accepting brush debris, free of charge, until April 28. For more information on waste drop-off locations and hours, please visit the County's Waste Management page. 

New temporary brush drop-off facilities

The County of Simcoe has added new brush drop-off locations to support areas that experienced significant damage. Only brush (any size, but no root balls) will be accepted free of charge.

Residents can access the following new location in addition to the regular sites:

• Coldwater (1675 Anderson Line)
  • Open from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12
• Midhurst (1904 Gill Road)
  • Open from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12