Thursday April 10, 2025
Update:
Hydro One advises that all power outages in the Township of Springwater have been restored. As a result, the township will be proceeding with the closure of the Relief Centre operating at the Elmvale Community Arena. This closure will take effect at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
The Elmvale Community Arena, established as a Relief Centre on Wednesday, April 2, was a critical resource for residents affected by the ice storm that resulted in significant power outages across Springwater.
Over the past week, the centre provided much-needed shelter and comfort to residents while restoration efforts were underway.
For current updates on municipal roadside clean up and potential road closures,
visit municipal511.ca.
As conditions continue to change, the township remains committed to keeping residents
informed via updates through its official social media channels, website, and mobile app.
Ice Storm Clean up Efforts
When clearing debris on your property, exercise extreme caution as unstable branches and sharp debris may be hidden from view. It's crucial to hire licensed professionals for tree or limb removal, especially when dealing with large or hazardous trees. Engage a certified arborist or a properly insured tree service to ensure safety and compliance. If a tree is located near a septic system, it's advisable to consult an expert to prevent root damage or potential system failure.
Ensure that debris and clean up materials are kept away from the roadside, as placing them there can delay emergency response, obstruct drainage, and slow down the overall clean up process.
Township Roadside Clean up Efforts
The Township of Springwater continues to expedite the essential clean up of township roads following the ice storm. Township operations crews are removing roadside debris from municipal road allowances and remain focused on clearing trees and branches along nearly 442 kilometers of roadways.
The prioritized clearing of certain roadways is based on their strategic importance for public safety, accessibility, and emergency response. Roads serving critical infrastructure, high-traffic routes, and essential services are addressed first to ensure swift and safe travel for emergency services and residents. Additionally, cleanup efforts are contingent on safe access for crews,requiring Hydro One to provide clearance of the roadway before Township crews can proceed with clean up efforts.
For current updates on municipal roadside clean up and potential road closures, visit municipal511.ca. While we navigate this extensive clean up process, we are committed to keeping the public informed as timelines evolve through our official communication channels.
Parks and Trails Clean up Efforts
For your safety, please refrain from accessing township parks and trails, as these areas currently pose significant hazards due to extensive debris and numerous dangerous trees.
Crews are actively working to clear and restore these areas, and it is crucial for the public to avoid them while this work is underway. Your cooperation is essential to ensure both public safety and the completion of ice storm clean up efforts. We thank you for your patience while crews work to restore these spaces to their full usability.
Community Wellness and Safety
The Township of Springwater Fire and Emergency Services, along with Township staff, conducted door-to-door wellness checks throughout the community, reinforcing our commitment to community well-being and safety. Upwards of 1,000 wellness checks were completed. These checks aimed to engage residents, assess their health and safety, and connect them to the necessary resources.
We continue to hear concerns from emergency services about carbon monoxide and stoves left on in homes. It is critical that generators, BBQs and hibachi grills are used outside, away from any windows or ventilation. In addition, turn off the stove and other major appliances that may have been in use when the power went out.
Springwater Open Air Burning Permit Fee Waived
The fee of $21.00 for open air burning permits is waived for the next 60 days, ending on Friday, June 6, 2025. This waiver specifically applies to rural properties within Springwater.
A mandatory site inspection by the fire chief or their designate is required prior to the
issuance of any permit.
NOTE: this waiver is solely applicable to open air burning permits and does not extend to recreational burn permits, which are excluded due to the smaller size of the fires
involved.
Remember, our Fire and Emergency Services need to be ready for emergencies. Here's how
you can help them out by being safe:
- Burning is allowed only from sunrise to sunset
- Maintain at least 30 meters from the fire to the nearest structure
- Burn no more than 2 cubic meters of material at a time
- Only dry materials can be burned. Burning petroleum products, plastics, rubber, or
materials is prohibited - A responsible adult must be present with the fire at all times
- Always have proper fire extinguishing tools on hand
- No burning during a fire ban, snow, fog, air quality advisory, or when winds exceed 20
km/h or change frequently - Fires should be at least 15 meters away from combustible materials
Check the fire danger rating regularly and respect all rules to keep our community safe. To
apply for an open air burning permit, visit: www.springwater.ca/fire
Significant Weather Event Update
The Significant Weather Event, declared on Sunday, March 30, 2025, is still in effect due to ongoing cleanup and current road conditions following the ice storm.
The declaration is made as it relates to Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards for municipal roads and isn’t notice of a reduced level of service or a road closure. It is to notify the public that due to the current or forecast conditions, caution is to be observed when travelling on roads maintained by the Township of Springwater as it may take longer than usual to bring the roads back to optimal conditions.
Notice will be provided when the Significant Weather Event is lifted.
County of Simcoe Ice Storm Information
The following temporary waste drop-off site has been set up for brush-only collection:
- Midhurst (1904 Gill Road): Open from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12.
- Opening dates may be extended beyond April 12.
Free brush drop-off at the County of Simcoe extended to end of May - Brush drop-off fees have been waived at all County of Simcoe waste sites until the end
of May 2025 (extended from April 28), and timing will be revisited as required. This is
the fastest way for residents to remove debris from their property, especially large
brush. - This applies to all residents, businesses and municipalities in the County. Private debris
contractors will NOT be charged unless the material is clearly unrelated to the storm.
Root balls will have a charge applied, as they require additional processing. - For a full list of County waste drop-off facilities, including details on expanded operating
days and temporary brush drop-off sites, visit the County of Simcoe website.
Curbside brush collection updates:
Collecting smaller brush, branches and limbs:
Regular leaf and yard waste trucks are currently collecting smaller brush piles only in
the hardest-hit areas of the County.
- These trucks can only collect branches/limbs up to 2 meters in length and 10
centimeters in diameter and we ask that piles be manageable for one person to clear. - Bundling of brush is NOT required, but it’s preferred as it will help us help our
communities faster! - TIP: Sort your debris into larger and smaller brush piles. Leaf and Yard Waste crews will
collect what they can when servicing your property, and crews will return at a later time
for larger branches and limbs. Please remain patient as this may take months to clear.
Collecting larger brush, branches and limbs:
- The County is actively procuring additional support with our municipalities to bring in
resources and equipment to collect and process larger brush debris. - Larger limbs brought to curb and materials on right of ways will be collected and
processed in time.
TIP: Sort your debris into larger and smaller brush piles. Leaf and Yard Waste crews will
collect what they can when servicing your property, and crews will return at a later time
for larger branches and limbs. Please remain patient as this may take months to clear.
Important storm-related reminders:
- Delays to Regular Leaf and Yard Waste Collection: Leaf and Yard Waste Collection,
starting April 14, will experience delays due to prioritizing ice storm clean up. Updates
will be shared via the Simcoe County Collects App, social media, and simcoe.ca. - Spoiled Foods: Dispose of spoiled foods in the organics green cart, with plastic and
other packaging removed. - Forest Safety: Avoid County Forest trails and properties until damage is assessed and
cleared. Loose and broken limbs can fall at any time.
For up-to-date information on storm-related impacts and services affecting the County of
Simcoe, please visit simcoe.ca/icestorm or download the Simcoe County Collects App for
waste and brush disposal information.
Stay Informed
Stay informed by frequently checking updates through our official channels, including social media, township website at www.springwater.ca/SWE, and the mobile app. The township
encourages everyone to report significant damage or hazards you encounter using the "Report
A Concern" feature on our website. Your attention and proactive engagement are vital in
supporting recovery efforts and ensuring community safety.
