April 11, 2025
Public Statement from Mayor Greenlaw Regarding 2025 Ice Storm
Although some neighbouring communities and the County of Simcoe have terminated their State of Emergency, the Township of Oro-Medonte remains under a declared State of Emergency. The primary reason is due to the volume of debris and hazards that remain on shoulders of Township roads and in public spaces, which continue to strain resources.
The number of downed trees, debris, and powerlines, which in many cases required extensive work from Hydro One to repair, resulted in additional debris on top of what had already fallen. Fully cleaning-up the Township’s 700 kms of roads is a significant undertaking, and the Township’s top priority is health and safety.
Township roads and operations crews continue to work tirelessly, as they have from the onset of the storm fourteen (14 days) ago, to clean-up Township roads, parks, and trails. The picture is much different today than it was on March 30th, with the majority of roads open for travel. However, despite roads being open, there is still debris and hazards on roadways and on shoulders, and in ditches that require attention.
We are also in the process of getting all Township parks and trails open. At this time, for your safety, all Township parks and trails remain closed due to hazards, including overhanging broken tree limbs and branches. The public is being advised to exercise caution when driving on Township Roads.
Clearing and Disposal of Brush and Debris
Similar to your organics, recycling, and garbage collection, the County of Simcoe is responsible for yard waste (brush etc.). Please review information provided by the County of Simcoe regarding brush clean-up and collection resulting from the ice storm here – County of Simcoe Brush Clean-up, or visit simcoe.ca/icestorm. Options are in place to help you with disposal.
Please do not place brush or debris onto Township roads. To conduct this large-scale clean-up as efficiently as possible, the Township needs to continue with its duties while minimizing interruptions. We understand how difficult and overwhelming cleaning up your property is, and genuinely thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation, as roads and operations crews continue crucial work, to return Township roads to the condition we are all accustomed to.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program
Through a partnership with 211 and Odyssey Medical, the Township has established a program to connect community members for the purpose of providing help to each other.
If you are in a position to offer help and support, it is a meaningful way to care for your community, and connect with those around you. If you are able to help with things such as yard clean-up, running errands, or other expertise, please complete this short form, or call 211 directly to get connected and added to a list of available resources. If you require help (yard clean-up etc.), please call 211 to be matched with individuals in the community that are able to provide help.
24/7 Storm Helpline for Oro-Medonte Residents Still in Place
At this time, the Township’s 24/7 storm helpline through 211 for Oro-Medonte residents remains in place. If you require assistance, please dial 211 to be connected to resources that can answer your questions, and direct you to the Oro-Medonte storm helpline. If you are able to help, please complete this short form or call 211 directly to get connected.
Accurate and Timely Information
The best source for information regarding the ice storm is the Township’s website by visiting oro-medonte.ca/icestorm.
Information is also provided on the Township’s social media channels:
- Twp. of Oro-Medonte (@TwpOroMedonte) / X
- Township of Oro-Medonte (@oromedontetwp) • Instagram photos and videos
The Township is continuing to actively work with all levels of government (Local, Provincial, and Federal) to seek support as we navigate our way out of this natural disaster.
The strength and support of our community has shone through during the darkest of times over the past couple of weeks. Acts of help, compassion, and selflessness are truly touching – there are many wonderful stories to be told and heard. I recognize there are also stories that are heartbreaking with personal devastation.
Without a doubt, the ice storm of 2025 has made history. After the clean-up is done, preparedness plans are put in place for future weather events such as this, and we have time to take a step back, I am confident we will all agree that our collective community came out of this historical event stronger and closer together.
Mayor Randy Greenlaw
Additional Information
Important Things to Consider When Selecting Contractors
Understanding that help beyond family and friends may be required due to the vast amount of damage, it might be necessary to contact a landscape or tree contractor for clean-up assistance. Unfortunately, some take advantage of people in times of crisis.
Please take the following steps to protect yourself when working with a contractor: obtain written details regarding payment terms including a quote for work that you are comfortable with; avoid paying upfront and in full; and verify the legitimacy of the business through evidence of business license and HST number, certification of insurability, and if applicable, arborist certification and business reviews.
Please remember to consult with your insurance provider to review coverage and policy details.
Wellness Checks
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, please call the helpline to request a wellness check. This free service is especially helpful for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
Please see the following information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:Food Safety and Disposal After a Flood or Power Outage
Clean-up After a Flood and Power Outage
Drinking Water Safety and Floods - Private Drinking Water Wells
Updates Received from Hydro One As of April 10, 2025
By the Numbers
Crews continue to work tirelessly through the widespread and significant damage to make repairs, and rebuild local electricity infrastructure and have restored power to more than 99% of affected customers across the province.
At this time, there are2,169 residential customers without power from the ice storm, and each outage/incident affecting these customers has a crew assigned to it today.
There are also 6,539 secondary customers (cottages/trailers) without power from the ice storm at this time. It is not safe to access many of these properties due to lake conditions. Restoration for these customers will continue over the coming weeks as conditions allow.
Restoration Updates
Weather is favourable for restoration today. Cleanup and restoration continue with the use of helicopters, boats and off road vehicles. Most of the remaining outages/incidents have significant damage and access issues including partially frozen lakes and localized flooding.
Each accessible outage/incident has a crew assigned to it today. As crews complete restoration in areas, they continue to be redeployed to where there are still outages, and they can safely access the area.
At this time in the restoration process, we have started to release out of province contractors and utilities (Quebec Hydro and New Brunswick Hydro) providing Mutual Assistance. We continue to have contractors and 28 utility partners providing us with Mutual Assistance.
Staying Safe
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.
Customers experiencing flooding in their home that is starting to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, need to call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235 to have power safely turned off. Water and electricity do not mix. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.
Customers that have damage to their home’s electrical equipment (ex. stack/pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to have a licensed electrician make the necessary repairs.
Customers can learn more about the steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority
