Media Release - Significant Weather Event Remains in Effect - April 3

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – The Township continues to advocate for Hydro One to have the remainder of the blocked roads addressed and power restored while focusing on cleanup efforts.

During this time, take the opportunity to check on neighbours and vulnerable members of the community, especially those who may be experiencing prolonged power outages.

The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is out doing wellness checks for those who have been without power for more than 48 hours. If you know of someone in need of a wellness check, please call the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department.

If residents are in danger or in the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

For a list of storm related resources, visit the Township Website.

Power Outages

Hydro One continues to work to restore power to affected areas as soon as possible. For updates on the outages, or to report downed power lines, visit the Hydro One Storm Centre.

If you see a downed powerline, always stay at least 10m away, and assume it is live and deadly, downed powerlines can electrify the ground around it, so you don’t have to touch the powerline to receive a deadly shock.

During and after a power outage it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses. Residents with private water systems are encouraged to disinfect, flush and test their water before consumption. For more information on food safety during a power outage, visit Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.

Warming Centres and Facilities

The following warming centres will be open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm until further notice:

• Torrance Community Centre (1030 Torrance Rd., Torrance)
• Milford Bay Community Centre (1020 Beaumaris Rd, Milford Bay)
• Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St, Unit 1, Port Carling)
• Raymond Community Centre (2013 Highway 141, Raymond)

If you or someone you know requires overnight assistance, please call Muskoka Victim Services at 1-877-229-2217 or Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-850-5090.

Community Centre rentals are cancelled for today and tomorrow as the Township focuses efforts on warming centres and helping those still without power.

The Port Carling Arena has reopened however, due to the prolonged power outage in Bala, the ice is no longer in a safe condition and will be closed for the remainder of the season. Ice will come out of the Port Carling arena following this weekend.

District of Muskoka Assistance

In addition to the services being offered by the Township, the District of Muskoka has activated an Ice Storm Assistance phone line and email to support residents in need. The Emergency Response Team is available to help with urgent needs related to health, safety, and access to essential services, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When leaving a message please include your name, contact number and type of assistance required. 

• 705-645-2100 ext. 4500
• icestorm@muskoka.on.ca

Learn more at www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.

Waste Facilities and Debris

Waste facilities are open. Residents are encouraged to check the District of Muskoka Drop-Off Locations and Landfill page for the most recent updates on waste facilities before heading out and only visit the sites for essential needs during the State of Emergency.

The District is offering a temporary fee relief period for disposing chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs and twigs) at all Transfer Stations (except Ridout and McLean) to support the community as they clean-up after the spring ice storm. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet. Stumps are not accepted.

Water Levels

Staff continue to monitor water levels in the Township. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Flood Warning remains in effect until Friday, April 4. This applies to all watersheds in Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound, including the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.

For a list of resources related to water levels, please visit the Township Website.

Stay Updated on Road Conditions and Local Weather Alerts:

•             Visit www.municipal511.ca for Municipal roads

•             Visit www.ontario511.ca for Provincial highways (MTO)

•             Visit www.weather.gc.ca for Environment Canada’s most current weather alerts

The District Municipality of Muskoka’s State of Emergency and Significant Weather Event declaration also remain in effect.

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For more information, please contact:
Nick Colucci, Director of Public Works
ncolucci@muskokalakes.ca
(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250
www.muskokalakes.ca