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Back to SearchMUSKOKA LAKES, ON – The declared significant weather event in Muskoka Lakes, and the District of Muskoka’s state of emergency both continue with a focus on power restoration and clean-up work following last weekend’s ice storm.
For a list of storm related resources, visit the Township Website.
Wellness Checks
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.
Power Outages
As of April 3, Hydro One has identified that 15,500 customers are still without power in the District of Muskoka.
Crews have worked tirelessly all week in challenging conditions to restore thousands of customers across the province, and while we continue to advocate Hydro One to have the remainder of the blocked roads addressed and power restored, the Township is grateful for the work done thus far.
For updates on the outages, or to report downed power lines, visit the Hydro One Storm Centre.
Utility service providers have identified live, downed wires as they continue to clean up. 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.
If the electrical stack or pipe on your home is damaged, a licensed electrician is required for repairs. If flooding is reaching outlets, heaters, or your furnace, call your hydro provider to have power safely disconnected. Do not enter flooded areas until power is off.
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 on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm:
- Torrance Community Centre - 1030 Torrance Rd., Torrance
Kitchen, Potable Water, Device Charging - Milford Bay Community Centre (1020 Beaumaris Rd, Milford Bay)
Showers, Kitchen, Potable Water, Device Charging - Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St, Unit 1, Port Carling)
Showers, Kitchen, Potable Water, Device Charging
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 until further notice 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.
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.
Parks and Trails
The ice storm has caused significant damage to our parks and trails. Out of an abundance of caution, all Township parks and trails will be closed until storm clean-up is complete. Crews will assess the damage and begin clean-up operations as soon as it is safe to do so.
On-site signage and barriers will be placed on parks and trails however, the absence of signage does not indicate a park or trail is open.
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.
The District Municipality of Muskoka’s State of Emergency and Significant Weather Event declaration also remain in effect.
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 11. 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
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For more information, please contact:
Nick Colucci, Director of Public Works
ncolucci@muskokalakes.ca
(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250
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