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Back to SearchMUSKOKA LAKES, ON – The Township of Muskoka Lakes declared a Significant Weather Event on Saturday March 29 due to the freezing rain event, downed trees and powerlines, as well as power outages across the municipality.
This declaration was kept in place until today as a precautionary measure until most roads were clear. Crews continue to work on the cleanup of remaining roads. The additional work from the storm cleanup this spring has delayed much of the annual operational work done each year. As a result, residents may see a delay in the grading, street sweeping, and spring cleanup in our parks, facilities, and roads.
Daytime Burning
When considering burning debris from the storm, please keep the fire season top of mind. The fire season begins on April 1 and goes through until October 31 each year. During this period, daytime burning (7:00 am – 7:00 pm) is not permitted without a valid fire permit, any fire must be no larger than 1 meter in diameter by 1 meter in height, and you must have a means of extinguishment, a minimum of 19 liters of water, within 5 meters of any fire at all times.
The Fire Danger Rating is a Muskoka-wide rating system monitored during the fire season. This is the Forest Fire Danger Rating for Restricted Fire Zone RFZ 27 (District of Muskoka).
The Muskoka Fire Danger Rating is determined using the Fire Weather Index (FWI), an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air. It uses several factors to determine the risk of the forest to certain fire types, such as:
- Relative humidity;
- Temperature;
- Previous 24-hour rain amount;
- Wind directions and wind speed; and
- Forest fuel type.
For more information about the Fire Danger Rating, visit the Township website.
To purchase a burn permit: www.tml.burnpermits.com
Brush Disposal
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. This temporary fee relief period will run until April 30, 2025. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet. Stumps are not accepted. Second homeowners will have another opportunity to dispose of brush at District Transfer Stations for free this summer.
Storm Yard Waste Curbside Collection
Through an extension of the District’s leaf and yard waste collection, storm yard waste curbside collection will begin Monday, April 21. This program is available to properties that currently receive curbside leaf and yard waste collection. To check eligibility, residents are encouraged to enter their address in the Muskoka Waste App or on the District’s website.
Parks and Trails
The ice storm caused significant damage to our parks and trails. Out of an abundance of caution, all Township parks and trails remain closed until storm clean-up is complete. Crews will assess the damage and begin clean-up operations as soon as possible.
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.
Power Outages
While power has been restored to the majority of properties in Muskoka Lakes following the ice storm, a small portion of the community remains affected. For updates on the outages, or to report downed power lines, visit the Hydro One Storm Centre.
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.
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. 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.
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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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