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Spring Ice Storm | Resources

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    On March 29, 2025, a significant ice storm began impacting communities across Muskoka and Ontario.  The Township  declared a Significant Weather Event on March 29th and the District of Muskoka declared a State of Emergency on March 30th.

    Due to downed power lines, many roads remain impassable, and areas continue to experience power outages. 

    As cleanup continues and restoration efforts are underway, we are committed to keeping residents informed about any changes or impacts to our programs and services.

    For the most up-to-date information: read our latest media release, or follow the Township on social media. 

    Key Contacts 
    OrganizationPhone Number
    Muskoka Lakes Fire Department  705-765-3156 x274
    Hydro One (Power Outages and Downed Power Lines) 1-800-434-1235
    District of Muskoka Ice Storm Assistance  705-645-2100 x4500
    Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

    1-877-721-7520

    Canadian Red Cross (Overnight Assistance)

    1-800-850-5090

    Muskoka Victim Services (Overnight Assistance)

    1-877-229-2217

    In the event of an emergency, always call 9-1-1.

    Resources

    Power Outages

    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.

    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.

    Road Impacts

    Road conditions vary across the Township – while some areas are returning to normal, others are still experiencing impacts. 

    • Be sure to slow down when traveling in the area of working crews to ensure they can work safely.
    • For road closures visit: www.municipal511.ca (municipal) or www.ontario511.ca (provincial)

    Daytime Burning

    The fire season begins on April 1 and goes through until October 31 each year. During this period, daytime burning (between 7:00 am and 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 all fires.

    Burn permits are available through www.burnpermit.com. Contractors who wish to have a larger fire shall contact the Fire Department for further information on the application process. 

    Generator Safety
    Generators, when used properly, can provide an alternative power source. 
    • Never operate a generator inside your home or garage. It can cause a build-up of fatal fumes, including carbon monoxide. Fans or open windows and doors do not provide enough fresh air to keep you safe;
    • Never connect portable generators to electrical appliances or wiring components that have been affected/damaged by water;
    • If extension cords must be used, only use grounded cords that are rated for proper use;
    • Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool for at least two minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline; and
    • Ensure that generators are placed away from the house and that snow and ice are cleared from around the unit to ensure proper ventilation.

    Exemption to the Reduced Load Designation

    The Township confirms that the delivery of home heating fuel is exempt from reduced load restrictions. This exemption is effective April 4, 2025, and will remain in place until revoked by the Director of Operational Services. 

    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. 

    Debris and Waste Facilities

    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 for the public began April 1, 2025 and will run until April 30, 2025. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet. Stumps are not accepted. Second home owners 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 leaf and yard waste collection, storm yard waste curbside collection will begin Monday, April 21 in the areas most heavily affected by the storm: Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Bracebridge. 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.

    • Collection begins Monday, April 21 and will run for 3 weeks.
    • Materials must be set at the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday each week. (Even though your materials are set out on Monday, they might not be collected until Friday, or the following week. Please be patient.)
    • Ensure the material is not on the road, sidewalk or interfering with any other public or private infrastructure to ensure safety of the community.
     Safe Drinking Water
     View a list of Municipal Public Water Taps in your area.
     Emergency Preparedness
    Our Emergency Preparedness page offers tips on how to plan ahead for emergencies like floods. It also includes information on what to do after a flood to stay safe during cleanup. Being prepared is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your home during an emergency.

    Contact Us

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    © 2019 Township of Muskoka Lakes, 1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0, T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

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