Barrie crews make strong progress cleaning up after destructive ice storm

City of Barrie crews make strong progress with the ice storm cleanup efforts.

Cleanup efforts are well underway across the City of Barrie following a powerful ice storm that hit the area in late March, and city officials say crews are making steady progress.

The city officially declared a “significant weather event” on March 29, which allowed for adjustments to normal winter road and sidewalk maintenance timelines when extreme weather hits. As of 11 a.m. on April 25, that declaration has now ended.

According to the city, no winter maintenance is currently needed, nor is any expected, given the warmer weather in the forecast. Under provincial rules, municipalities are required to notify the public when a significant weather event has concluded.

Several streets that were blocked by fallen trees or large branches have now been cleared and reopened. City crews have also finished removing tree debris from sidewalks.

Curbside Cleanup

City staff, working alongside neighbouring municipalities and outside contractors, are continuing to collect storm debris. Residents who have piled brush at the curb for pickup are asked to be patient, as the city reports crews have already made a first pass through 98 per cent of Barrie. Officials say teams will continue making multiple rounds until all curbside debris is removed.

Despite the progress, the city is urging residents to stay safe. The public is asked to avoid trails and wooded areas in local parks due to the ongoing risk of falling branches. Property owners are also reminded not to attempt any cleanup themselves if the area still seems unsafe.

Landfill Hours

The City has extended hours at the landfill to support cleanup from the storm on Saturdays until the end of May. Extended hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“Along with the extended depot hours on Saturdays, the landfill site remains open Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,” the City noted.

The demand has increased since the storm, so the City asks residents to be patient and expect a high volume of traffic at the landfill site on Ferndale Drive North.

The City also continues to waive residential brush tipping fees until May 31.