Here’s where you can go if your power is out

An ice storm wreaked havoc across Barrie, Ont., on Sun., March 30, 2025, with downed branches, road closures and power outages.

With tens of thousands blacked out in this weekend’s Central Ontario ice storm, cities and towns across Simcoe County opened relief centres for residents who do not have electricity.

Relief centres have been opened at the following facilities:

Barrie – Allandale Recreation Centre on Bayview Drive.

Orillia – Orillia Recreation Centre on West Street South.

Tay Township – Municipal Office on Park Street (Victoria Harbour).

They intend to allow residents to warm up, charge their valuable electronic devices and access light refreshments.

“We recognize the challenges many residents are facing due to extended power outages,” said Tim Lauer, Ward 4 councillor for the City of Orillia, in a news release. “Please only attend if absolutely necessary. This is a very serious situation with hazardous road conditions, downed trees and hydro lines, and damage to public and private infrastructure. The Relief Centre is intended to provide temporary comfort and support for those in need.”

Those who attend the warming and relief centres are expected to follow their respective guidelines.

The City of Orillia and the Township of Oro-Medonte made state of emergency declarations on Sunday, advising residents that crews are working around the clock to clear downed trees off roads and that municipal facilities remain closed.

“We’re still seeing trees fall and dangerous conditions persist,” said Chris Ferry, Orillia’s fire chief. “The risk of injury from branches, falling debris, and downed lines is very real. We’re asking everyone to take extreme caution and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.”

Barrie, Innisfil, and many other communities across Simcoe Muskoka made significant weather event declarations.