Municipalities across central Ontario respond to catastrophic ice storm

Several municipalities to the north deal with the aftermath of a weekend ice storm that left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Municipalities across central Ontario are in crisis mode following an ice storm that has left nearly 400,000 customers without power. Communities are working around the clock to respond, with emergency crews prioritizing safety, cleanup, and power restoration for all.

Barrie

Barrie, with over 25,000 customers affected, is set to regain power by Wednesday at 6 p.m., according to Hydro One. While the city has not declared a state of emergency since services remain operational, officials are actively coordinating a recovery plan.

Mayor Alex Nuttall emphasized that the city remains fully resourced and will continue working with the province for additional support. He says Premier Doug Ford has pledged additional provincial workers to speed up restoration efforts.

Barrie has opened a warming centre at the Allandale Recreation Centre, located at 190 Bayview Drive, to support residents during the current extreme weather conditions.

Innisfil

Innisfil residents have faced more than 32 hours without power, with reports of homes dropping to extremely low and unbearable tempts. Mayor Lynn Dollin expressed gratitude for community support, noting the importance of generators and cell service in keeping residents connected.

Main roads are open, but some residential areas remain narrow. Drivers are advised to follow all barrels, barricades, and road closure signs.

In the coming days, Innisfil says they will assess the need for warming centres in future weather emergencies. The town continues to support residents with extended power outages, particularly seniors and vulnerable people and coordinate debris removal and road clearing efforts with local crews and Hydro One.

Orillia

The City of Orillia remains in a state of emergency, with Mayor Don McIsaac asking residents to stay off roads as trees and power lines continue to fall. “This remains a very real and active emergency,” McIsaac said, emphasizing the importance of patience and cooperation. The city says they are partnering with the Province of Ontario for door-to-door wellness checks, while volunteers are distributing safety updates and connecting residents with support services.

A warming centre is available at the Orillia Recreation Centre located at 255 West Street south. The centre is open until 9 p.m. for residents. Overnight stays are available with prior registration. However, most city facilities remain closed as emergency response takes precedence.

Orillia Ontario Provincial Police say they have confirmation of at least 38 road closures in the region.

Despite efforts, power restoration remains a major challenge, with over 20,000 Orillia customers still in the dark. Hydro One says they estimate restoration by April 3 at 6 p.m.

Wasaga Beach

In Wasaga Beach, the storm caused widespread outages, but power has since been restored. The Wasaga Beach Fire Department issued a list of safety reminders, asking residents to check appliances for power surges, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and inspect food supplies.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team keeping the lights on in our town. Now that the power is back on, it’s critical that people stay vigilant about fire and food safety,” a department spokesperson said.

Essa

In response to unhinged freezing rain, the Township of Essa declared a significant weather event on Sunday, this will impact travel and services throughout the municipality.

The township has opened a warming centre at the Angus Recreation Centre located at 8529 County Road 10.

According to officials, residents are asked to use extra caution as the township says they may not be able to meet its maintenance standards for roads, and sidewalks due to icy conditions.

Penetanguishene

The Town of Penetanguishene is actively monitoring roads for ice and debris. Town crews say they are clearing as much as possible but are asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel. A warming and relief centre has opened in Midland’s Town Hall located at 10 Robert Street West. Transit will be running Monday. For those without heat, though it is not an overnight shelter.

“We ask residents to avoid calling 911 for downed trees or power lines unless it’s a life-threatening emergency,” officials warned, as emergency lines remain overwhelmed.

There is a road closure on Tay Point Road, between Fuller Avenue and Currie Road including Zoske Drive. The town says this will remain in effect Monday for tree removal.

The estimated restoration time for the town is a late one, Saturday at 9 p.m., according to Hydro One.

Midland

In Midland, town crews continue to battle icy conditions while clearing debris and fallen trees. The North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre located at 527 Len Self Boulevard is open until 10 p.m. as a relief centre, providing a place to warm up, charge devices, and refill water bottles.

Mayor Bill Gordon says, “If you don’t need to drive, stay home. Traffic lights are either out or flashing and many people have no idea what to do... so why risk it.”

The town remains without overnight shelters, leaving vulnerable residents in a precarious position as temperatures drop. Road closures and poor travel conditions remain a significant concern according to the town.

Tay

Tay Township has opened an overnight warming centre at its Municipal Office located at 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour. Sleeping cots are available, and pets are welcome. Residents in need of transportation to the shelter can call 211 to arrange a ride.

Local officials have strongly advised against all travel as road conditions remain hazardous. Hydro crews are working on restoration, but no firm timeline has been shared.

Rumney Road is closed from Elliot Sideroad to Vasey Road. Newton Street from Granny White Sideroad to Hogg Valley Road is also closed. Sandhill Road’s entire road remains closed. Hogg Valley Road from Gervais Road to Newton Street also has zero access.

Muskoka Lakes

In Muskoka Lakes, the ice storm’s impact has been severe enough for the township to declare a significant weather event, signaling that road maintenance and recovery efforts will take longer than usual.

Officials are urging residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Most public facilities, including libraries, arenas, and community centres, remain closed.

The following warming centres will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon., March 31, and Tues., April 1.

• Torrance Community Centre at 1030 Torrance Road., Torrance.
• Milford Bay Community Centre at 1020 Beaumaris Road, Milford Bay.
• Port Carling Community Centre at 3 Bailey Street, Unit 1, Port Carling.
• Raymond Community Centre at 2013 Highway 141, Raymond.

Ramara

The Township of Ramara has declared a state of emergency on Monday. The ice storm has caused widespread power outages, intermittent communications issues, and downed trees and power lines.

The Township Administration Building, located at 2297 Highway 12, is open until 4:30 p.m. for people to warm up and charge devices. Emergency services remain fully operational and are responding to calls throughout the Township.

“Our top priority is keeping everyone safe, so I urge residents to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel,” shares Mayor Basil Clarke.

Road to recovery

Hydro One crews are prioritizing high-impact restoration zones but warn that ongoing wind and freezing conditions are hampering progress.

Residents are advised by their municipalities to check their city and town websites and social media for updates on relief and support.