Ice Storm Emergency 2025

Residents were able to place tree brush at the roadside until May 18, 2025. Crews then made their way through the city with collection being completed by June 2025.

Residents do not need to contact the City for pick up. To assist in safe and efficient collection, residents must place downed tree brush and branches:

• On their front property, behind the sidewalk and off the roadway.
• Do not block sidewalks, roads, storm drains, or fire hydrants or hydro infrastructure.
• Please do not mix any other materials in with the set out brush/branches.

For more information on regular curbside pick-up, please scroll to City Service Impacts.

Residents are welcome to access and take wood chips from various piles located throughout the city, generated as part of the ongoing storm cleanup efforts. These wood chips are available for personal use and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis (see map for locations).

Residents are encouraged to contact a landscape or tree contractor of their choice and should also consult their insurance provider to review their coverage and policy details. Please be wary of scammers taking advantage of residents in a time of crisis. To protect yourself, ensure you gather proper information about the company, verify their legitimacy, and avoid paying in full upfront.

At its meeting on April 28, City Council authorized the extension of free drop off for storm-related brush, tree wood and stumps at the Waste Diversion Site until May 31, 2025. The Waste Diversion Site is now open for regular operations and is no longer limited to storm-related loads. Regular tipping fees apply for all other items other than storm-related brush, tree wood and stumps. 

Property Clean Up Hazards

Current Status as of May 22, 2025

City parks and trails sustained significant damage during the storm. Cleanup is ongoing and is being prioritized with waterfront and community parks with sports fields and courts, followed by neighbourhood parks and parkettes. 

While several parks, including Homewood, Grenville, Lakeview, Lawrence, McKinnell, Clayt French, J.B. Tudhope Memorial, Couchiching Beach, Centennial, and Veterans’ Parks are mostly cleared, visitors are urged to use caution as final tree servicing may still be underway.

Scout Valley remains hazardous; however, cleanup work has now begun and is expected to take approximately two weeks (weather dependent).

We appreciate residents patience and would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who’ve been helping address hazards in the area.

For more information about what is taking place for park clean up and tree removal, please read our information sheet.

Recovery:

Orillia City Council is taking action to help restore the city’s beloved urban tree canopy with the approval of $500,000 for tree recovery and replanting following the historic ice storm. Read the full news release for details. Read the full news release issued May 12, 2025.

Streetlights

There are pockets of streetlights out throughout the city. City crews are working in partnership with utility providers to restore lighting as soon as safely possible. This will take some time depending on the severity of damage to the infrastructure. 

• City of Orillia Terminates State of Emergency after historic ice storm
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #14
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #13
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #12
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #11
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #10 - Fire at Orillia Wastewater Treatment Centre and heavy rains impacts operation; Orillia’s drinking water is safe

• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #9

• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #8

• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #7
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #6
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #5
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #4
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #3
• City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #2

• City of Orillia opens Relief Centre at the Orillia Recreation Centre

• State of Emergency Declared March 30 due to Significant Ice Storm

• City of Orillia Declares State of Emergency in Response to Severe Ice Storm

Power Restoration Safety:

As power is restored across the city, the City of Orillia is urging residents to take extra precautions to stay safe:

• Ensure stoves, ovens, and other heat-producing appliances were turned off during the outage.
• Reset any tripped breakers and check surge protectors before plugging devices back in.
• If electronics were left plugged in, inspect them for damage before use. Power surges during restoration can harm electronics.
• Turn appliances back on gradually to avoid overwhelming your electrical system. Do not run multiple high-power devices at once.
• Power outages can drain backup batteries. Press the test button on each alarm to make sure they’re functioning properly.
• A full freezer can keep food cold for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full). Refrigerated food is only safe for about 4 hours without power. When in doubt, throw it out.
• After outages and storms, debris can block vents. Clear them before restarting your furnace or dryer to avoid fire or carbon monoxide risks.
• If using a fireplace or woodstove during the outage, ensure chimneys or flues are properly vented and cool before switching back to electric heating.

Residents are strongly warned not to use barbecues, propane heaters, camping stoves, or gas generators indoors for heating. These devices produce carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal. Even partially enclosed spaces like garages or balconies are not safe for their use.

If you're using candles for light or warmth, never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything flammable.

• Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm
• Never use generators indoors or near doors/windows (carbon monoxide risk)
• Do not use barbecues, gas stoves, or camp stoves indoors
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food
• Use battery-powered lights instead of candles
• Unplug electric vehicles to prevent power surges and protect the vehicle

If you’re sheltering in place:

• Dress in multiple layers of loose, warm clothing
• Use sleeping bags, blankets, and towels to insulate
• Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate heat
• Hang blankets over windows and doorways to reduce drafts
• Keep moving periodically to generate body heat

• Cleaning up after a flood
• Drinking water safety after a power outage
• Food safety and other emergency tips