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For immediate release (April 29, 2025) – As the City of Orillia and residents continue the extensive cleanup efforts following the significant ice storm that occurred at the end of March, Orillia Council has extended free brush drop off at the Orillia Waste Diversion Site as well as curbside brush pick up and chipping.
“There’s been a tremendous amount of cleanup done already by both residents, City crews and contractors, and I want to thank everyone for their efforts and patience,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Extending free brush drop-off at the Waste Diversion Site and curbside brush pick up and chipping helps keep the recovery moving forward as we work to restore our neighbourhoods from the impacts of the historic ice storm.”
Brush drop off extended:
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.
Curbside brush pick up and chipping extended:
Residents can continue placing tree brush at the roadside until the final set out date of May 18, 2025. Crews will then make their way through the city with collection expected to be complete by May 31, 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.
Wood chips:
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 the map for locations).
Curbside waste collection:
A reminder that curbside waste collection has now returned to its regular schedule. Garbage tags are once again required for every other week curbside garbage setout. Residents are reminded to properly tag garbage bags and check their collection calendar at orillia.ca/waste or download the Recycle Coach app for the collection schedule.
City parks and trails:
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 continues to have hazardous conditions and should be avoided until further notice.
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.
For ongoing updates and detailed information, visit orillia.ca/icestorm.
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Contact Information
Roger Young
General Manager of Environment and Infrastructure Services
705-325-7551
ryoung@orillia.ca
Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications
705-330-1951 (cell)
magowanlock@orillia.ca
