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Fire at Orillia Wastewater Treatment Centre and heavy rains impacts operation; Orillia’s drinking water is safe
For Immediate Release - (April 3, 2025) — The City of Orillia is responding to the impacts of a fire that occurred late last night at the Orillia Wastewater Treatment Centre, which has significantly impacted operations at the facility. Additionally, heavy rains of more than 50 mm in a short period of time overnight have also strained the system.
“We are doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of this incident and the rain and maintain essential services,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “I want to be clear. Our drinking water is not impacted. This impacts our wastewater operations only. We appreciate the community’s patience as our crews work around the clock to restore operations.”
Fire
City staff and emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, when the secondary digester was struck by lightning, and the fire has since been extinguished. There were no reported injuries. However, the damage sustained has affected the normal operation of wastewater treatment systems, which are currently not operating at full capacity.
Heavy Rains
Due to heavy rains, water levels have exceeded the optimal operation levels for the wastewater system.
The City’s Drinking Water is Safe
While the City of Orillia is currently responding to an issue at the Wastewater Treatment Centre, we want to reassure all residents that this incident does not affect the City’s drinking water supply.
This is a wastewater system issue, related to sewage and drainage, not the drinking water system.
The municipal drinking water remains safe and fully operational. Residents can continue to:
- Drink tap water
- Bathe and shower
- Use water for cooking, handwashing, and daily needs
There is no boil water advisory in effect, and no risk to the safety of the City’s drinking water.
What this Means for Residents
The City has implemented emergency protocols and is actively working to manage the situation. This includes hauling sewage to alternate facilities and using all available system redundancies to reduce impacts. Despite these efforts, some backup is occurring, and residents may have back ups, odours or slower drainage in some areas.
Reduce Water Usage
To help reduce strain on the wastewater system while emergency repairs are underway, all residents are asked to reduce water use as much as possible, including:
- Postponing laundry and dishwashing
- Taking shorter showers
- Flushing toilets only when necessary
- Avoiding draining large amounts of water at once (e.g., bathtubs)
Reporting Backups:
Please report sewer backups or related issues to the City immediately by calling 705-329-7249.
Health and Safety Information for Residents Affected by Sewer Backups:
The City of Orillia reminds residents that sewer backups can pose health risks due to potential contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. If you are experiencing a sewer backup, please follow these precautions:
- Avoid contact with any sewage water. Do not attempt to clean it without proper protection.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas if safe to do so.
- Keep children and pets away from the contaminated area.
- Ventilate the area by opening windows, if possible.
- Wear protective gear (gloves, boots, masks) if you must enter the area.
- Do not use toilets, sinks, dishwashers, or washing machines until the issue is resolved.
Cleaning and Disinfection:
- Dispose of contaminated items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned (e.g., carpets, mattresses).
- Clean hard surfaces with hot water and soap, then disinfect with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with affected areas.
When to Seek Help:
- If you experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or fever after exposure, contact your healthcare provider.
- Consider hiring a professional restoration service for large or hazardous cleanups.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For the latest information, please visit orillia.ca.
Relief Centre Information
The Relief Centre at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Overnight guests must register for 9 p.m. to stay overnight. The centre offers a warm, safe space, charging stations (priority for medical devices), access to restrooms, and light refreshments. The OPP is providing security 24/7 and a paramedic is onsite 24/7.
Shuttle Service to the Relief Centre
Residents who require transportation to the Relief Centre located at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) can book a ride through the OWLS Transit Service. To arrange transportation, please call 249-385-6762 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Advance booking is required and rides are subject to availability.
Information and Support Helpline – 211 Ontario
The City of Orillia is working with 211 Ontario to help residents access up-to-date information and available support resources during the ongoing emergency. Residents are encouraged to call 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, wellness checks, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 is available 24/7 and connects callers with trained professionals who can guide them to the appropriate local supports.
The City has been liaising with multiple agencies to establish community supports, stabilize and maintain critical infrastructure and address hazardous conditions by blocking unsafe roadways and clearing priority areas. Efforts have also included preparing and opening the Relief Centre, working closely with Emergency Management Ontario and the County of Simcoe Emergency Management to coordinate response efforts and liaise with Hydro One to support power restoration plans.
Conditions are evolving rapidly. The City will continue to monitor impacts and provide timely updates on service disruptions, road conditions, and public safety through orillia.ca and the City’s official social media channels.
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Contact Information
Chris Ferry
Fire Chief
705-325-5889
cferry@orillia.ca
Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications
705-330-1951 (cell)
magowanlock@orillia.ca
