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For immediate release (April 1, 2025) – The City of Orillia’s Municipal Emergency Control Group continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm, working around the clock to coordinate the emergency response and ensure public safety.
UPDATES
New Weather Warnings In Effect
While the recent ice storm has passed, the City of Orillia is preparing for another round of severe weather that may further complicate recovery efforts. Environment Canada has issued both a Rainfall Warning and a Freezing Rain Warning for the Orillia area to begin Wednesday, April 2 and continue into Thursday morning. Additional rain and ice could lead to extended power outages, hazardous travel, and delays in cleanup and restoration efforts.
“While we’re relieved the worst of the ice storm is behind us, we must be ready for more challenges. This next round of severe weather could slow down recovery and extend power outages for some residents,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “The City is actively preparing for this and will continue to adapt as the situation evolves. We ask everyone to stay alert, stay safe, and continue monitoring official updates.”
Schools
Both the Simcoe County District School Board and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board have announced that schools will be closed on Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3, 2025. Please visit the respective school board websites for more information.
City Facility and Services for Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.) will reopen to the public on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- The Orillia Public Library (36 Mississaga St. W.) will reopen to the public on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The Orillia Recreation Centre will remain closed to the public (except for the designated Relief Centre). There will be no drop-in programming or activities available and Fun Pass memberships holders will be provided with a prorated refund.
- The Municipal Operations Centre, Orillia Opera House, Orillia Youth Centre remain closed to the public.
- Orillia Transit: Service is fully operational; however, riders should expect delays.
- Waste Collection is suspended for the week of March 31 to April 4. Set materials out the following week.
- The Waste Diversion site is open to the public. Essential loads only.
- Crossing Guards: Will not be on duty
- All public parks in Orillia are closed until further notice. The storm has caused extensive damage, with many downed and unstable trees. The public is reminded that it is extremely unsafe to enter any park areas at this time.
The Food Strategy Open House originally scheduled to take place at Orillia City Centre on April 2 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. has been cancelled due to the emergency.
SUPPORTS
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.
Relief Centre
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.
Charging Facility
Rotary Place, located at 100 University Ave., is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting April 2, 2025 for access to power to charge devices.
Water Filling Station
A water filling station will be available beginning today (April 1) in the parking lot at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park (450 Atherley Rd.) to support those affected by ongoing power outages. This resource is available to residents of Orillia and surrounding communities who may be without access to water. The City of Orillia extends sincere thanks to the Town of Midland for their support and assistance in making this service available during the emergency response. Please bring your own containers for water collection. The station will remain available 24/7 until further notice.
Residential Property Brush Pick Up
City crews will begin residential brush collection in the coming days. This will be a substantial undertaking and will take significant time to complete.
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.
City crews and contractors will be moving through the City in the coming days and weeks to chip and remove this brush material. Please do not mix any other materials in with the set out brush/branches.
Waste Diversion Site
The Waste Diversion Site is open; however, residents are asked to bring essential loads only due to high volumes and limited capacity. Delays are expected.
Please note:
- Household Hazardous Waste services are currently unavailable and will resume once conditions allow.
- Brush, tree wood, stumps (soil removed), and woodchips from within the City of Orillia will be accepted free of charge until April 28, 2025, to assist with storm cleanup.
- Residents are encouraged to unpack and dispose of any spoiled food in their green bin for next week’s curbside pick up, or alternatively they can visit the Waste Diversion Site and drop off their green bin materials off free of charge. Please note if materials are packaged, it is considered garbage and a fee will apply.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Reporting Downed Trees:
To report downed trees that are not life-threatening, please contact the Municipal Operations Centre at 705-326-4585. Calls will be logged and addressed based on priority. Please be patient. Only call 911 in emergency or life-threatening situations.
Power Outage Safety Tips:
- 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
Additional Public Health Resources:
Residents are encouraged to review the following emergency preparedness and safety resources from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit:
- Cleaning up after a flood
- Drinking water safety after a power outage
- Food safety and other emergency tips
Reporting Information:
- To report or check on power outages, contact Hydro One:
- Online: hydroone.com/outages
- Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS)
- Call 1-800-434-1235
- The City’s emergency phone lines are overwhelmed. Please do not report downed trees unless it is life-threatening. For all other reports, wait until conditions improve.
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
