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For immediate release (April 2, 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
Showers Now Available for Orillia Residents Without Power
In response to ongoing power outages in the community, the City of Orillia is now providing temporary shower access for Orillia residents in need at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.), starting April 2, 2025, at 1 p.m.
Residents can register for a time slot online at orillia.ca/sun (search shower) or in person at the Orillia Recreation Centre front desk. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
"We are grateful to our community partners and staff for their support in opening our facilities to those in need during this time,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We encourage residents without power to take advantage of this resource.”
Details:
- Time Limit: Each registered individual is allotted one 20-minute shower slot (including undress and dressing time).
- Supplies: Residents are required to bring their own towel, soap, and toiletries.
- Parents and Children: One parent and one child under 12 may share a shower stall under a single registration. Family changerooms are not in use.
- Shower areas will be cleaned throughout the day.
Medical Assistance:
The Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT) partners have set up a table to support Orillia residents at the Orillia Relief Centre, located at the Orillia Recreation Centre. The COHT will be able to provide support to community members seeking:
- Navigation support to services they need.
- Directly book patients in to see a Nurse Practitioner or Mental Health Crisis Counsellor if they need to do so.
- Meet with Relief Centre visitors to ensure they can connect with the health team onsite.
- Through a partnership with Helping Hands, coordinate medication delivery or pick up for patients that need support with a pharmacy.
Waste Diversion Site Fees Waived:
The City of Orillia is waiving fees for disposal of storm-related debris at the Waste Diversion Site effective immediately. This includes brush, tree wood, stumps, wood chips, impacted drywall, spoiled food and water-damaged material. Staff will be monitoring loads coming in. Please ensure these are essential loads only (not household hazardous waste or electronics) and are materials that can’t wait until next week’s curbside pickup. Please expect delays and be patient while attending the Waste Diversion Site.
Assistance with Property Damage: Residents requiring assistance with the removal of downed trees and branches that are blocking safe entry and exit of their property can contact 211 to be connected with Team Rubicon for FREE assistance. Team Rubicon Canada is a Veteran-led Not-For-Profit Organization that has been brought to Orillia through the Province of Ontario to assist residents in recovery efforts. All services provided are at no cost to residents.
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. 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.
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
