City of Orillia Emergency Operations Update #9 - April 2 at 5 p.m.

Ice storm power outages increase risk of hypothermia

For immediate release (April 2, 2025) – In the aftermath of this week’s severe ice storm, widespread power outages across the City are leaving many residents without heat, increasing the risk of hypothermia, especially for young children, older adults, and those with health conditions.

“With homes getting colder with the drop in temperature, the risk of hypothermia is real and serious,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We are urging residents to take this seriously and seek warmth before symptoms set in, whether it’s by going to a friend or family member’s home with power, or using the City’s Relief Centre at the Orillia Recreation Centre.”

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.

Warning: Do Not Use Outdoor Heat Sources Indoors

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.

How to Stay Warm Without Power

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

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