Spring Ice Storm 2025

Storm Overview

During the weekend of March 28, a powerful spring ice storm impacted communities across Ontario, including right here in the District of Muskoka. We recognize the impact this storm has had on individuals, families, and neighbourhoods, and we're working closely with our partners to support recovery and keep residents informed.

Clean-up Efforts

Brush Disposal

The District's temporary fee relief period for disposing chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs and twigs) at all Transfer Stations is ending on May 31, 2025. The fee relief period began on April 1, 2025, and since that time nearly 8,000 tonnes of materials have been received at no cost to residents.

Residents are encouraged to bring any remaining storm-related wood and brush debris to their nearest Transfer Station before May 31st.

Storm Yard Waste Curbside Collection

Extended leaf and yard waste curbside collection in Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes and Bracebridge has ended. Thank you to residents for assisting in preparing your materials appropriately. Almost 200 tonnes of material was collected at the curb!

The final week of spring collection for leaf and yard waste materials will occur throughout the week of May 26, 2025 for all eligible properties. To check eligibility, residents are encouraged to enter their address in the Muskoka Waste App or on the District’s website.

Stay informed: Download the Muskoka Waste app in the App Store or Google Play for reminders and tips right to your phone.

Where to Find Help

Mental Health and Food Supports

For a complete listing of Mental Health and Community Supports (including food), please visit our Food and Support webpage.

CMHA Muskoka Parry Sound: Crisis Intervention Service

Crisis intervention service is available 24/7 via a telephone support service provided by Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka-Parry Sound Branch. Any person experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis may call their local office between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm (see numbers below). If you are already a client please ask for your worker. If you are new to the agency please ask for a crisis worker.

Bracebridge – (705) 645-2262 or 1-800-245-5036
Huntsville – (705) 789-8891
Parry Sound – (705) 746-4264 or 1-866-829-7049
Sundridge – (705) 384-5392 or 1-866-829-7050
Gravenhurst – (705) 687-1435 or 1-844-771-2474

Anyone experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis after our usual office hours please call 1-800-461-5424.

Crisis intervention and consultation is also provided within local hospitals, with hours varying depending on site.

Muskoka Victim Services: 24/7 Contact number: 1-844-762-9945

Muskoka Victim Services offers:

Immediate on-site emotional and practical assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Assessment of victims needs, risk and vulnerability.
Referral to appropriate programs and services within their community.

Warming Centres

Your local town or township may be offering warming centres, charging stations, or localized supports. Please visit their website or social media channels for updates:

Access to Safe Drinking Water

View a list of Municipal Public Water Taps in your area.

I Want to Help - Food Donation

The District is working closely with community food banks and service agencies to ensure vulnerable residents continue to have access to food during storm recovery. Residents who are able, are encouraged to donate non-perishable items or financial contributions to local food banks to help meet increased demand.

For a list of food banks in your area, please visit our Food and Support webpage.

District Programs and Service Updates

Regular services and office operations continue across the District unless otherwise noted.

We are continuing to clear debris from roads and expect this work on District roads and Area roads, followed up by winter maintenance activities. Be sure to slow down when traveling in the area of working crews to ensure they can work safely. For road closures visit: www.municipal511.ca (municipal) or www.ontario511.ca (provincial)

Additional Resources

Hydro Reminders - Stay Safe!

Treat every power line as if it’s live, even if it doesn’t appear to be
If the electrical stack or pipe on your home is damaged, a licensed electrician is required to make repairs.
Experiencing flooding? If water is reaching outlets, heaters, or furnaces, call your hydro provider to safely disconnect power. Do not enter flooded areas until power is off.

Power Outages - Where to find information

Check your hydro provider’s outage map for the most up to date information. Some links are included below:

Hydro One: https://www.hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety/stormcentre-outage-map
Lakeland: https://outages.lakelandpower.on.ca/
Elexicon: https://elexiconenergy.com/outage-map

Water Level Information and Floodplain Mapping

Muskoka GeoHub allows you to interact with Flood line and LiDAR mapping and view real time water levels in Muskoka - right from your own home! Visit Muskoka GeoHub at: map.muskoka.on.ca

Be Prepared - Emergency Management Tips

The District’s Be Prepared page offers tips on how to plan ahead for emergencies like floods. It also includes information on what to do after a flood to stay safe during cleanup. Being prepared is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your home during an emergency.