Extreme Weather Conditions
If you need assistance staying cool in the extreme heat, or staying warm in the extreme cold, the District's Homelessness and Housing Support Fund program can help you.
During Business Hours (8:30am - 4:30pm) please call 705-645-2412 for further assistance.
After Hours - Any individual or household requiring shelter from the extreme cold temperatures may contact any of the following agencies to request assistance:
- O.P.P. 1-888-310-1122 (toll-free in Ontario)
- Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes, and Gravenhurst: 705- 645-2211
- Huntsville and Lake of Bays: 705-789-5551
- Georgian Bay: 705-526-3761
- Muskoka Victim Services: 1-844-762-9945
- Muskoka Women’s Shelters - Interval House (Bracebridge): 705-645-4461 or Chrysalis (Huntsville): 705-789-8488
- The Table Men’s Shelter (Huntsville): 705-783-5827
- Each community may also have local churches or faith groups who are able to assist with emergency accommodation.
- Call 9-1-1 for emergency or crisis situations.
Jump to Extreme Weather - Winter
During the extreme weather conditions, cold or hot, the District would like to remind residents to limit exposure to the elements and to seek shelter, as needed. If you are planning on being outdoors you should be prepared to deal with a variety of weather from extreme heat to extreme cold, very rainy days or very dry days. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can pose a significant risk for many residents, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Some of those most at risk include:
- Infants and young children
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People on certain types of medication
- People with limited mobility
- Outdoor workers
- Pets
The District encourages residents and visitors to seek comfort during extreme weather conditions (e.g. warmth in extreme winter conditions, and cooler spaces in extreme heat).
People who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact The District Municipality of Muskoka at 705-645-2412 for resources.
Emergency or Crisis Situations and After Hours
In emergency or crisis situations after hours, please connect directly with:
- Contact your local emergency services or hospital;
- Contact the Canadian Mental Health Association crisis line (1-800-461-5424);
- or dial 9-1-1.
- The number to call in an emergency is 9-1-1. A call taker will then connect you with police, fire or ambulance.
- Do Not use 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations. For more information about 9-1-1 and how it works, visit: Ontario Provincial Police Website or call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
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You can also register to receive weather warnings directly at: https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/createaccount_en.php |
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If it is too cold or too hot for you to go outside it is most likely too cold or too hot for your pets to go outside. Be sure to visit the Muskoka OSPCA website to make sure your pets are protected during extreme temperatures. |
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If you need assistance staying cool in the extreme heat, the District's Emergency Shelter program can help you with the purchase of a fan or sprinkler. If any individual or household requires emergency accommodation, food or clothing (i.e. homeless or at risk of homelessness), please call 705-645-2412 ext. 4363 for further assistance. All Towns and Townships encourage visiting public spaces during regular hours such as libraries, fitness centres, community centres, and the like to access resources and comfort during extreme weather conditions. More information can be found below.
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Extreme Heat and Health HazardsExtreme temperatures and high humidity can pose serious health hazards to healthy individuals, as well as those most vulnerable, and some of the most common affects include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes. Learn more about whether you or someone you know is at risk and the things you can do to protect yourself during extreme heat by visiting: Extreme heat: heat waves - Canada.ca Various Weather EventsVarious weather events can occur starting early Spring and continue through until late September, including: Heavy Rainfall and High Winds, Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Tornadoes. Prior to a Storm, you can take actions to prepare yourself and your property to minimize damage:
During a Storm
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Extreme Cold Weather WarningEnvironment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will issue an Extreme Cold Warning when the temperature is forecasted to fall for a minimum of two (2) hours to -35 degrees. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) may then issue a warning to implement their protocol for notification to individuals in the Vulnerable Population Sector. When a warning is received from SMDHU, Municipal Warming Centres may be opened and the locations will be posted on the website and notification will be provided to the media. During Business Hours (8:30am - 4:30pm)
After Hours:
Severe Snow Storms and BlizzardsMuskoka is accustomed to experiencing a variety of weather and significant snow events is not unusual. Environment Canada uses the following descriptions for different snow events:
Environment and Climate Change Canada has implemented a "Public Alerting Program", which includes the following types of Alerts:
Public AlertsPublic Alerts are issued through the media, the Weather Radio Services or through the Government of Canada website. The following links are to these two important websites: For tips on driving at night and in bad weather, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation |