District of Muskoka Declares State of Emergency Following Ice Storm Sunday, March 30, 2025

Sunday, Mar. 31, 2025 (Muskoka, ON) – The District of Muskoka has declared a State of Emergency in response to a severe ice storm that swept through the District from March 28 to 30, causing widespread power outages, downed trees and hydro lines, and hazardous road conditions.

The declaration was made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act at 4:44 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, following prolonged periods of freezing rain that impacted power and road access in communities across Muskoka. Impacts range from moderate to more severe in southern areas of Muskoka, and the declaration allows the District to access additional resources and streamline response efforts, in collaboration with Area Municipalities.  

Residents are urged to stay home and off the roads. Many roads are blocked or reduced to a single lane, with crews reporting actively falling trees and live hydro lines. Travelling in these conditions could leave you stranded with limited access to emergency services, and response times may be slower than usual due to hazardous road conditions.

Safety reminders:

• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed hydro lines.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
• Never use BBQs, propane heaters or generators indoors — carbon monoxide can be fatal.
• Unplug electric vehicles to avoid potential surges or damage.
• Keep sump pumps and drains clear to prevent basement flooding.

“If it is safe to do so, take a moment to check in on neighbours—especially seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, or those who may need extra support,” said District Deputy Chair, Terry Glover. “Winter storms can be especially hard on our most vulnerable residents. A simple gesture, like clearing a pathway or making sure someone is okay, can go a long way. Our teams at the District and at our Towns and Townships are working together, and I am confident our communities will beat this storm.”

The District is actively monitoring the storm’s impact and will share the latest updates on facility access, road conditions, and municipal services through our Spring 2025 Ice Storm webpage and  social media channels.

Helpful resources:

• District Ice Storm Updates: www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm
• Road Closures: www.municipal511.ca (municipal), www.ontario511.ca (provincial)
• Water Levels: map.muskoka.on.ca
• Weather Alerts: www.weather.gc.ca
• Voyent Alert: Register for real-time alerts www.muskoka.on.ca/en/health-and-emergency-services/alertmuskoka.aspx
• Hydro Outage Maps: Check with your hydro provider

Stay safe, stay home, and help keep roads clear for emergency crews.

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