Gravenhurst ice storm update – April 1, 2025

Cleanup efforts continue following the weekend ice storm that hit the area.

What the town is doing to clean up

Town staff are removing trees and branches that have fallen on roads and road allowances. These efforts will be ongoing in the days ahead. Tree damage is extensive and cleanup will take time. 

While staff are operating equipment during cleanup operations, for safety reasons please avoid approaching them. 

What to do with downed trees and branches on private property

The District of Muskoka is offering a temporary fee relief period for disposing of chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs, and twigs) at all the transfer stations (except Ridout and McLean) to support the community with cleanup after the spring ice storm.

People unable to transport trees and branches to transfer stations are asked to pile the debris neatly on their property and await further direction. 

Please do not place wood along the road allowance as this could interfere with power restoration work. 

Some residents in town might wish to burn downed trees and branches, however, the town is asking people to avoid doing so given the sheer volume of tree debris in the community. 

The town is reminding residents that open air burning is not allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

For information on the town’s open air burning bylaw, please see our website. Please be a good neighbour and follow the rules.

Residents might wish to consult with their insurance provider to learn what assistance they are entitled to – if any – regarding storm damage cleanup. 

Power restoration 

Elexicon and Hydro One crews continue their work to restore power to homes and businesses. 

For power outage information, see the Elexicon Outage Map or the Hydro One Outage Map.

Warming centre

A warming centre is available at the Centennial Centre. 

People are welcome to stop by, warm up, charge devices, and use the washrooms. 

Showers are also available. People should bring their own shower gear, including towels. 

The centre, set up in the lobby, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. until further notice. 

Storm resource directory

The town has a storm resource directory available on its website.

The directory contains a variety of information to help people with recovery. 

State of emergency

The District of Muskoka’s state of emergency declaration remains in place. 

The district declared the emergency Sunday in response to the severe ice storm that swept through the area. 

See the district's latest update. 

The declaration encompasses the Town of Gravenhurst and other lower-tier municipalities in the district. 

The town declared a significant weather event Saturday, prior to the worst of the storm, and this remains in place.

Flood warning

The Ministry of Natural Resources issued a Flood Warning Bulletin on March 28, and it remains in place until Friday, April 4. 

See our website for details.

Special weather statement

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the area, saying freezing rain, transitioning to regular rain, could return to the area Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning.

Please drive according to weather conditions.

For weather updates, visit the Environment Canada website or check a local news source.

Check on neighbours

The town is asking people to check on their neighbours and vulnerable people in the community to ensure they are managing. 

Financial 

Administration is closely monitoring the financial implications of the ice storm and will continue to ensure a coordinated and effective response. 

Watch our website and social media channels for further updates.