Gravenhurst ice storm update – April 9, 2025

Here is today’s update from the Town of Gravenhurst.

The latest from the District of Muskoka

 Yesterday, the District of Muskoka announced a plan for curbside pickup of storm yard waste.

The district said storm yard waste collection will begin Monday, April 21 in areas most heavily impacted: Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Bracebridge. 

This program will collect storm yard waste from properties that regularly receive seasonal leaf and yard waste collection.

See the district’s latest update to learn more about the yard waste collection program.

Meanwhile, free brush drop-off continues at district transfer stations until April 30. 

The district says that second home property owners will have another opportunity to drop off brush at district transfer stations for free this summer. 

In other news, the District of Muskoka’s state of emergency declaration remains in place. 

The district has an ice storm assistance phone line that people can call. 

People experiencing challenges due to the recent ice storm can contact the district at 705-645-2100, ext. 4500 or e-mail icestorm@muskoka.on.ca.  

The district has boxes of food available for residents in need. Contact the district to arrange this service. 

Significant Weather Event

The Town of Gravenhurst has lifted its significant weather event declaration.

Power restoration

Elexicon and Hydro One crews continue to restore power. 

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

Town of Gravenhurst cleanup

Town staff continue to remove trees that have fallen on roads and road allowances. 

Town not enforcing half load restrictions for essential service delivery

 With the current state of emergency declaration still in place throughout the District of Muskoka, the Town of Gravenhurst will not be enforcing half load restrictions for essential service delivery and restoration as our community recovers. 

See our website to learn more.

Parks, trails, cemeteries closed

A reminder that due to extensive tree damage caused by the recent ice storm and for related public safety reasons, the town has closed its parks, trails, and cemeteries. 

See the full list on our website.

These amenities will remain closed until further notice. 

The town must coordinate cleanup and further assess damage. 

Watch our website and social media channels for updates. 

Gravenhurst Fire Department checking on residents

The Gravenhurst Fire Department continues to check on residents to ensure they are managing.

Firefighters have access to supplies for residents they find in need. 

Fresh drinking water

A list of municipal public water taps for residents looking to fill their own containers is available on the District of Muskoka website.

Flood Warning bulletin

The Ministry of Natural Resources has a Flood Warning bulletin in effect for the Black, Burnt, Muskoka, and Severn River watersheds in the District until Friday, April 11, 2025.

The Flood Warning bulletin is available on our website.

Sandbags available

 A supply of sandbags is available to the public at the end of Severn River Road East and Cowbell Lane.

A small additional supply is available at the town’s public works yard on Crawford Road. 

Warming centre – Centennial Centre

A warming centre is available at the Centennial Centre, 101 Centennial Dr. 

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. 

Warming centre – Ryde Centennial Free Methodist Church

A daytime warming centre is available at the Ryde Centennial Free Methodist Church, 1667 Housey’s Rapids Rd. 

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

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. 

This includes information about food safety following power outages, plus things to keep in mind regarding safe power restoration, along with details for how to care for trees following an ice storm. 

Check on neighbours

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