State of emergency declared in Gravenhurst – update 1

A state of emergency continues in the Town of Gravenhurst. 

The state of emergency is because of the substantial snowfall in the community and the prolonged closure of Highway 11. 

The town is reminding people to stay home. Please avoid travel by foot or car. 

Emergency services are limited, and in some instances, might not be able to respond. 

Town snowplow crews and contractors continue to clear roads, but this work is limited and slow because of obstacles such as downed trees and limbs, downed power lines, and vehicles that are blocking routes. 

What’s new…

Today, town officials met with provincial emergency officials, including Emergency Management Ontario representatives, the OPP, District of Muskoka representatives, Elexicon officials, and neighbouring municipal representatives. 

The purpose of these talks was to determine next steps and what resources are required. 

Resources from other municipalities are on the way to Gravenhurst to assist with snow cleanup and will be deployed as they arrive. Details on which municipal partners are assisting will be provided later. 

Cleanup will continue for several days. Further information will be provided in future updates. 

Things to keep in mind…

• The Centennial Centre is open until further notice for people needing a place to seek shelter. However, we ask that people not make their way to the centre unless necessary. We are trying to avoid situations where people leave their home, get stuck en route to the centre, and then require assistance. 
• Please check on your neighbours to make sure they are OK. We have heard several stories about people caring for each other and these are heartwarming and reflective of our great community. We have a long history of working together in the face of adversity. We will get through this situation. 
• Recreation programs at the Centennial Centre have ceased until further notice. 
• The Gravenhurst Public Library is closed until further notice. 
• If you have general, non-emergency inquires, please e-mail info@gravenhurst.ca or telephone 705-687-3412, ext. 2237.
• Town hall will be open tomorrow (Monday, Dec. 2) with a skeleton staff. Please avoid visiting the town hall unless necessary. Connect with staff via e-mail and phone. 
• Power outages continue and likely will for the next few days. See the Elexicon outage map for details. See Hydro One outage map for details.
• Please avoid situations that put your home or shelter location at risk (for example makeshift fires and unattended candles). 
• If you experience an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

The town will provide its next update at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. 

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