State of emergency declared in Gravenhurst – update 5

A state of emergency continues in the Town of Gravenhurst. 

The latest… 

Most Town of Gravenhurst roads are now open to single-lane traffic. 

Snow removal work continues throughout the municipality with assistance from our contractors, along with help from Vaughan, York Region, and Simcoe County. 

Packed snow removal work (ice blading) is taking place on in-town roads. 

Blower units from Vaughan and York Region are working to widen in-town roads for two-lane traffic. 

The town’s fleet is focusing on widening rural routes and sanding. 

All District of Muskoka roads are now open to two-lane traffic. 

Municipal road information.

Provincial highway information.

People on private roads requiring snow removal – please see our list of contractors. If you are a contractor and wish to be added to the list, please contact us through the phone number or e-mail address below. 

Power restoration continues. See the Elexicon outage map. See the Elexicon Gravenhurst page. See Hydro One outage map.

The Centennial Centre remains open for people in need. See our related news release.

The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit’s Gravenhurst office is now open and accepting well water samples for testing. See the SMDHU website for more details.

Gravenhurst Fire Department (GFD) and Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue (GBVSR) continue to assist people in need. GFD and GBVSR are taking supplies to people and, if required, transporting people to the Centennial Centre. Please note they are not authorized to provide or administer medications. If medications are required, they will facilitate transport to hospital. GBVSR is also assisting with wellness checks over the phone. 

People with questions about the state of emergency or specific needs can e-mail us at info@gravenhurst.ca or call 705-687-3412 and press 8.

We are specifically requesting that people from outside the area not make their way to Gravenhurst. This includes individuals wanting to check cottage properties. Additional vehicle traffic in the community is a hindrance to cleanup. 

Please do not travel on roads unless necessary. We do not want you to get stuck, require assistance, and hinder cleanup efforts.

Emergency services remain limited. 

The challenges with cleanup

We continue to deal with abandoned vehicles. 

Downed trees and limbs continue to hamper snow cleanup but the situation is getting better. Since Saturday, the town has cleared more than 65 trees that have fallen across roads. 

Downed hydro lines continue to hamper cleanup efforts as well. While we don’t have an exact count, there have been dozens of instances where hydro lines across roads have slowed our snow removal progress. In each instance, we wait for hydro utility workers to resolve the situation before we can continue with snow removal. 

Please avoid removing snow from roofs unless you face a critical situation. You risk injuring yourself and requiring medical assistance. 

General safety reminders: 

• Don’t leave candles unattended.
• Don’t leave cooking areas unattended.
• Take breaks if you are shoveling snow.
• Keep snow away from furnace vents.

Things to keep in mind…

• 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 open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 but programs are cancelled. 
• Town hall is open during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a skeleton staff. Please avoid visiting the town hall unless necessary. Connect with staff via e-mail and phone. 
• 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.