Statement from Mayor Heidi Lorenz regarding recent ice storm

Mayor Heidi Lorenz issued the following statement today:

On behalf of town council, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped our community in the aftermath of the recent ice storm. 

We thank the many hydro employees who have worked valiantly for several days now to restore power to homes and business across Gravenhurst. 

Your determination to get the lights and heat back on is appreciated by so many throughout our community. 

We know that many hydro workers are away from their families for an extended period right now and we recognize the sacrifice you are making. 

As well, on behalf of council, I want to thank our Infrastructure Services Department staff for the tremendous effort you have made to clear fallen trees from roads and road allowances. You have worked long and hard days. 

Simply put, the town’s tree clearing has been a massive job – at times slowed as we wait for downed power lines to be safely dealt with – but we are making progress. 

Still, there is significant work ahead, including the cleanup of our parks, trails, and cemeteries. 

We also want to recognize our caring frontline staff for fielding calls from residents and helping these people get their concerns and needs addressed. 

And we thank our firefighters who have checked on residents and helped get supplies to people in need. Each of you are a testament to your profession. 

We also want to acknowledge our Emergency Control Group, which has met regularly to manage the town’s response to the ice storm, and will continue to meet in the days to come. 

To our residents, we know these past few days have been hard, but we are so impressed by the stories we’ve heard about people coming together to support each other through this difficult period. 

So many in our community have shown care and empathy and that truly makes a difference.

The town has provided daily updates on its website and social media channels throughout the recovery. We will continue to keep you informed. 

The District of Muskoka also has ice storm recovery information available on its website and social media channels and I know these updates will continue.

Thank you and I wish everyone a safe weekend.