Statement from the Mayor - Dec. 6, 2024

Mayor Heidi Lorenz this afternoon issued the following statement:

It’s been a very challenging week for the people of Gravenhurst. 

I know people are tired and frustrated.

I want to assure you that the worst is now behind us and recovery is well under way. 

The emergency declaration will stay in place so that we can access resources.

With only 250 people yet to have power restored and emergency access to our residents, the town is in good shape considering the tsunami of snow we received.

I want to extend a huge thank you to the community. People never cease to amaze me with their kindness, generosity and patience. 

Difficult times bring out the best in people and the stories of neighbors helping neighbors are what have carried many people through.

There will be a time to share and recognize these hometown heroes. We are fortunate to have them amongst us.

I want to thank our town staff. 

Our plow operators have been working around the clock to get to this point and require a 36-hour rest, which will leave them fresh to get back at it Sunday morning. The town’s incredible plow contractors will be deployed until then. 

I want to thank all town staff who have supported the emergency rollout, from overnight stays at the reception centre, to fielding and responding to hundreds of calls and requests.

Hydro One and Elexicon have been working tirelessly to get the power back, dealing with dozens of downed trees and abandoned vehicles. A big thank you.

On top of an enormous number of calls for service, Gravenhurst Fire Department worked with Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue to complete wellness checks, ferried supplies, and extracted a few residents. Some of our volunteers helped right the Segwun from disaster. Thank you.

Thanks to the OPP and Muskoka Paramedic Services - their job is difficult at the very best of times.

I want to extend gratitude to Premier Ford, MPP Graydon Smith, and Bernie Derible, the commissioner of Emergency Management Services who wasted no time in providing required resources. We had plow teams from Vaughan, York Region and Simcoe County. We had the expertise of field managers from Emergency Management and resources from the Salvation Army – they fed people and delivered food to some of our vulnerable population. Thanks to Brandon Keeping and the team of the Salvation Army for providing support.

Town contracted plow drivers, tow truck drivers and private contractors have been working non-stop to assist residents and visitors. Thanks so much. 

I would like to thank our media partners who shared accurate information. 

Please continue to access our website and social media pages for the latest information.

Lastly, I want to say there will be a time in the near future when we will have a chance to evaluate the response and how things could have been done differently but my hope is for now that the memories of kindness will prevail. 

On behalf of council, thank you to each and every one of you who made this easier for someone else.

Please stay safe.

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