Clean up efforts underway after destructive ice storm

Simcoe County is reeling after a devastating spring ice storm that coated the region in a thick layer of ice, snapping trees, downing power lines, and leaving thousands without electricity.

The storm began Saturday with freezing rain, but by Sunday morning, many residents woke up to widespread power outages and properties and streets littered with fallen branches and debris.

While Environment Canada warned about the ice storm, no one anticipated this level of damage that could mean weeks of cleanup.

Cities Respond

In response to the crisis, warming centers have been opened across the region. The Allandale Recreation Centre in Barrie and the Orillia Recreation Centre are providing heat and shelter to those without power.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall assured residents that additional resources are on the way.

“[I] had a call and update from Premier Doug Ford. The province is sending up more help from areas that were not affected to get power back online. More hydro workers will hopefully decrease the time hydro is down,” Nuttall stated. “We are going to remain in communication and see what other support services are available and required.”

The City of Barrie has also temporarily waived residential brush tipping fees at its landfill and rescheduled curbside waste collection to accommodate storm cleanup.

Widespread Impact

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported a sharp increase in emergency calls as ice-laden trees collapsed onto roads and power lines. Several municipalities, including Orillia, Muskoka, and Oro-Medonte, declared states of emergency.

Hydro crews have been working around the clock, but thousands still remain in the dark.

“Our teams are facing extremely hazardous conditions,” said an Alectra spokesperson. “Tree damage is complicating efforts, especially in downtown Barrie, where fallen limbs are entangled with power lines.”

Weather Outlook

Although temperatures have risen above freezing, Environment Canada warns that strong winds—gusting up to 50 km/h—could bring down more ice-laden branches and power lines.

Orillia Fire Chief Chris Ferry urged residents to stay off the roads and avoid attempting their own cleanup efforts.

“Expected winds and potential weather this evening could bring down even more trees and worsen already hazardous conditions,” Ferry said. “We should be prepared for at least 24 to 48 hours without power in many areas. Please stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Your safety, and the ability of emergency crews to respond, depends on it.”

The national weather agency expects the gusty winds to persist throughout Monday and into the evening.

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