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Northern Ontario

Thousands without power across the northeast

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Ontario’s spring ice storm has left a wave of destruction in cottage country, with conditions continuing until at least Monday. Jeremie Charron has the details.

Hydro One says it’s ‘all hands on deck’ Monday to restore power to the thousands who lost it due to the snow and ice.

Ontario power outages Hydro One Ontario power outages. March 31, 2025 (Hydro One)

In Parry Sound, approximately 2,565 customers are affected and the Hydro One outage map said Monday the estimated restoration time isn’t until April 2 at 6 p.m.

Northeastern Ontario power outages. Northeastern Ontario power outages. March 31, 2025 (Hydro One)

Nearly 2,000 customers in the Noelville area are without power, but it is expected to be restored by 11:45 a.m.

In the Valley East area of Greater Sudbury, nearly 1,100 customers are in the dark and the estimated restoration time is noon Monday.

power outages. March 31, 2025 (Hydro One) Greater Sudbury and St. Charles area power outages. March 31, 2025 (Hydro One)

On Manitoulin Island, more than 1,300 customers are without power. The outages in the Mindemoya and Gore Bay areas are expected to end by 9:30 a.m. Elsewhere on the island, crews are assessing the damage and do not yet have an estimated restoration time.

Manitoulin Island power outages (Hydro One) Manitoulin Island power outages. March 31, 2025 (Hydro One)

Two dozen customers in the Blind River area and nearly 400 between Blind River and Thessalon are without power, and crews are still assessing the damage.

Thousands more across the province are also without power.

“Crews have restored power to more than 358,000 customers since the start of the storm. We anticipate it will take several days to restore all customers,” Hydro One said on its website Monday.

“The estimated time of restoration for each outage has been updated to reflect current conditions so that customers can make the right decision for their family based on the latest information. We won’t stop until every customer is restored.”

Updates can be found on the utility company’s website.

“Stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235, the company said.

“Hydro One prioritizes restoration in a way that brings power back to the greatest number of customers in the shortest period of time. Crews need to repair and rebuild main lines along with other key pieces of electricity infrastructure before repairs can be made to power lines that serve smaller numbers of customers.”

The power outage in Mactier has prompted Near North District School Board to close MacTier Public School on Monday.