Residents reminded to stay safe as localized power outages continue

As localized power outages continue due to this past weekend’s freezing rain event, residents still without power are urged to take advantage of warming stations and be diligent around live wires.

The following Town of Bracebridge facilities continue to be available during regular business hours for visitors to have respite from power outages, charge devices, and use the facilities:

Please note, the Bracebridge Sportsplex is currently operating under modified hours but will return to regular hours on Friday, April 4. Reu’s Café at the Sportsplex and Brews and Bites at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre are open daily to provide snacks and beverages.

Power Outages
As of April 3, the following outages are still active:

Crews have worked tirelessly all week in challenging conditions to restore thousands of customers across the province, and the Town is grateful for their hard work.

For updates on power restoration:

Utility service providers have identified live, downed wires as they continue to clean up. Residents are reminded that if you see a downed powerline, always assume it is live and deadly. Downed powerlines can electrify the ground around it, so you don’t have to touch the powerline to receive a deadly shock. Stay 10 metres back from the line. Call 9-1-1 and the appropriate power distribution company immediately.

If the electrical stack or pipe on your home is damaged, a licensed electrician is required for repairs. If flooding is reaching outlets, heaters, or your furnace, call hydro provider to have power safely disconnected. Do not enter flooded areas until power is off.

Wellness Checks
The Bracebridge Fire Department is continuing targeted wellness checks by request. If you are in need of a wellness check, please call 705-645-5264 ext. 3650 to talk to a Town representative during office hours or leave a message after hours. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

District of Muskoka Assistance
In addition to the services being offered by the Town, the District of Muskoka has activated an Ice Storm Assistance phone line and email to support residents in need. The Emergency Response Team is available to help with urgent needs related to health, safety, and access to essential services, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. When leaving a message please include your name, contact number and type of assistance required.

Requests will be prioritized based on urgency—basic needs will be addressed first. This includes:

Learn more at www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.

Operational Update
Public Works crews continue to work on clearing debris and are working closely with utility service providers. Clean-up will be ongoing. The Significant Weather Event will remain in effect until further notice.

Residents are reminded that all Town of Bracebridge parks and trails are closed and not maintained during the off season. Excessive debris has made these locations unsafe. Please use extreme and do not visit any Town parks or trails until further notice.

The District of Muskoka’s Significant Weather Event and Emergency Declaration also remains in effect.

For more information on staying safe and emergency preparedness, visit bracebridge.ca/winterstorm.

Debris Clean Up
The District of Muskoka is waiving tipping fees for chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs and twigs) up to the limits set in the Schedule “E” of their Waste Management By-law. Materials generated through storm cleanup can be delivered to the Rosewarne Landfill in Bracebridge or the Beiers Transfer Station in Gravenhurst during their normal operating hours. Brush must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet and stumps will not be accepted.

Open Air Burning
The Muskoka-wide fire danger rating system is now in effect. Recreational open-air fires are permitted between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.in all four of Bracebridge’s fire zones in accordance with the Burning Control By-Law. Daytime burning and slash pile burning is not permitted during this timeframe.

Residents are asked not to burn tree debris due to the amount that is present. Please do not store piles of tree debris along the road allowance and keep it away from any clean up and restoration efforts.

Water Testing
If you rely on a private well or other non-municipal water source, your water quality may change over time, especially during power outages or extreme weather. Residents with private water systems are encouraged to disinfect, flush and test their water before consumption. A limited quantity of water testing kits are available at the Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court, or Fire Station 1, 225 Taylor Road for pickup. Samples must be delivered to the SMDHU Gravenhurst Office, 5 Pineridge Gate, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Health and Safety
During and after a power outage it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses. For more information on food safety during a power outage, visit Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.  Water testing kits are now available for pick up at the Municipal Office or Fire Station 1 during regular office hours.

Flood Warning Remains in Effect
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Flood Warning has been extended until Friday, April 11. This applies to all watersheds in Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound, including the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.