The District of Muskoka’s declared state of emergency continues with a focus on restoration and clean-up work following last weekend’s ice storm. Areas that have been most impacted by the storm include Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Muskoka Lakes, Town of Gravenhurst and Town of Bracebridge, where some residents continue to experience extended power restoration times, instability in phone and cell networks, and limited access to some rural roads.
“It is important that we ensure all residents are supported until road access is assured and communication and power utility companies have restored and stabilized their infrastructure,” said Terry Glover, Deputy Chair of the District of Muskoka. “I also want to thank staff at the District and Area Municipalities for all their work to ensure critical municipal infrastructure continues to operate as normal, and for the outreach activities underway to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable members of the community living in the areas most impacted.”
The District’s emergency control group took steps to declare the state of emergency yesterday after it became evident some residents were experiencing power outages that would not be restored for an extended period of time and because several rural District roads remained unassessed or blocked by trees and downed power lines.
Declaring the state of emergency allows the District to request additional resources from the province to assist with clean-up and help coordinate restoration efforts across impacted area municipalities. The declaration also helps amplify public safety messaging to prevent, reduce, or mitigate danger to residents. As of this morning, eight other municipalities in Ontario have declared states of emergency due to the storm.
Latest District Program and Service Updates
Several roads remain closed or partially blocked, impacting curbside collection and transit operations. Some programming for children and seniors will remain closed tomorrow, but District administration offices, the Provincial Offences Act (POA) court building, and Community Services Hubs will reopen tomorrow.
Residents are encouraged to check the District website for the most up-to-date service status and reopening details at www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.
