Immediate Release

The Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #2

Ramara, ON/ March 31, 2025 – The Township of Ramara Emergency Control Group continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm. Staff are actively working to clear roads, respond to downed trees, and ensure the health and safety of residents.

Power is restored to a few areas of the Township, but we remain in an active emergency. Many of the areas are still hazardous, and cleanup efforts are in full force; however, the magnitude of the impact will take time to address. Residents are reminded to stay off the roads and stay home to allow our Township staff and emergency services to respond effectively.

Facilities Update

• The Township Administration Building, located at 2297 Highway 12, will be open on April 1 from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. so that residents can access the facility to charge their devices, use the public facilities, and get warm.
• Please note that Township daytime phone access is limited; however, residents can continue to report downed trees on public property or damaged roads by calling the After-Hours line at 705-484-5374, option 9, or online at www.ramara.ca/reportit. 
• The Ramara Centre, including the Ramara Township Public library, will remain closed tomorrow (April 1). 

Services Update

• Hydro One: Hydro One is actively working to restore power to affected residents.
• Waste Collection: The regular waste collection schedule will continue tomorrow, where possible.  Residents are reminded to put their containers on the road. If a road is missed due to debris or road closures, residents are to leave material curbside until collection is attempted on Friday, April 4, 2025.
• Waste Drop-Off Sites: The County of Simcoe’s waste drop-off sites will be open on their regularly scheduled day. The waste drop-off sites will be accepting brush debris, free of charge, from March 31 through April 5, 2025. Timing and extensions will be determined as cleanups continue. Where necessary, due to potential power outages for additional materials (beyond brush debris), it is possible that some sites may only be accepting cash transactions and may be based on volume rates (rather than scaled rates).
• Access to Water: Residents can access potable water from the outdoor water tap located at Fire Hall #1 (3290 Ramara Road 47) in Brechin near the Canine Shelter.
• Operations crews are working to clear roads and respond to downed trees. 
• Emergency services remain fully operational and are responding to calls throughout the Township.  
• Ramara Fire and Rescue Services has a high volume of calls and asks the public to call 9-1-1 only in an emergency.  

Safety Reminders 

Residents are reminded to stay off the roads and adhere to posted road closures. There are many roads with downed wires, and residents should treat every wire as live wire. If residents do cross a closed road, it is at their own risk and not covered by insurance; therefore, there will be no coverage for any damage sustained.

If you choose to clean your property, please use extreme caution. Hazards such as down wires, sharp debris, and unstable branches can pose a risk. As our emergency services are receiving high call volumes, we ask residents to avoid any unnecessary cleanup until it is safe to do so.

Additional Safety Reminders 

• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed hydro lines and report them to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. 

• Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire. 

• Never use barbecues, propane heaters, or generators indoors – carbon monoxide can be fatal. 

• Keep sump pumps operating and drains clear to help prevent flooding from melting ice. 

Power Outage Safety Tips 

Residents are encouraged to follow these safety precautions during power outages: 

• Stay warm using blankets and layered clothing 

• Never use generators indoors or near open doors or windows due to carbon monoxide risk 

• Do not use barbecues, gas stoves, or camp stoves inside 

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food 

• Use battery-powered lights instead of candles 

• If you have an electric vehicle, please ensure that it is unplugged to prevent damage to your vehicle and reduce power surges 

Additional Public Health Resources: 

Residents are encouraged to review the following emergency preparedness and safety resources from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: 

• Cleaning up after a flood 

• Drinking water safety after a power outage 

• Food safety and other emergency tips 

Reporting Information 

• Report power outages or get updates directly from Hydro One. 

• Website: https://www.hydroone.com/outages 
• Call: 1-800-434-1235 
• Text “outage” to 92887 (WATTS) 
• Downed power lines: Stay at least 10 metres back and call 9-1-1 immediately. You can also report downed lines to Hydro One. 

• Downed trees or damage to local roads: Call the After-Hours line at 705-484-5374, option 9, or report it online at www.ramara.ca/reportit. 

• To report an emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

Stay Up to Date 

The Township of Ramara will continue to monitor impacts and provide updates to residents on the State of Emergency through the following communication channels: 

• Alertable 

• News and Notices page 

• Social Media 

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Media Contact

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Township of Ramara

705-484-5374 ext.322