Immediate Release

Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #3

Ramara, ON/ April 1, 2025 – The Township of Ramara Emergency Control Group continues to respond to the impacts of the recent ice storm. Staff are actively working to clear roads, respond to downed trees, and ensure the health and safety of residents. 

Weather Updates 

Environment Canada has issued a new Special Weather Statement for Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago for Wednesday, April 2 to Thursday, April 3, 2025, for freezing rain with ice accretion of 2 to 5 mm on some surfaces. Rain, heavy at times, with projected total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm. Locally higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms. 

Facilities Update 

• The Township Administration Building, located at 2297 Highway 12, is 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.  

• Township daytime phones are available between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please leave a message for staff to return your call. Residents can also 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 today (April 1).  

Services Update 

• Hydro One: Hydro One is actively working to restore power to affected residents.  

• Waste Collection: The regular waste collection schedule continues today, where possible.  Residents are reminded to put their containers on the road. If a road is missed due to debris or road closures, collection will be attempted again 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). 

• Please Conserve Water: Systems are operational but under pressure. Residents are asked to reduce water use, including flushing, laundry, and dishwashing, to prevent backups and limit water usage to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. 

• 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. As well, at Tudhope Park (450 Atherley Road, Orillia) by the Orillia Curling Club.

• 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  

Road Closures 

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. 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.  

Property Cleanup Hazards 

If you begin property cleanup, exercise extreme caution. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is experiencing increased emergency room visits due to injuries from yard cleanup incidents. Residents are encouraged to hire a professional, if at all possible, especially the elderly. Hazards such as downed wires, sharp debris, and unstable branches may not be visible and can pose serious risks. Always treat all wires as live and keep a safe distance. Do not place debris, branches, or trees on roads or boulevards. This obstructs emergency response and delays cleanup efforts. 

Additional Reminders  

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

• Do not attempt to clear tree limbs that are leaning on or caught in powerlines – report them to your local utility. 

• 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.  

Safe portable generator use 

• Never use a portable generator indoors. They produce fatal carbon monoxide fumes. Set them up outside away from windows, doors or vents to your or your neighbours’ house.  
• A generator should be 3 to 4 feet clear of anything combustible such as structures, deck, porches, or waste bins to prevent fire.

• If you're purchasing a portable generator, always look for a Canadian certification mark from an approved certification agency. 

• Don't attach a portable generator directly to your home's electricity system. It could cause power to flow back into the power grid and electrocute you or a utility worker, or damage the system. 

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  

• Unplug electric vehicles to prevent power surges and protect the vehicle 

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 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.  

• Downed power lines: Stay at least 10 metres back and call 9-1-1 immediately. You can also report downed lines to Hydro One.  

• 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