Immediate Release

Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #4

Ramara, ON/ April 1, 2025 – The Township of Ramara continues its coordinated response to the widespread impacts of the March 30 ice storm. With additional precipitation in the forecast and significant cleanup efforts ongoing, the Township remains focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Weather Update

Environment Canada has issued two weather alerts for Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago.

A rainfall warning is in effect for the afternoon of Wednesday, April 2 through to the morning of Thursday, April 3. The area could see rain, at times heavy, with total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm. Locally higher amounts are possible if thunderstorms repeatedly impact the same area. Rain advances northeastward Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. With thunderstorms expected, rainfall amounts may exceed 50 mm over some areas. Rain will end from west to east Thursday morning.

A freezing rain warning is in effect for Wednesday, April 2, from the morning to the evening. The area could see freezing rain with ice accretion of 4 to 8 mm on some surfaces. Environment Canada notes that this freezing rain event will not be nearly as significant as the ice storm from this past weekend. Freezing rain begins east of Lake Huron Wednesday morning before reaching central Ontario later Wednesday afternoon. Precipitation may begin as snow and ice pellets, especially over central Ontario. Easterly winds gusting 50 to 60 km/h may exacerbate any tree damage. As temperatures rise above the freezing mark, freezing rain will transition to rain over southwestern Ontario Wednesday afternoon and across central Ontario Wednesday evening.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.

Trails and Facilities Update

• All Township trails are closed until further notice due to hazardous conditions from downed trees and falling branches. Please avoid wooded areas for your safety.
• The Township Administration Building, located at 2297 Highway 12 is open on April 2 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. 
• The Ramara Centre, located at 5482 Highway 12, is open on April 2 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. All programs are cancelled until further notice.
• 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 Brechin Mara Legion is open as a warming centre or to charge phones. For details on hours of operation, please contact the Legion at 705-748-5393.

Services Update

• Hydro One: Crews continue working to restore power. Residents are urged to plan for outages lasting through the week, depending on their location and the extent of local damage.
• Water Conservation: Residents on municipal water systems are urged to conserve water and only use it for essential needs such as drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Avoid laundry, dishwashing, and excessive flushing to prevent system strain.
• Waste Collection continues where possible. Missed roads will be attempted again on Friday, April 4.
• Free Brush Drop-Off: To assist with cleanup, the County of Simcoe’s waste drop-off sites will accept brush debris at no charge from March 31 to April 28, 2025. The Mara Waste Drop-off site, located at 5200 Country Road 169, is open Thursday – Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Root balls are not accepted as brush and will be charged at full disposal rates.
• Sites will operate on their regular schedules. However, some may not have power and may only accept cash transactions and charge by volume instead of weight.
• Potable Water Access: Residents can access water from the outdoor tap at Fire Hall #1 (3290 Ramara Rd. 47) in Brechin. Water is also available by the Barnfield Point Recreation Centre in Tudhope Park (500 Atherley Rd., Orillia)
• 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.  

Cleanup and Safety Reminders

• Do not attempt cleanup until it is safe to do so.
• Downed wires, sharp debris, and unstable branches pose serious risks. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is seeing increased ER visits due to cleanup injuries.
• Hire a professional if possible — especially for elderly residents or those without proper equipment.
• Never place debris or branches on roads or boulevards, as this blocks emergency access and slows cleanup.

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

Road and Power Safety

• Stay off closed roads and treat all wires as live.
• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed hydro lines and report them to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
• Crossing closed roads is at your own risk and may not be covered by insurance.
• Report downed trees or damage on public property by calling the After-Hours line at 705-484-5374, option 9, or online at www.ramara.ca/reportit.

Power Outage Safety Tips

• Never use barbecues, generators, or propane heaters indoors – they produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.
• Keep sump pumps operational and drains clear to help reduce the risk of flooding.

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

Portable Generator Use

• Stay warm using blankets and layered clothing 
• Always use generators outdoors and away from doors or windows.
• Look for a Canadian certification mark when purchasing.
• Never connect a generator directly to your home's electrical system.

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