Media Release: Emergency Operations Update #5

Immediate Release

Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #5

Ramara, ON/ April 2, 2025 – The Township of Ramara remains in a declared State of Emergency and Significant Weather Event (SWE) as cleanup and recovery efforts continue following the March 30 ice storm. With Environment Canada warnings still in effect for freezing rain and rainfall, residents are reminded to remain cautious, limit travel, and prioritize safety. The Township continues to focus on public safety, essential services, and supporting impacted residents.

Weather Alerts and Significant Weather Event Reminder

Environment Canada has issued two weather alerts for the area of Orillia – Lagoon City - Washago:

Rainfall Warning – In effect Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Total rainfall of 20 to 40 mm is expected, with some areas potentially exceeding 50 mm due to thunderstorms.

Freezing Rain Warning – In effect Wednesday from morning to evening. Up to 4 to 8 mm of ice accretion is possible. While not as severe as the March 30 event, high winds (50–60 km/h) may still cause additional tree damage and hydro outages.

Surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and walkways may become slippery or unsafe. Residents are urged to use caution and avoid travel if possible.

The Township remains under a Significant Weather Event (as per O. Reg. 239/02 of the Municipal Act). This declaration advises the public that all roadways and sidewalks are considered in a state of repair and may be unsafe to use. It also notifies residents that it may take longer than usual to restore conditions.

Trails and Facility Availability

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.

Warming centres are open so that residents can access the facility to charge their devices, use the public facilities, and get warm:

Township Administration Centre (2297 Highway 12): Open April 2 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12): Open April 2 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (No regular programming; warming only)

Brechin Mara Legion: Open for warming and device charging. Call 705-748-5393 for hours.

Township phones are operational during business hours. Leave a message for a return call, or report issues 24/7 via the After-Hours line at 705-484-5374 (option 9) or www.ramara.ca/reportit.

Safety Warning: Portable Generator Use

Ramara Fire & Rescue Services are responding to an increase in carbon monoxide-related calls. As residents continue to use generators during the ongoing power outage, it iscriticalto use them safely to prevent serious injury or death.

Always use generators outdoors, well away from your home—never inside a garage, shed, or enclosed space.

Make sure the generator is pointed away from windows, doors, vents, and air intakes.

Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

Look for a Canadian certification mark when purchasing a generator to ensure it meets safety standards.

Never connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system—this can cause dangerous backfeeding that puts utility workers and others at risk.

If you're without power, consider safe alternatives such as layered clothing, blankets, and battery-powered heat sources. Always prioritize ventilation and fire safety when staying warm.

Water Conservation and Sanitary Sewer Reminders

Water Conservation – Brechin and Lagoon City

The Township has issued a water conservation notice due to elevated turbidity levels in the raw water (lake water before treatment) for those on municipal water in the areas of Brechin and Lagoon City. Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential water use during this period. By limiting water usage, residents will help maintain sufficient water storage and system pressure.

If turbidity levels continue to rise, a Boil Water Advisory may be issued. There is also a possibility of reduced water pressure or water supply interruptions until turbidity levels decrease and normal plant operations resume. Residents are advised to ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water and other necessities during this time.

Protecting the Sanitary Sewer System

Residents are reminded that sump pumps, downspouts, and building drains must not be connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system. These illegal connections can:

Overwhelm wastewater treatment systems, leading to environmental discharge.

Cause sewage backups in homes.

Lead to fines and other penalties.

What to Do:

Check your property to ensure sump pumps and downspouts are not discharging into sanitary sewers.

Redirect any improper connections to a safe area (e.g. lawn or rain garden).

Contact the Township for support or questions.

Help protect your home and the community—Make the Right Connection.

Brush and Debris Cleanup

Residents and businesses with tree brush and branches on their property are asked to follow these guidelines:

Keep brush on your property: Place branches or brush at the front or side of your property, well away from the road.

With more severe weather expected, it’s essential that all debris remains on private property, so roads stay clear for Emergency Services and Hydro One crews.

Do not block: Please avoid placing brush near roadways, storm drains, fire hydrants, or hydro infrastructure. This slows emergency response and cleanup efforts.

Do not place brush on public property, including trails, parks, boulevards, or roadways.

To support cleanup efforts, the County of Simcoe is accepting brush debris at no charge at all waste drop-off sites until April 28, 2025.

Root balls are not accepted as brush and will be charged at the full disposal rate.

Sites are operating on regular schedules; however, some may be without power and may only accept cash payments and charge by volume instead of weight.

The Mara Waste Drop-off Site at 5200 County Road 169 is open Thursday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Do not begin cleanup until it is safe to do so. Hazards include:

Downed wires, sharp debris, and unstable branches pose serious safety risks.

Increased ER visits have been reported due to cleanup injuries.

Hire professionals, when possible, especially for seniors or those without proper equipment.

Never attempt to remove limbs caught in or near power lines—report them to your local utility.

Service Reminders

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.

Waste Collection continues where possible. Missed roads will be attempted again on Friday, April 4.

Potable water access is available 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 J.B. Tudhope Memorial 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.

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.

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

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for Alertableto receive important updates directly via mobile app, email, text message, or phone call. It’s the fastest way to stay informed during an emergency.

We thank our residents for their continued patience and cooperation as we work through the impacts of this significant weather event.

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Media Contact

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Township of Ramara

705-484-5374 ext.322