Immediate Release

Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #7

Ramara, ON/ April 4, 2025 – The Township of Ramara remains in a declared State of Emergency and Significant Weather Event following the March 30 ice storm. As restoration efforts continue, the Township is expanding its focus to ensure residents have access to wellness supports, food resources, safe cleanup options, and waste disposal services.

Working closely with partners including the County of Simcoe, community organizations, and neighbouring municipalities, the Township is providing a growing list of services to assist residents in recovery. These include extended relief centre hours, curbside brush collection starting next week, expanded food access, and new resources to support public health and safety.

What’s New

The following updates have been added since our last release to support residents during recovery:

• Township of Ramara warming centres will be open during the day on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. Detailed locations and hours are listed under Warming and Relief Centre Availability.
• Information regarding food waste disposal for Township of Ramara residents has been provided by the County of Simcoe.
• The County of Simcoe has extended operating days at several waste drop-off facilities and has opened two temporary locations for brush drop-offs.
• Curbside brush collection services will be starting on Monday, April 7, with specific requirements for how brush must be bundled.
• Half-load restrictions have been temporarily waived during the State of Emergency for the purpose of delivering propane.
• The Township is also responding to reports of localized flooding and is providing related resources.

Ice Storm Relief Resources for Ramara Residents

Warming and Relief Centre Availability

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 4, 5, and 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Ramara Centre (5482 Highway 12): Open April 4, 5, and 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (No regular programming; warming only.)
• The Ramara Township Public Library is operating out of the Ramara Centre location on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library is closed on April 6.
• Brechin Mara Legion: Open for warming and device charging from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.
• The Relief Centre at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) is available for Ramara residents.
• The Relief Centre is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests must register by 9 p.m. to stay overnight.
• The centre offers a warm, safe space, charging stations (priority for medical devices), access to restrooms, and light refreshments. The OPP is providing security 24/7 and a paramedic is onsite 24/7.
• The Couchiching Ontario Health Team is also onsite with a table with assistance available for navigating support services, booking patients to see a Nurse Practitioner or Mental Health Crisis Counsellor if they need to do so, and coordinating medication delivery or pick up for patients that need support with a pharmacy.
• The City of Orillia Relief Centre showers are also open to residents from Ramara and neighbouring communities. Guests must pre-register online or in person at the Orillia Recreation Centre. One 20-minute slot is available per person (including changing time). Guests must bring their own towel, soap and toiletries.

Township phone lines remain operational during business hours. Residents are encouraged to 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.

Wellness and Support Services

Wellness Check Requests

If it’s safe to do so, residents are encouraged to check in on their neighbours – especially seniors, individuals living alone, or those who may not have access to phones, internet, or social media. A quick call, knock on the door, or offer to share updates can go a long way in ensuring everyone feels supported and connected.

Wellness checks for Township of Ramara residents are available through the following process:

• Contact the Township Administration Centre at 705-484-5374 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) with a request for a wellness check.
• For after-hours wellness concerns, call 705-623-7295.
• The request will be assigned to a Township Bylaw Officer.
• The Bylaw Officer will visit the requested location and follow up accordingly.

Food Access

• The Salvation Army food truck stationed at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West St. S.) to provide meals for individuals and families without power is available for Ramara residents.
• The Sharing Place is resuming regular Food Bank hours on April 4. Community members, including Ramara residents, in need of an emergency food order may come to 95 Dufferin St. between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with ID to receive a six-day supply of food.
• Ramara residents can contact 211 to be connected with emergency food access. 211, a three-digit helpline answered by Community Navigators, is available to help residents access information about local resources every day and during times of emergency. Residents are encouraged to call or text 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 service is available 24/7 and interpretation is available in 150+ languages.

211 Helpline

211, a three-digit helpline answered by Community Navigators, is also available to help residents access information about local resources every day and during times of emergency. Residents are encouraged to call or text 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 service is available 24/7 and interpretation is available in 150+ languages.

Food Waste Disposal

The County of Simcoe is the residential waste collection provider for the Township of Ramara. Residents with spoiled food can dispose of it in their green carts. Remove all food packaging before placing spoiled food in the green cart.

Waste collection is ongoing as normal, but there may be delays. If your collection is missed, please keep your carts curbside until they are collected.

For more information, please visit https://simcoe.ca/waste or download the Simcoe County Collects app.

Brush Collection and Drop-Offs

Brush Collection: Starting April 7, 2025

The County of Simcoe is deploying brush collection services starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, including the Township of Ramara.

For the next three weeks, only brush will be accepted curbside, not bagged leaf and yard waste or bagged brush. This allows crews to efficiently collect storm debris and process it into wood chips immediately. Regular waste collection will also continue during this time. Please leave your carts at the curb until they are collected. Missed roads will be attempted again on Friday, April 4.

To assist with an efficient collection process, please follow these preparation guidelines:

• Bundle and secure brush with natural twine.
• Ensure bundles are no larger than 2 m in length and 30 cm in diameter, with individual branches not exceeding 7 cm in diameter.
• Logs are not accepted, and bundles should weigh no more than 20 kg.

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

Learn more about the collection schedule on the County of Simcoe Ice Storm Information page at simcoe.ca/IceStorm.

Brush Drop-Offs: Extended Hours and New Temporary Drop-Off Locations

To support the cleanup process, the County of Simcoe waste drop-off sites will be accepting brush debris, free of charge, until Apil 28, 2025. Additionally, the County is extending the opening days of several waste-drop-off facilities for brush only. Regular hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and operating days will be maintained, and new temporary brush drop-off locations will be available.

Additional Operating Days:

• Oro Facility (610 Old Barrie Rd. W.): Open on Sunday, April 6 and Sunday, April 13.
• Mara Facility (5200 County Rd. 169): Open from Sunday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 10.

New Temporary Brush Drop-off Facilities:

• Coldwater (1675 Anderson Line): Open on Friday, April 4, Saturday, April 5, and Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12.
• Midhurst (1904 Gill Rd.): Open from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12.

For more information on brush and debris collection and cleanup, visit simcoe.ca/IceStorm.

Potable Water Access

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).

Dedicated Ice Storm Response Webpage

Hydro One crews continue working to restore power. Residents are urged to plan for outages lasting throughout the weekend, depending on their location and the extent of local damage.

The Township has created a dedicated Ice Storm Response webpage that includes information and resources for Ramara residents during the State of Emergency declaration. The webpage can be accessed at www.ramara.ca/IceStorm/.

Public Safety Information and Reminders

Weather Alerts

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.

The Township is also responding to reports of flooding and is providing information and resources accordingly.

Trail Access

All Township trails continue to be closed until further notice due to hazardous conditions from downed trees and falling branches. Please avoid wooded areas for your safety.

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 is critical to 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

A water conservation notice remains in effect for those on municipal water in the areas of Brechin and Lagoon City due to elevated turbidity levels in the raw water (lake water before treatment). Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential use during this period.

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 Wastewater System

Residents are reminded that sump pumps, downspouts, and building drains must not be connected to the municipal wastewater 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.

Cleanup Safety

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.

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.
• 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.

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 
• Ice Storm Response page

• News and Notices page 

• Social Media

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for Alertable to 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.

-30-

Media Contact

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Township of Ramara

705-484-5374 ext. 322