Immediate release

Township of Ramara Emergency Operations Update #9

Ramara, ON/ April 6, 2025 – The Township of Ramara's Municipal Emergency Control Group is continuing to respond to the ice storm's effects. As power is restored, we are working with partners to provide brush and debris disposal, along with access to food and essential services for the community.

“I want to take a moment to thank everyone for your incredible patience and support over the past eight days. I’m pleased to report that we are gradually seeing power restored throughout our community, and Hydro One is working diligently to reconnect all of Ramara. As power is being restored, please remember to follow safety tips. If you notice that your electrical mast has pulled away from the wall, is broken, or has become detached, do not hesitate to call an electrician for assistance. This week, we will resume our recreation programming at the Ramara Centre. Now, more than ever, we want to support your physical and mental well-being. As we work to restore our trail system, these programs will provide a wonderful opportunity for you to get active and connect with one another.”

~Mayor Basil Clarke

Flooding Update

On Friday, April 4, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued a Flood Warning for the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District. This warning specifically affects residents of Ramara in the Black River area, including those near Lake St. John. Recently, the Black River rose overnight and is currently flowing over the dam into Lake St. John. However, the water gauge on the Black River near Vankoughnet indicates that the flow is now receding. We expect that our area will experience a similar decrease in water levels within the next 24 hours. Additionally, the water levels at the Talbot River are also receding.

Road Closures

Please be advised that Sheba Drive, from Airport Road to Bluebird Street, is closed due to flooding until further notice and open to local and emergency services traffic only. All other traffic is asked to avoid the area.

Sand and Sandbags

In response to the flooding, the Township of Ramara is providing sand and sandbags at seven designated self-serve locations.

The seven self-serve sandbag locations: 

• Bluebird Street Boat Launch
• Bluebird Street Cul-de-sac
• Davy Drive Cul-de-sac
• East River Road Cul-de-sac
• Ethel Drive
• Island Crescent Cul-de-sac
• Municipal Yard 3, located at 7305 County Rd. 169

Each location has sand and burlap bags available. Please bring your own shovel to fill the bags and take them away, as delivery is not available. Residents will be responsible for disposing of the sandbags after use.

Learn more information at www.ramara.ca/flooding.

Support Services Starting Monday, April 7

Warming Centres

The Township Administration Centre (2297 Highway 12) is open April 7 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for residents to access to charge their devices, use the public facilities, and get warm.

The Brechin Mara Legion (2146 Concession Rd. 4) is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for residents to access to charge their devices, use the public facilities, get warm, and have a hot meal.

Recreation Programming

Starting Monday, April 7, 2025, all programs will resume at the Ramara Centre, located 5482 Highway 12.

Wellness Checks and Resources

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.

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.

Ice Storm Clean up

Private Road Brush and Debris

Make sure to check on your house or cottage, especially if you live on a private road. Follow up with your contractor to confirm that the road has been cleared of brush and debris so that Hydro One can come in and restore power.

What Can I Do with My Brush and Debris?

Due to the extensive destruction across Simcoe County and the Township of Ramara, we appreciate residents’ patience as the County of Simcoe and Township work to provide information about brush and debris cleanup.

If residents and businesses have tree brush and branches that they cannot dispose of through the County of Simcoe’s brush collection or waste drop-off sites, please follow these guidelines:

• Place the brush and branches in front of or on the side of your property, away from any roadway.
• Do not block roads, storm drains, fire hydrants, or hydro infrastructure.
• Do not place tree brush and branches on public property, including trails, parks, or roads.

County of Simcoe Brush Collection

Starting on April 7, the County of Simcoe is deploying brush collection services 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.

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

• Bundle and secure the 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.

County of Simcoe Waste Drop-Off

The County of Simcoe's waste drop-off sites will accept brush debris free of charge until April 28.

The Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open from Thursday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will also have extended hours, being open from Sunday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 10, during the same hours. Some sites may experience power outages and may only accept cash payments, charging by volume instead of weight. Please note that root balls are not accepted as brush and will incur full disposal rates.

For more information on other waste drop-off locations and brush and debris collection, visit simcoe.ca/IceStorm.

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.

What Can I Do with My Food Waste?

The County of Simcoe is the residential waste collection provider for the Township of Ramara. The County of Simcoe is maintaining its regular waste collection schedule.

Residents can dispose of their food either through regular waste collection or by bringing it to waste drop-off locations. The Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open from Thursday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will also have extended hours, being open from Sunday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 10, during the same hours. Some sites may experience power outages and may only accept cash payments, charging by volume instead of weight.

To drop off food waste, residents can bring spoiled food that is placed into an organic or compostable bag (small or large) free of charge. Please remove all food packaging before placing the spoiled food into the organic or compostable bag.  

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

Dedicated Ice Storm Response Webpage

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/.

Important Power Restoration Information

Power Restoration Safety

As power is restored across Ramara, residents are reminded to take extra precautions to stay safe:

• Ensure stoves, ovens, and other heat-producing appliances were turned off during the outage.
• Reset any tripped breakers and check surge protectors before plugging devices back in.
• If electronics were left plugged in, inspect them for damage before use. Power surges during restoration can harm electronics.
• Turn appliances back on gradually to avoid overwhelming your electrical system. Do not run multiple high-power devices at once.
• Power outages can drain backup batteries. Press the test button on each alarm to make sure they’re functioning properly.
• A full freezer can keep food cold for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full). Refrigerated food is only safe for about four hours without power. When in doubt, throw it out.
• After outages and storms, debris can block vents. Clear them before restarting your furnace or dryer to avoid fire or carbon monoxide risks.
• If using a fireplace or woodstove during the outage, ensure chimneys or flues are properly vented and cool before switching back to electric heating.

Hydro Restoration — Damaged Utility Information

Damage to your home's electrical system may have to be fixed before Hydro One can reconnect power. If your electrical mast is pulled away from the wall, broken, or detached, please ensure you contact an ESA-licensed Electrician. Visit the ESA website for more information on this process.

Public Safety Information and Reminders

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.

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 & 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.

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Media Contact

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Township of Ramara

705-484-5374 ext. 322