Ice Storm Response update for April 4, 2025

Township of Severn remains in a State of Emergency, as declared on the afternoon of April 2, 2025. 

By doing this, we can:

• seek help from other municipalities that have not been impacted as severely as our community has been
• streamline emergency response efforts
• request financial assistance from the Province of Ontario.

Severn continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm, working around the clock to coordinate the emergency response and ensure public safety.

Information and support helpline

Residents are encouraged to call 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, wellness checks, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 is available 24/7 and connects callers with trained professionals who can guide them to the appropriate local supports.

Residential brush and tree clean-up

Do not place trees and debris in ditches

Residents are being asked to not place trees and debris in ditches as this can cause flooding to your property or your neighbours. Our staff are responding to these issues and not responding as needed to the ice storm clean up. If you need to move the debris or trees, please place it in on the side of the road but do not place them in culverts or ditches.

Residents are also reminded that burning wet trees and brush on their property is not permitted as this creates excess smoke and unsafe conditions. Severn Fire and Emergency Services are taking time to respond to these issues, which is reducing time dedicated to the ice storm response priorities. Residents are asked to follow our Open-Air Burning By-law, which only allows for the burning of residential fires a maximum of 60 centimetres (cm) by 60 cm in size and only using dry, cut wood. Residential fire permits can purchased online on our Open Air Burning and Permits page.

County of Simcoe collection services

The County of Simcoe is deploying brush collection services starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region, particularly Oro-Medonte, Ramara, and Severn. The County, along with its waste collection contractor Miller Waste, has secured additional trucks and labour to collect brush exclusively for at least the next three weeks, and possibly longer. The County will deploy crews to areas where they will be most effective and will service other impacted communities as quickly as possible. 

Additionally, to support the cleanup process, County of Simcoe waste drop-off sites will be accepting brush debris, free of charge, until April 28. For more information on waste drop-off locations and hours, please visit the County's Waste Management page. 

New temporary brush drop-off facility

The County of Simcoe has added new brush drop-off locations to support areas that experienced significant damage. Only brush (any size, but no root balls) will be accepted free of charge.

Residents can access the following new location in addition to the regular sites:

• Coldwater (1675 Anderson Line)
  • Open on Friday, April 4, Saturday, April 5, and Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12

Food waste

Expired and spoiled food can also be dropped off at County of Simcoe waste drop-off sites free of charge. You can also place these items in your green bin for curbside pickup on your regular collection day.

Please email Service Simcoe directly or call 705-735-6901 or 1-800-263-3199 for any questions related to disposal of brush, trees, food items, or large or bulky items.

Food safety after or during a power outage or flood

During and after a power outage or flood it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses.

Flood water may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical waste. Food and water may become contaminated if it comes in contact with contaminated flood water. Even if a food package appears dry it may have been contaminated if the flood water covers or seeps into food containers. It is important to inspect all food items thoroughly prior to use and consumption. Any items that have been in contact with contaminated flood water should be discarded. If your water source is a private well, it may also become contaminated with floodwaters making it unsafe to drink, cook and prepare foods with. Use alternate water sources for any water needs.

A power outage can also result in certain foods becoming potentially hazardous for consumption because foods cannot be maintained at 4 Celsius (40 F) or less. As a rule of thumb, an unopened refrigerator will keep foods cool for 4 to 6 hours without power. Where a refrigerator has been opened and closed, the temperature cannot be maintained. It is recommended that any hazardous foods (meat, fish, dairy, eggs or prepared foods) be disposed. If you are unsure if a food is safe for consuming, remember, when in doubt, throw it out.  

Residents can dispose of any spoiled or expired food at any of the County of Simcoe waste management locations during regular business hours. You can also place these items in your green cart for weekly curbside pick-up. Please email Service Simcoe directly or call 705-735-6901 or 1-800-263-3199 for any questions related to waste management. 

If you have questions please call Health Connection to speak to a public health inspector at 705-721-7520, x8811 or 1-877-721-7520 x8811.

For more information visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.

Flooding 

A Flood Warning has been issued from the Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District effective April 3 until Friday, April 11, 2025. Expect rising water levels on the Severn and Black Rivers, Sparrow Lake, and Lake St. John.

As forecasted rainfall continues into next week, residents should prepare for potential flooding—especially if you're in lower-lying areas. With recent snow and ice melt causing significant runoff, exercise caution when near local lakes, rivers, and bridges.

Sand bags for residents

Township of Severn has set up four self-serve sandbag stations as of April 4 at the following locations:

• Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive)
• Washago Centennial Park Boat Launch (3376 Quetton Street)
• intersection of Cambrian Road and Canal Road
• Lauderdale Point Crescent (Peninsula Point Road and Bennett Avenue)

We will provide the sand and burlap bags. Please bring your own shovel to fill them up and take them away. Delivery is not available. The station will remain open until the water has receded and is no longer a threat to properties.

How to report a concern 

Our eServices portal provides our community with access to a number of online services through an easy-to-use dashboard. 

Visit the eServices portal to report a concern:

• trees downed over Township roads or in ditches
• localized flooding
• road repair
• potholes

Contact our Customer Care Team by email or call 705-325-2315 for one-on-one support.

Hydro One update

Hydro One crews had restored power to over 85 percent of their customers, however significant damage continues to be discovered as crews continue with restoration effects.

Hydro One is anticipating that most customers will have their power restored by the weekend. For customers who can only be reached by water, restoration may take longer.

Customers that have damage to their home's electrical equipment (e.g., stack or pipe where the powerline from the road connects to their home), need to have a licensed electrician make the necessary repairs.  Customers can learn more about steps to take through the Electrical Safety Authority.

Power outage safety

Residents are reminded to stay clear of hazards and report issues to the appropriate agency.

1. Downed power lines
   • Stay at least 10 metres back and call 9-1-1.
2. Power outages
   • Contact Hydro One:
     • Report an outage online, text 'outage' to 92887 (WATTS) or call at 1-800-434-1235  

To stay safe in a power outage:

• do not use BBQs, gas stoves, or camp stoves indoors
• never use generators indoors or near doors or window (carbon monoxide risk)
• dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm
• keep fridge and freezer doors closed to help preserve food
• use flashlights instead of candles
• unplug electric vehicles to prevent power surges and vehicle damage

Some areas may also starting to be affected by flooding. If flooding occurs at home and water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, customers should exit the building and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Do not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement, until power is disconnected.

Potable water stations

Potable water stations are available for residents who may continue to have no power and those who rely on wells. The current locations that can be accessed by the public are the indoor taps at the Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street) and the Coldwater Water Supply and Distribution System (14 Sheridan Drive).

If you use water from a private well, a power outage will normally cause the water pump to fail. In this situation you should use an alternate source of safe water, such as commercially bottled water or visit a potable water station.

Road closures

Township of Severn has been actively working around the clock since Saturday to remove debris and downed trees from local roadways. Roadways that remain closed are those that have downed powerlines and are awaiting Hydro One clearance. Once Hydro One has cleared any powerlines and declared the area safe, Township staff will move in to clear the debris.

Road closed as of April 4 at 3:00 p.m. include:

• Burnside Line (300 metres north of Maple Valley to Jermey Road)
• Confederation Drive (between Wainman Line to Kensington Place)
• Division Road East (between Hampshire Mills to Centre Avenue)
• Division Road West (Wainman Line to Fairgrounds Road)
• Fairgrounds Road (from address 3400, just south of Warminster Side Road and 200 metres north of Warminister)
• Hampshire Mills from Cambrian Road to Maple Valley Road
• Lakeside Drive at Cumberland Road
• Maple Valley Road between Hampshire Mills and Carlyon Line 
• Riverdale Drive (from address 3647 to the dead end) 
• Silk Line (between County Road 17 to Laughlin Falls Road)
• Town Line at 2918 Town Line
• Wainman Line at Marchmont Road
• Warminster Sideroad (east of Fairgrounds Road to 2501 Warminster)

Due to the serious nature of electrical currents, only Hydro One or their licenced contractors have the authority to remove branches or downed trees near hydro lines. Hydro One has been made aware of the current downed trees and branches on powerlines within the Township. If additional trees or branches are affecting Hydro One lines, please call their 24/7 emergency hotline at 1-800-434-1235.  

Warming Centres 

Warming Centres will be open until 8:00 p.m. today, and will reopen from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Sunday April 6, and Monday, April 7.

• Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive)
• Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street)

Services include hot drinks, charging stations, water, and restrooms. 

Residents can also access the City of Orillia Relief Centre (255 West Street South) that is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Residents can also register for showers on a first-come first-serve basis. If overnight shelter is required, you must register at the Relief Centre before 9:00 p.m. Spaces are limited.

Water and wastewater services

April 4, 2025

Township of Severn has lifted the Boil Water Advisory notice from April 1, 2025 for the Westshore service area on April 4. All customers can resume regular water use. 

In order to lift the Boil Water Advisory, Severn has been continuously monitoring the system and has completed the laboratory testing required by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and their Medical Officer of Health. 

For any health-related questions or information on safe drinking water, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit at 705-325-9565, or Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520. Information can also be found on their website.

April 4, 2025

Update for April 4: The bypass event that started on April 3 has ended, and treatment at the Coldwater Wastewater Treatment Plant has resumed. Monitoring, testing, and reporting have been ongoing through the event and after it ended. 

The municipal drinking water system in Coldwater remains fully operational, and the water is safe to drink.

Thank you to our hard-working wastewater operators who managed this situation throughout the day and night.