Ice Storm Response

Severn continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm, working to coordinate the emergency response and ensure public safety. The information on the page has been provided to help our residents in need. 

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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

Township roads have now all been opened and the Township is now focusing on removal of roadside hazards from the municipal road allowances. 

Given the volume of downed trees and brush across the Township and the need to address safety as a top priority, Severn's crews and contractors do not have the resources to provide curbside brush and debris pick-up at this time.

Similar to your organics, recycling, and garbage collection, the County of Simcoe is responsible for yard waste (brush, leaves, etc.).

Effective Monday April 7, the County of Simcoe deployed brush collection services prioritizing the most impacted areas of the region including Severn. The County of Simcoe is also offering free brush and debris drop-off at waste sites now until the end of May.

Temporary free brush drop-off facilities

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. Please view the chart below or visit the County of Simcoe website.

For up-to-date information on storm-related impacts. brush collection, and services affecting the County of Simcoe, please visit simcoe.ca/icestorm or download the Simcoe County Collects App for waste and brush disposal information. 

Regular leaf and yard waste collection restarts on April 28

Spring yard waste collection that was delayed due to impacts of the ice storm will begin across the region during the weeks of April 28 and May 5. Residents will receive three weeks of collection, occurring bi-weekly, always coinciding with garbage collection weeks.

Resident should contact Service Simcoe for any questions related to waste, recycling, leaf and yard waste, or organics collection:

• Phone: 1-800-263-3199
• Email: service@simcoe.ca

Please do not place trees and debris in ditches

Residents are being asked not to 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 on the side of the road, but do not place trees 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. 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 be purchased online on our Open Air Burning and Permits page.

Flooding 

A Flood Warning has been issued from the Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District effective April 3 until Friday, April 25, 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.

Severn will post updates as received from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Trent Severn Waterway / Parks Canada.

Visit their websites for updates:

• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Trent Severn Waterway / Parks Canada

Sand bags for residents

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

• 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.

Insurance considerations

If you have been impacted by the ice storm, call your insurance provider right away to start the claims process. They will be able to guide you the process and will let you know what documents you need. Most will require notes, images, and any receipts related to the damaged items and the clean up. 

Damage to homes caused by an ice storm, including damage caused by wind and rain, is usually covered, such as:

• damage caused by flying debris or fallen trees and/or branches.

• damage to your home and its contents from water entering through openings suddenly caused by wind.

Insurance can also cover water or flood damage, ice damming, fridge or freezer contents or the appliances themselves, depending on the details of your policy.

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.