Ice Storm Response

Severn continues to respond to the impacts of the ice storm, working around the clock 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

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, which are in a continued declared emergency. 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. 

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 contact 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 contact 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.

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.

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.

Stay updated at: severn.ca/notices. 

Warming Centres 

Warming Centres are open at the:

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

Services include hot drinks, charging stations, water, and restrooms. Both locations will be open daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until further notice.

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.

Water and wastewater services

April 3, 2025

Due to the significant rainfall and resulting flooding in Coldwater this week, the Coldwater Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently experiencing a bypass event. 

This notice applies to all residents of Coldwater that receive municipal wastewater services.

To protect the infrastructure of the wastewater treatment plant, excess flow that reaches the facility is being diverted around the plant’s treatment processes and discharged into the Coldwater River. 

A bypass event can prevent:

• rainwater and sewage from backing up and potentially causing basement and/or surface flooding in the service area
• the wastewater treatment plant from flooding, which can cause significant damage to the facility and it's mechanical and electrical equipment.

We are working with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks to complete all required monitoring, testing, and reporting. 

Severn will provide regular updates on our:

• website
• Notice page
• social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X)

Please note that this is a wastewater system issue related to sewage and drainage, not the drinking water system. The municipal drinking water system remains fully operational, and the water is safe to drink. There is no boil water advisory in effect and no risk to the safety of Coldwater's drinking water.

Severn is asking residents to limit water use during this time to reduce pressure on the system. Please avoid doing laundry, limit showers, toilet flushing, etc. until further notice.

April 1, 2025

The Westshore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant service area is currently under a Boil Water Advisory as of April 1 at 10:00 p.m. 

Residents are asked to please avoid all unnecessary water use. If you must use your water, boil the water before drinking, cooking, or washing. To boil your water correctly, using a clean pot, bring the water to a full, rolling boil. Let the water boil for one minute. Or, you can use bottled water as an alternative to boiling your water.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Customer Care Team or contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

This advisory is expected to be in place until at least Saturday, April 5, 2025.