Ice Storm Response

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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

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

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. 

Crews will return to Severn automatically for one final collection after May 19. It could multiple weeks for the County to collect all brush and debris in Severn. If you have a concern about brush pick-up, please contact Service Simcoe by email to service@simcoe.ca or reach out by telephone at 705-735-6901.

The County has also waived brush drop-off fees at all County waste facilities until the end of June. Dropping off brush at a waste facility is the fastest way for residents to clear debris off their property.

For all waste location details and hours, visit the County's website.

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.

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.

Provincial Business Ice Storm Assistance (BISA) program now accepting applications

Even though the sun is shining and the weather is warm now, the impact of the ice storm continues for many in our community.

Are you a business owner facing expenses from the ice storm that insurance didn’t cover? The Business Ice Storm Assistance (BISA) program offers a one-time financial aid to small businesses, small farms, and non-profit organizations for qualifying costs related to the ice storm in March 2025. The application deadline is October 31st, 2025.

For more information on this provincial program, please visit the BISA webpage. 

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.