Central Ontario Paralyzed By Major Ice Storm

A major ice storm has left much of Central Ontario paralyzed, with widespread power outages and extensive damage. The storm, which swept across the region over the weekend, has affected hundreds of thousands of residents, and recovery efforts are only just beginning.

As of Sunday evening, March 30, 2025, multiple school boards have announced closures for Monday, March 31, 2025, due to the ongoing impacts of the storm. The Simcoe County District School Board, Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board are among those that will not be open. The closures are a direct response to the hazardous conditions caused by the storm, which left many communities without power and with treacherous road conditions.

Hydro One, the utility company responsible for power restoration, has indicated that some areas may take several days to restore electricity. The situation remains dire, particularly in regions that experienced the worst of the storm. "Our emergency crews are encountering actively falling trees and power lines across the district," said a spokesperson for Hydro One. "If you travel, you risk becoming stranded with no access to emergency services." This warning highlights the seriousness of the situation, as officials urge residents to stay off the roads.

In addition to school closures, several municipalities have declared states of emergency. The City of Peterborough, Orillia, and the Township of Brock all made this declaration on Sunday in response to the storm’s impact, which included downed trees and widespread power outages. Videos posted on social media depicted scenes of destruction, with one resident describing the situation in Orillia as a "war zone."

Further north, the District of Muskoka has declared a Significant Weather Event, with officials advising residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. "The worst of the ice storm has hit Muskoka, leaving behind widespread damage from heavy ice accumulation on trees and utility lines," officials stated. Many District roads are either closed or reduced to one lane due to fallen trees and hydro lines, and the risk of new hazards remains high.

In the Ottawa Valley, conditions are slightly better, but freezing rain continued into the evening of March 30, 2025, with warnings of possible hazardous road conditions, especially on rural routes. The Renfrew and Upper Canada school boards have also indicated that there may be school bus cancellations, and the City of Ottawa faces uncertainty regarding school operations. "It’s a 50/50 call at this point," said a spokesperson for the urban school board, noting that while they typically have a higher tolerance for winter conditions, lingering ice and freezing rain could still lead to cancellations.

In the Grey Bruce region, tens of thousands of households remain without power following the storm. Hydro One reports over 6,000 outages on the Bruce Peninsula alone, with thousands more in eastern Grey County. As a result, several school buses have been cancelled, and schools such as Dundalk & Proton and Highpoint Community schools will be closed on March 31, 2025.

As communities brace for a lengthy recovery process, local authorities are working diligently to restore power and ensure public safety. Many families are still without electricity, making communication difficult. The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board is closing all schools and facilities to students and non-essential staff on March 31, 2025, to ensure the safety of everyone involved. "Given that many families in our district remain without power and may not be able to access email or phone reliably, we ask families and staff to assist in spreading this communication broadly," the board stated in an official release.

As recovery efforts continue, it is clear that the impact of this ice storm will be felt for days to come. Officials are urging residents to remain patient as utility crews work around the clock to restore power and clear roadways. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather events.

In summary, Central Ontario is grappling with the aftermath of a significant ice storm that has disrupted daily life and left many without power. School closures are widespread, and local authorities are working tirelessly to address the challenges posed by downed trees and hazardous road conditions. As the region begins the recovery process, officials urge residents to stay safe and stay informed.