A high-impact ice storm swept through Ontario over the weekend, causing widespread power outages and severe disruptions across multiple communities. As of early Sunday afternoon, March 30, 2025, more than 370,000 customers were without power, with cities like Orillia and Peterborough declaring a state of emergency due to hazardous conditions.
The storm, which began affecting the region on Saturday, March 29, brought significant freezing rain and snow, leading to downed trees and power lines, as well as treacherous driving conditions. Local officials are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel while crews work tirelessly to restore power and clear roads.
In Orillia, Coun. Tim Lauer, the Alternate Head of Council, announced the state of emergency at 7 a.m. on March 30, stating, “This declaration allows the City to access additional resources and streamline emergency response efforts to protect the health and safety of our residents.” He emphasized the importance of staying home and avoiding travel during this critical time.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has issued a flood warning, which will remain in effect until Friday, April 4, 2025, for all watersheds in Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound, including the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River. This warning adds to the urgency of the situation as residents are advised to minimize water usage to prevent sewer backups.
In Bracebridge, the Town has declared a significant weather event due to the freezing rain, asking residents to remain indoors and avoid traveling on the roads. Local officials are also working on tree removal and maintaining roads and sidewalks. The Bracebridge Sportsplex and Muskoka Lumber Community Centre are open to provide respite from the cold, operating on backup generator power.
As power restoration efforts continue, Hydro One is working to restore power to more than 40,000 customers in Simcoe County, with additional outages reported in Muskoka, Parry Sound, Haliburton, Grey, Dufferin, and Kawartha Lakes. Alectra is dealing with widespread outages in Barrie, while Elexicon hopes to have customers in Gravenhurst powered up by 9:30 PM on March 30. However, many areas remain without a timeline for restoration.
Local authorities are advising residents to stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. They also urge the public not to call police for power updates, as emergency lines are overwhelmed. Residents are encouraged to use common sense and courtesy when navigating road closures and hazardous conditions.
Several roads in Innisfil are closed due to icy conditions and downed trees, including Arnold St, Guest Rd, Lakelands Ave, and Mapleview Dr. In Oro Medonte, multiple roads are impassable, and Old Barrie Road at Line 1 is closed due to downed power lines and trees. In Tay Township, roads such as Rumney Rd and Newton St are also affected.
As the storm progresses, more freezing rain is expected, with forecasts predicting an additional 15-20 mm of ice accretion in areas like Barrie and Orillia. The Greater Toronto Area may see 2-5 mm, while northeastern Ontario is bracing for significant snowfall, with Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins expecting 20-30 cm of snow through Monday, March 31.
Officials are urging residents to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit containing essential items such as batteries, medications, snacks, and water. They also recommend checking on neighbors, especially vulnerable individuals who may be experiencing prolonged power outages.
In terms of health and safety, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie has been operating on emergency power for 24 hours, and while care continues, some services and wait times may be impacted. Residents are reminded to exercise caution around waterways as ice conditions can change rapidly with warming temperatures.
As the situation evolves, updates will be provided through official channels, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about emergency services and safety protocols. The City of Orillia and surrounding municipalities are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities during this challenging time.
