Service impacts and clean up continue during recovery phase
Midhurst/April 11, 2025 – As of April 11, 2025, the County of Simcoe and several municipalities across the region have officially ended their previously declared States of Emergencies. Earlier this week, the City of Orillia terminated its State of Emergency (SOE) on April 9, followed by Ramara Township on April 10, and the County of Simcoe and Severn Township on April 11. The Township of Oro-Medonte remains in a State of Emergency as it works to clear ice storm debris from critical infrastructure.
These States of Emergency were terminated following electrical service providers’ confirmation to County officials that over 99 per cent of the homes / businesses have had a resumption of services (power restored), confirmations of adequate and safe water supply, and the reopening of critical transportation routes following previous closures that were due to ice storm-related debris. Some communities continue to monitor potential flooding risks; however, major water way levels appear to be returning to stable numbers.
As many are aware, these emergencies were declared as a result of the impacts of the recent ice storm affecting our region. Declaring an emergency assisted municipalities in accessing additional resources to support residents and communities with the goal of assisting hydro in clearing critical transportation routes. Emergency Operations Centres were also activated to support enhanced flow of information with partners.
Quotes
“Despite terminating our States of Emergency, we would like to collectively emphasize that our work does not stop here and we continue to offer our assistance to affected communities, including Oro-Medonte as they work to clear their own State of Emergency. We are staying laser-focused on our communities’ safety, security, and wellbeing. Our work will carry on for many months to repair the widespread damage caused by this once-in-a-lifetime storm. We are now in a place that we can move forward with the recovery efforts, largely thanks to our partners across the community and across the province. We cannot thank these partners enough who came from regions, municipalities and cities across Ontario who did not hesitate to offer us the support we needed in the initial hours and days following this storm. The County and our communities will never forget their care and compassion.”
~ Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe Warden and Mayor of Ramara Township
“As Orillia and other surrounding communities end our states of emergency, our focus now turns fully to recovery and continued support for our residents. The strength of our community was matched only by the strength of our partnerships. From emergency shelter operations to coordinated regional support, the incredible collaboration between municipalities, the County of Simcoe, and countless community partners made a meaningful difference during a very difficult time. I am deeply proud of the dedication shown by municipal staff, emergency personnel, volunteers, and the people in our communities. The way we came together during this historic ice storm was extraordinary, and we will continue to support one another as we recover.”
~ Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia
“The end of the State of Emergency does not mean our work is done. The Township of Severn will continue in the next weeks and months the clean-up efforts caused from the damage of the ice storm. With the support of Council, staff have developed plans to continue the removal of debris from roadways, ditches, rivers, trails and parks. I want to thank the residents for their understanding as we work towards full recovery. I am grateful to all the residents, staff and volunteers that showed their resilience during this ice storm. In the last week, so many wonderful stories have been shared with me of neighbour helping neighbour. These acts of kindness just prove that Severn is the best place to call home.””
~ Mike Burkett, Mayor of Severn Township
Updates and information
For updates on this emergency follow these channels: County of Simcoe website at simcoe.ca, @simcoecounty on Twitter, @CountyofSimcoe on Facebook, in addition to local radio stations and media websites. Residents can also find information on social, health and government services at 211.
Regional supports and updates continue to be posted on www.simcoe.ca/icestorm and on municipal webpages.
