Town of Bracebridge storm recovery continues as one week mark approaches

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (April 4, 2025 at 5 p.m.) – As Bracebridge continues to recover from the recent freezing rain event and we head into the weekend, the Town applauds residents for their continued resilience. Thank you to our community who have supported one another, shared resources, knocked on doors, and continue to provide support and assistance as challenges continue.

Emergency food boxes are available to those still affected by the storm through the Salvation Army South Muskoka Ministries and Manna Food Bank. Please consider donating food items to these organizations if you are able to do so to continue to provide much needed support to the community. Over the weekend, food boxes will be available at the Bracebridge Sportsplex and Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

Wellness Checks
The Bracebridge Fire Department is continuing targeted wellness checks by request. Teams were recently checking on residents in the Stephens Bay and Ennis Bay areas. Teams will be focusing on the Fraserburg Road area on Saturday, April 5.

If you are in need of a wellness check, please call 705-645-5264 ext. 3650 to talk to a Town representative during office hours or leave a message after hours.  In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Messages will continue to be monitored over the weekend and staff will be responding.

Operations Update
The Town of Bracebridge’s Public Works crews continue to work with contractors and arborists to clean up debris from the storm. Today, teams focused on the following areas and will continue tomorrow: 

Locations are subject to change and will continue as long as it is safe to do so. Please continue to follow any road closures that are implemented and obey all on-site signage.

Next week, crews will begin cleaning up debris in Town parks. Residents are reminded that all Town of Bracebridge parks, trails, and cemeteries are closed and not maintained during the off season. Excessive debris has made these locations unsafe. Please use extreme caution and do not visit until further notice.

The Significant Weather Event will remain in effect until further notice.

For more information on staying safe and emergency preparedness, visit bracebridge.ca/winterstorm.

Warming Stations
The following Town of Bracebridge facilities continue to be available during regular business hours for visitors to have respite from power outages, charge devices, and use the facilities:

Reu’s Café at the Sportsplex and Brews and Bites at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre are open daily to provide snacks and beverages.

After a challenging week, please look after yourself. CHMA Muskoka-Parry Sound provides walk-in counselling clinics to provide accessible mental health support when it is needed most, with no appointment necessary. The Bracebridge location at 173 Manitoba Street is open on Wednesdays from 1 to 8 p.m. Additional resources can be found at mps.cmha.ca.

Power Outages
Crews continue to work around the clock to restore power to those still effected. For updates on power restoration: 

Utility service providers have identified live, downed wires as they continue to clean up. Residents are reminded that if you see a downed powerline, always assume it is live and deadly. Downed powerlines can electrify the ground around it, so you don’t have to touch the powerline to receive a deadly shock. Stay 10 metres back from the line. Call 9-1-1 and the appropriate power distribution company immediately.

If the electrical stack or pipe on your home is damaged, a licensed electrician is required for repairs. If flooding is reaching outlets, heaters, or your furnace, call hydro provider to have power safely disconnected. Do not enter flooded areas until power is off.

Seasonal Residents
The Town of Bracebridge continues its recovery efforts following last weekend’s severe freezing rain event. We understand that seasonal property owners may be eager to check on their properties, but we urge caution and consideration for the ongoing challenges the community is facing.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has asked all non-local visitors to avoid travel to the area due to limited resources. If you choose to visit, please be aware that it is at your own risk. Many summer roads remain unmaintained, may be blocked and impassable, and local contractor resources are fully deployed assisting with recovery efforts.

If you do decide to travel, please ensure you are fully self-sufficient. Bring all necessary supplies, including food, fuel, and emergency provisions, as local resources remain limited. Power restoration is ongoing in several areas, and emergency services continue to prioritize response efforts within the community.

Please monitor official Town and utility service provider updates.

Debris Clean Up
The District of Muskoka is waiving tipping fees for chippable wood (tree limbs, branches, shrubs and twigs) up to the limits set in the Schedule “E” of their Waste Management By-law.

Open Air Burning
The Muskoka-wide fire danger rating system is in effect. Daytime burning and slash pile burning is not permitted. Recreational open-air fires are permitted after 6 p.m. If you are having a fire,

Residents are asked not to burn tree debris due to the amount that is present. Please do not store piles of tree debris along the road allowance and keep it away from any clean up and restoration efforts.

District of Muskoka Ice Storm Assistance
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• 705-645-2100 Ext. 4500
• icestorm@muskoka.on.ca

The Emergency Response Team is available to help with urgent needs related to health, safety, and access to essential services. When leaving a message please include your name, contact number and type of assistance required. Calls will not be answered on the weekend, but messages will be monitored and triaged.

Requests will be prioritized based on urgency; basic needs will be addressed first. This includes:

Learn more at www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.

Water Testing
If you rely on a private well or other non-municipal water source, your water quality may change over time, especially during power outages or extreme weather. Residents with private water systems are encouraged to disinfect, flush and test their water before consumption.

A limited quantity of water testing kits are available at the Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court, or Fire Station 1, 225 Taylor Road for pickup. Samples must be delivered to the SMDHU Gravenhurst Office, 5 Pineridge Gate, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Health and Safety
During and after a power outage it is important to consider the safety of your food and water to protect against any food or waterborne illnesses. For more information on food safety during a power outage, visit Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.  Water testing kits are now available for pick up at the Municipal Office or Fire Station 1 during regular office hours.

Flood Warning Remains in Effect

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has extended the Flood Warning until Friday, April 11. This applies to all watersheds in Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound, including the Muskoka River Watershed and Black River.

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About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country.  With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.




MEDIA CONTACT

Town of Bracebridge

media@bracebridge.ca