Town of Bracebridge storm recovery update

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (April 7, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.) – The Town of Bracebridge continues to recover from the results of the freezing rain event which took place last week and will continue to support those who are affected by ongoing power outages. Public Works crews continue to work with contractors and arborists to clean up debris from the storm. Crews are addressing priority areas where access to power is still an issue and will also begin cleaning up 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 updates, resources and information on staying safe, visit bracebridge.ca/winterstorm.

District of Muskoka’s Ice Storm Assistance
Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For urgent needs related to health, safety, and access to essential services, please access the District of Muskoka’s ice storm assistance line. Requests will be prioritized based on urgency.

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

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.

Daytime burning and slash pile burning is not permitted. Recreational open-air fires are permitted after 6 p.m. 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.

Wellness Checks
There are areas of Bracebridge that are still without power. The Bracebridge Fire Department is continuing targeted wellness checks by request. 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.

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.

Emergency food boxes are available to those still effected 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.

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

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.

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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