Brush and Debris

The County of Simcoe provides brush and debris disposal through curbside brush collection or at waste drop-off sites.

All brush and debris cleanup on private property is the homeowner's responsibility. The Township of Ramara is working on cleanup efforts at township-owned parks, trails, graveyards, green spaces, and roads.

Financial Support for Residents

Residents who were affected by the ice storm are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers. Insurance policies may cover damage from tree limbs falling on a home or business premises, associated debris removal and disposal, and loss of freezer food due to a prolonged power outage.

The Province of Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program has not been activated for the ice storm at this time. The DRAO program is not intended to replace insurance and does not cover all costs (e.g. insurance deductibles are not eligible).

Residents in extreme financial hardship due to storm impacts may be able to access emergency assistance through Ontario’s social assistance programs. An online application form is available on the Province’s website under “Apply for Emergency Assistance” at https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance.

Food Access

• The Sharing Place is resuming regular Food Bank hours. Community members, including Ramara residents, in need of an emergency food order may come to 95 Dufferin St. between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. with ID to receive a six-day supply of food.

Please note that the Sharing Place is closed on the weekends. 

• Ramara residents can contact 211 to be connected with emergency food access.
• 211, a three-digit helpline answered by Community Navigators, is available to help residents access information about local resources every day and during times of emergency.

Visit 211

Food Waste and Waste Collection

What do I do with my spoiled food?

Waste Drop-Off Station

• Residents can bring spoiled food that is placed into an organic or compostable bag (small or large).
• Remove all food packaging before placing the spoiled food into an organic or compostable bag.  

The Mara Waste Drop-off site, located at 5200 Country Road 169, is open Thursday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Waste Collection

• Residents with spoiled food can dispose of it in their green carts.

• Remove all food packaging before placing spoiled food in the green cart.

What can I put in my organics

Waste Collection information 

Insurance and Property Damage Reminder

Residents are reminded that private property damage resulting from the ice storm event must be addressed through their own insurance provider. If you’ve experienced damage due to the recent weather events, please contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Insurers will typically assign qualified professionals to assess and carry out necessary repairs.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to mitigate further damage where safe to do so. Prompt action is especially important to prevent mould growth, which can pose serious health risks and lead to additional property damage.

There have been questions circulating in the community regarding insurance deductibles. To clarify: the Township is not responsible for paying insurance deductibles for individual property claims.

If you believe you may have a claim against the Township, you must submit your request in writing to the Township Clerk. The matter will be reviewed to determine the appropriate next steps.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage residents to prioritize health and safety when assessing or addressing property damage.

Park and Trail Closures

As a result of the March 30 ice storm, many parks, beaches, and trailheads across the Township of Ramara remain closed for public safety while crews assess damage and complete cleanup.

• Bayshore Drive Park (128 Bayshore Dr. and 166 Bayshore Dr.)
• Kurtis Drive Park (4682 Kurtis Dr.)
• Thicketwood Place Park (44 Thicketwood Place)
• Lovely Day Park (3 Winchester St.)
• Val Harbour Park (3758 Harry's Lane)
• Bluebird Park (6314 Bluebird St.)
• Lagoon City Park (116 Lake Ave.; both sides of the road)
• 1418 Florida Ave. – Closed to water
• 3744 Glenrest Dr., 3784 Glenrest Dr.
• Southeast corner intersection of Ramara Rd. 47 and Ramara Rd. 47
• 3 Laguna Parkway

• Brechin Community Centre Park (3227 Ramara Rd. 47)
• Ball diamond and picnic area: ✅ Open
• Dog park and swing set area: ❌ Closed

• Point of Mara Beach (2336 Lakeshore Dr., 2384 Lakeshore Dr.)
• Brechin Beach (2464 Lakeshore Dr., 2648 Lakeshore Dr.; both sides of the road)
• Lagoon City Park Beach (116 Lake Ave.)
• “The Steps” Beach Area (Ridge Avenue)
• West End Amilia Drive Beach Area
• Longford Boat Launch

• North Beach
• South Beach and walkways
• Footbridges and pathways (north and south)

• Atherley Trailhead (Queen St.)
• Lagoon City Trailhead
• Note: Trans Canada Trail sections are being cleared. Trailheads will be closed as contractor work progresses.

• 2958 Suntrac Dr., South Ramara – Open space
• 2961 Suntrac Dr., South Ramara – Open space and boat launch
• Brechin Community Centre Park – Ball diamond and picnic area only
• Ramara Centre Fields (5482 Highway 12)
• Ramara/TransCanada Trail System from Atherley Road to Washago

Wellness Checks and Mental Health

• Residents are encouraged to call or text 211 for non-emergency inquiries related to shelter, food access, volunteer opportunities, and other community services. 211 service is available 24/7 and interpretation is available in 150+ languages.
• 211 is available 24/7 and connects callers with trained professionals who can guide them to the appropriate local supports.

Visit 211

Water Access

Residents can access potable water in the following locations:

• Outdoor water tap located at Fire Hall #1 (3290 Ramara Road 47) in Brechin near the Canine Shelter.

Water Conservation

The municipal water systems are operational but under pressure. Water users are asked to not use water unless absolutely necessary, including flushing, laundry, and dishwashing, to prevent backups and limit water usage to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. 

Brechin and Lagoon City Residents

On April 2, 2025, the Township issued a water conservation notice due to elevated turbidity levels in the raw water (lake water before treatment) Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential water use during this period. By limiting water usage, residents will help maintain sufficient water storage and system pressure.

If turbidity levels continue to rise, a Boil Water Advisory may be issued. There is also a possibility of reduced water pressure or water supply interruptions until turbidity levels decrease and normal plant operations resume. Residents are advised to ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water and other necessities during this time.

Protect our Wastewater System

Residents are reminded that sump pumps, downspouts, and building drains must not be connected to the municipal wastewater system. These illegal connections can:

• Overwhelm wastewater treatment systems, leading to environmental discharge.
• Cause sewage backups in homes.
• Lead to fines and other penalties.

What to Do:

• Check your property to ensure sump pumps and downspouts are not discharging into sanitary sewers.
• Redirect any improper connections to a safe area (e.g. lawn or rain garden).
• Contact the Township for support or questions.

Help protect your home and the community — Make the Right Connection.

Road Closures

Power Restoration Information

Power Restoration Safety

As power is restored across Ramara, residents are reminded to take extra precautions to stay safe:

• Ensure stoves, ovens, and other heat-producing appliances were turned off during the outage.
• Reset any tripped breakers and check surge protectors before plugging devices back in.
• If electronics were left plugged in, inspect them for damage before use. Power surges during restoration can harm electronics.
• Turn appliances back on gradually to avoid overwhelming your electrical system. Do not run multiple high-power devices at once.
• Power outages can drain backup batteries. Press the test button on each alarm to make sure they’re functioning properly.
• A full freezer can keep food cold for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full). Refrigerated food is only safe for about four hours without power. When in doubt, throw it out.
• After outages and storms, debris can block vents. Clear them before restarting your furnace or dryer to avoid fire or carbon monoxide risks.
• If using a fireplace or woodstove during the outage, ensure chimneys or flues are properly vented and cool before switching back to electric heating.

Hydro Restoration — Damaged Utility Information

Damage to your home's electrical system may have to be fixed before Hydro One can reconnect power. If your electrical mast is pulled away from the wall, broken, or detached, please ensure you contact an ESA-licensed Electrician. Visit the ESA website for more information on this process.

Property Cleanup Hazards

Safe Portable Generator Use

• Never use a portable generator indoors. They produce fatal carbon monoxide fumes. Set them up outside away from windows, doors or vents to your or your neighbours’ house.  
• A generator should be 3 to 4 feet clear of anything combustible such as structures, deck, porches, or waste bins to prevent fire.

• If you're purchasing a portable generator, always look for a Canadian certification mark from an approved certification agency. 

• Don't attach a portable generator directly to your home's electricity system. It could cause power to flow back into the power grid and electrocute you or a utility worker, or damage the system. 

Power Outage Safety Tips

Residents are encouraged to follow these safety precautions during power outages:  

• Stay warm using blankets and layered clothing  

• Never use generators indoors or near open doors or windows due to carbon monoxide risk  

• Do not use barbecues, gas stoves, or camp stoves inside  

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food  

• Use battery-powered lights instead of candles  

• Unplug electric vehicles to prevent power surges and protect the vehicle 

Additional Safety Reminders

•  Stay at least 10 metres away from downed hydro lines and report them to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. 
• Do not attempt to clear tree limbs that are leaning on or caught in powerlines – report them to your local utility. 

• Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire.  

• Never use barbecues, propane heaters, or generators indoors – carbon monoxide can be fatal.  

• Keep sump pumps operating and drains clear to help prevent flooding from melting ice.