Immediate Release

Township of Ramara terminates emergency declaration

Ramara, ON - April 10, 2025 – Effective April 10, 2025, the Township of Ramara has officially terminated the State of Emergency due to stabilized conditions following the widespread impact of the ice storm.

The Township  remains in a Significant Weather Event until debris and brush are removed from roadways and sidewalks. The declaration of a significant weather event does not indicate a reduced level of service or a road closure. The declaration notifies the public that due to the widespread impact of the ice storm, caution must be observed when travelling on Ramara Township roads, and it may take longer than usual to restore the roads to their original condition.

"We want to thank our amazing residents for all the support you provided during this unprecedented event," says Mayor Basil Clarke. "At our municipal warming centres, we welcomed approximately 169 visitors who found warmth, charged their devices, and enjoyed light refreshments. A special thank you goes to Brechin Foodland for its generous food donations to our warming centres. We are also thankful to the City of Orillia for its efforts in establishing a Relief Centre that offered our residents overnight accommodation, showers, support services, and more. Lastly, we are greatly appreciative to the organizations and service clubs that stepped up to assist our community, especially the Brechin Mara Legion, which opened its doors to provide a safe and cozy place to warm up, charge devices, and share a delicious meal. As we enter the recovery phase and begin our long-term cleanup, let’s keep that spirit of support and kindness alive throughout our community. We are all in this together, and together, we are strong."

A state of emergency was declared on March 31, 2025, due to widespread power outages, intermittent communication issues, and downed trees and power lines throughout the Township. This declaration activated the Township of Ramara's Emergency Response protocols, enabling rapid decision-making and coordination of support through the Emergency Operations Centre.

The Township is now focusing on recovery and long-term cleanup, as power has been restored to most of the area and infrastructure services are stable.

Township Services Update

• All Township facilities are back to regular operating hours. All programming has resumed at the Ramara Centre, with news on camp registration to come early next week. 
• A water conservation notice remains in effect for those on municipal water in the areas of Brechin and Lagoon City due to elevated turbidity levels in the raw water (lake water before treatment). The municipal water systems are operational but under pressure with the recent ice storm event and precipitation. Residents are asked to conserve water and avoid non-essential use during this period.

• All parks and trails remain closed while assessments and cleanup are ongoing. Most green space parks remain closed, with a few that remain accessible to the public.  Residents are asked to avoid closed parks and trails and follow all posted signage and barriers. The full list of park closures will continue to be updated on the Township’s website at www.ramara.ca/IceStorm as sites are reopened.
• Wastewater services are stable. Residents are reminded to discharge sump pump water safely and avoid overburdening the wastewater systems.

• In response to flooding, the Township of Ramara is providing sand and sandbags at seven designated self-serve locations. More information about the initiative can be found on our website at www.ramara.ca/flooding.

Brush and Debris Cleanup

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.

Curbside Brush Collection

The County of Simcoe will continue regular brush collection services weekly following the waste collection schedule. As the trucks can only collect branches and limbs up to 2 m long and 10 cm in diameter, the yard and waste crews ask residents to do the following:

• Please sort your debris into larger and smaller brush piles.
• For the smaller brush piles, please ensure they are manageable so one person can clear them.
• Bundling of brush is not required, but it is preferred, as it will help the County get to the communities faster.

Leaf and Yard Waste crews will collect what they can when servicing your property, and crews will return later for larger branches and limbs.

Please follow these guidelines for brush piles that will be picked up later:

• Place the brush and branches in front of or on the side of your property, away from any roadway.
• Do not block roads, storm drains, fire hydrants, or hydro infrastructure.
• Do not place tree brush and branches on public property, including trails, parks, or roads.

County of Simcoe Waste Drop-Off

As this is the fastest way for residents to remove debris from their property, especially large brush, the County of Simcoe is extending free brush drop-off until the end of May 2025, with timing revisited as required.

The free waste drop-off applies to all residents, businesses and municipalities in the County. Private debris contractors will not be charged unless the material is clearly unrelated to the storm. Root balls will have a charge applied, as they require additional processing.

For Ramara residents, the Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open Thursdays to Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It also has extended hours for brush only drop off. A full list of County waste drop-off facilities, including details on expanded operating days and temporary brush drop-off sites, is available at simcoe.ca/waste.

For more information on other waste drop-off locations and brush and debris collection, visit simcoe.ca/IceStorm.

Do not begin cleanup until it is safe to do so. Hazards include:

• Downed wires, sharp debris, and unstable branches pose serious safety risks.
• Increased ER visits have been reported due to cleanup injuries.
• Hire professionals, when possible, especially for seniors or those without proper equipment.
• Never attempt to remove limbs caught in or near power lines — report them to your local utility.

Food Waste Disposal

• The County of Simcoe is maintaining its regular waste collection schedule.
• Residents can dispose of their food either through regular waste collection or by bringing it to waste drop-off locations.
• For regular waste collection, all organic and food waste should be disposed of in your organic green cart.
• To drop off food waste at the waste drop-off locations, the Mara Waste Drop-off, located at 5200 County Rd. 169, is open from Thursday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Some sites may experience power outages and may only accept cash payments, charging by volume instead of weight.
• To drop off food waste, residents can bring spoiled food that is placed into an organic or compostable bag (small or large) free of charge. Please remove all food packaging before placing the spoiled food into the organic or compostable bag.  
• For more information, visit https://simcoe.ca/waste or download the Simcoe County Collects app.

Supports remain available:

• Wellness Checks: If you or someone you know needs extra support, please call 211 to request a wellness check.
• Warmth and Charging: The Township Administration Centre and Ramara Centre remain open as charging stations, and residents are welcome to visit these locations during regular hours to warm up.
• Food Services: Residents who require help with food access can contact the Sharing Place Food Centre at 705-327-4273 or visit sharingplaceorillia.org for more information. 

The Township will continue to inform residents through its dedicated Ice Storm Response webpage, which includes information and resources. View the website at www.ramara.ca/IceStorm/.

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Media Contract

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Township of Ramara

705-484-5374 ext.322