DISTRICT HAS CHANGE OF HEART — WILL NOW PICK UP BROKEN DOWN TREE LIMBS AT YOUR HOME FOR 3 WEEKS FROM APRIL 10-MAY 12 IN 3 SELECT TOWNS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — After we first reported yesterday that the District of Muskoka was going to leave devastated home and businesses owners to dispose of ice storm damaged tree parts, they have reversed course and will now do your pick-ups.

However, you may have to re-pile your stacks of branches and limbs to make it easier for drivers.

This after they said you had to take it to haul it to your nearest landfill for free drop-off.

In a release Tuesday, they now say:

“We know many residents have already taken steps to clean up, often with the help of family, friends, and neighbours.”

They say that in the past week alone, more than 1,200 tonnes of brush has been dropped off at district transfer stations free of charge through their waived tipping fee program. “Your efforts have made a real difference in our community-wide recovery.­

“If you’re able to continue managing your yard waste on your own, or with support from your network we kindly ask that you continue to do so. However, we recognize that not everyone has access to that kind of help.”

It’s being done through an extension of the District’s Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program, Storm Yard Waste Curbside Collection and will start on Monday, April 21.

  • And it is in addition to the annual regular Leaf and Yard Waste Collection resumes May 12.

But it is restricted to the three communities most heavily affected by the storm: Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Bracebridge.

The program is available to properties that currently receive curbside leaf and yard waste collection. To check eligibility, residents are encouraged to enter their address in the Muskoka Waste App or on the District’s website.

They say they are “also working with community partners, service clubs, and debris management companies to help connect residents to local supports and resources to assist with cleanup efforts.

Information about how to access these resources will be shared on their website in the coming days and weeks as details are confirmed.

  • Small bundles of branches must by 2×3 feet large and weigh no more than 55 pounds. (See full details below)

For those who are physically or financially unable to manage their storm cleanup, support is available. If you or someone you know needs help with debris clean-up, contact their Storm Assistance Line at 705-645-2100 ext. 4500 and [email protected].

Colleen Lepard has most of her yard cleaned up in Gravenhurst, but still has more to go. She said this afternoon, while walking Mia, that she was happy to learn about the district pickup for the rest. Photos Mark Clairmont

What You Need to Know:

  • Brush and branch collection begins Monday, April 21 and will run for 3 weeks.
  • Set materials at the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday each week.
  • Collection may take several days.
  • Please be patient and leave bundles and containers neatly at the curb, clear of roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure to ensure safety of folks in the community.

Accepted materials:

Pickup crews are unable to collect large or heavy debris from properties.

We understand that many residents have already gathered brush into large piles. Unfortunately, our crews are not able to collect oversized piles. Please help us break them down as follows:

  • Tree branches must be in bundles no longer than 3 feet in length and 2 feet wide, or placed loosely in brown paper yard bags or open top garbage bins/totes (and must weigh under 55 pounds).
  • Leave the leaves! Leaves are not accepted during this program. Regular Leaf and Yard Waste Collection resumes May 12.
  • Residents can continue to bring brush to District Transfer Stations free of charge until April 30.
  • Second home property owners will have another opportunity to dispose of brush at District Transfer Stations for free this summer.

Stay informed: Download the Muskoka Waste app in the App Store or Google Play for updates right to your phone.

More details and FAQ’s about the program are available on our website: www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm

“We’ve seen our community come together time and again, and recovery from this storm is no different. Clean-up will take time and, in many cases, months – not weeks. Thank you to all those who continue to lend a hand, check in on neighbours, and look out for one another as Muskoka moves forward.”

For storm recovery updates and helpful resources, follow MuskokaTODAY.com or the district on social media or visit www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm.

Jackson Fournier, of the Davey tree removal company, was busy today cleaning up more yards in Gravenhurst. If you can’t do your own yard pickup to leave on the street call the district help hotline for assistance for a list of private contractors that may be able to offer some assistance, they say.

EMAIL: [email protected]

30 years of TRUSTED ‘Local Online Journalism’

SINCE MAY 20, 1994

Twitter: @muskokatoday, Facebook: mclairmont1

SUBSCRIBE for $30 by e-transferring to [email protected]

Mail cheque to MuskokaTODAY.com Box 34 Gravenhurst, Ont. P1P 1T5

And include your email address to get stories sent to your inbox