April 1, 2025

WINTER WITHOUT END…FINISHES WITH ICE STORM LEAVING THOUSANDS POWERLESS TO COPE

MUSKOKA — In like a lion — out like a lion.

Four months to the day of the worst storm in decades, an ice skated across south Muskoka leaving in its wake strewn trees and thousands powerless to cope.

But there is another warning about freezing rain possibly Wednesday.

However, surprisingly the forecast is 15 degrees on Thursday.

**John Pelatto’s car, on Bay Street in Gravenhurst, was among dozens of vehicles covered by downed trees. Photos Mark Clairmont**

What began Friday night as “warning” surprised everyone at its extent from Bracebridge to Barrie.

Saturday dawned in the dark with ice-Krispies and the aftermath of snap, crackle and pops.

Mother Nature’s last winter gasp was another whopper. Just when everyone hoped spring had arrived — a week later those hopes were washed away.

Ice-covered trees glistened in temporary rays of sun the first morning after.

But it got worse the next night.

**A huge tree trunk that blocked Greavette Street in Gravenhurst was dragged up to the Brown Street intersection to allow access to the street.**

Though no snow, it was wet and wild. Every street in every neighbourhood was affected limb to limb.

“It’s lucky there was no wind,” said a north-end Gravenhurst homeowner.

“Worst winter I’ve seen,” said Mike Barnes as neighbours pitched in to help him clear downed trees front and back of place on Sarah Street.

It can’t be happening again, moaned most. How can it be?

“It will pass,” said an optimistic helper wielding a chainsaw like an all-season pro.

Emergency states were declared across the district west to east and north to south in Simcoe County.

**Streets across Muskoka were strewn with broken branches and fallen forestry knocking down power lines.**

As the storm intensified from Friday to Monday and finally today when temperatures rose and the sun returned, it was hard not to recall Nov. 30-Dec. when this all began.

Conditions still varied today as chain saws were back at work.

While some communities are recovering, others remain significantly impacted.

Caution warnings remain for residents and visitors who are urged to be cautious, stay safe, travel according to conditions in your area, and allow crews the space to work.

**Dave Hill and Luke Thompson survey a once beautiful birch tree split in half in front of their houses.**

With the widespread hydro outages businesses were closed and only essential services working overtime.

A run on generators led to a scramble for gas at only a handful of gas stations open — and quickly closed when they ran out.

Word that the Sarjeant fuel depot on Winhara Road, between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge, led to a line-up of about a kilometre, before they pumps finally ran dry before 3 p.m. Sunday.

Power was back on at most pumps Monday where more long lineups continued with many filling up red jerry cans. Price no option.

And what seemed like a cruel irony on April Fool’s Day today the prices plummeted with the end of the federal carbon tax.

**Hydro workers, some brought in from as far away as Sudbury, were busy clearing roads from downed trees as they struggled to cope with the weight of the emergency that left thousands powerless.**

Many were also left incommunicado.

John Pelatto’s car was covered by a down tree and his phone, ipad ran out of power and he couldn’t take photos for insurance purposes.

Amazingly the Toronto paper arrived landing the Saturday Star in driveways.

Schools were also closed Monday and Tuesday and now Wednesday.

**Mike Barnes calls the worst winter he’s seen. He got help from neighbours who pitched him like Barb, above and below.**

Affected areas:

Areas that have been most impacted by the storm include Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Muskoka Lakes, Town of Gravenhurst and Town of Bracebridge, where some residents continue to experience extended power restoration times, instability in phone and cell networks, and limited access to some rural roads.

Several roads remain closed or partially blocked, impacting curb side collection and transit operations. Some programming for children and seniors will remain closed Tuesday, but District administration offices, the Provincial Offences Act (POA) court building, and Community Services Hubs will reopen Tuesday.

**Back roads like Winhara and rural area of Muskoka were equally struck with the incredible power of the storm.**

**Put a stop to this winter, these poignant signs indicate even if the drooping trees do n-ice.**

Help available…

For the latest District of Muskoka program and service updates and helpful resources, visit:

www.muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm

**A long wait for many Sunday ended in disappointment when the 24/7 pumps went dry with the run on gas.**

A kilometre-long line-up stretched along Winhara Road south of Sargeant’s.

Helpful Resources:

Hydro Outages: Check your hydro provider’s outage map

Road Closures: www.municipal511.ca (municipal) or www.ontario511.ca (provincial)

Water Level Information: Muskoka GeoHub: map.muskoka.on.ca

Weather Alerts: www.weather.gc.ca

Voyent Alert: Register for Voyent Alert at www.muskoka.on.ca/en/health-and-emergency-services/alertmuskoka.aspx

**Everywhere you looked you couldn’t miss the damage done to vehicles and property alike on main streets, off in neighbourhoods and in rural communities all across Muskoka.**

Getting around was tricky if not treacherous as roads were ice-covered and covered in who knows what for drivers daring to navigate them. And of course there were rubber-neckers exploring with their phones cocked out window against the advice of police.