GRAVENHURST — If you’re still not out — or you haven’t got power, food, heat or hope — here’s a quick peek at what’s been going on since last Thursday.
Join me as I take a snapshot or two of what’s been going on that last 168 hours.
It’s been “bad.” It’s been “kind.” It’s been a roller coaster.
Whatever you call it, no longer is the prospect of 30 cms of snow going to taken so lightly.
Not after five times that amount. And news that the local YIG in Gravenhurst was telling customers and staff to leave for fear of a roof collapse yesterday.
We’re winter weary, worn and ready to take on the next four months till spring with the vibrancy and vitality of a veteran of the Winter Storm of 2024.
I survived it. Is there a T-shirt out for this yet?
Dear Santa: I can’t wait for Christmas — but I’ve already got a shovel. So forget that.
Gravenhurst was the talk of the town – province and country – as we were a lead item on Weather Channel this week, prompting calls and emails across the country. Photos Mark ClairmontThis Travelling Milburys sign brought a smile to my face as the town urged people to stay home and stay safe. Check Opera House to see if it will be open for Friday night’s concert.Good thing there’s a postal strike. You can’t get in to your mailbox to pick up Christmas cards, letters, flyers and bills. Online anyone?How are you enjoying winter so far? And it’s only the first week. Three more months at least of practice shovelling to go. Should be an expert by spring – or dead.This dedicated runner used snowshoes to traverse sidewalks and roads this week. Good on him.Not everyone minded the snow once they got out. This woman said it wasn’t too bad, even if couriers were complaining: “Not bad, not good.”Even dogs need to walk. Hard to keep a good pug down – with the help of a winter coat.Huge snow blowers are criss-crossing the town unblocking streets and making them more passable. The town says 90 per cent or roads are open as of Thursday.Crews of plows public and private have been doing yeo person’s work 24/7 and trying find places to dump all the snow. Remember snow dumps downtown in the ’60s ad ’70s?Luckily York Region and other counties and communities responded to the town and province’s call for help – and for free to the municipality but not the Ontario taxpayer.Paramedics, police, firefighters and Muskoka Victim Services were all hands on deck this week including at the warming centre in Gravenhurst.Salvation Army worker Brody Fisher came up from Burlington to help local core officer Lt. Brandon Keeping.They have a new support truck that has yet to be – but will be locally – seen and used soon on Muskoka outreach streets.The inside of the 2022 vehicle is spanking new with grills, warming trays and fridges to serve the community.There’s even a shrink-wrapped sandwich table waiting for donations.Stop the snow! In the meantime workers are hard at it cleaning up the mess. Good on them and good luck to everyone.
