UPDATE: 10:45 a.m. : The OPP says the northbound lanes of HWY 11 between Orillia and Huntsville are expected to be reopen around 12:00 p.m., although some exits may still be closed. The southbound lanes from Huntsville to Orillia are expected to reopen later today – with snow clearing efforts continuing.
Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney says it’s anticipated that Highway 11 will re-open at some point today.
Currently, the highway remains closed in both directions between Highway 60 in Huntsville and West Street in Orillia.
Hundreds of vehicles and drivers became stranded on the highway due to snow that began blanketing the area on Friday. The Weather Network reports some areas saw over a metre of snow over the weekend.
Officials say the OPP, the province, as well as road maintenance contractors and operators continue to clear the highway for a full reopening.
“We’re into at least day four of this significant weather event,” says Maloney. “I can tell you that our public works staff, our Bracebridge Fire Department and Muskoka Paramedics have been doing a yeoman’s job getting our roads cleared. I understand that most roads in the town have been cleared at least once, and we’re starting to backtrack over those roads and clean them up. Unfortunately, our sidewalks are not passable. That’s going to take some time to get done.”
Maloney says with speaking with the OPP, he’s anticipating the highway is re-opening today.
“[It’s] going to be critical for getting resources up through the Highway 11 corridor and into Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. I understand that we’re getting some challenges when it comes to fuel and keeping generators going. I myself have been without power for the last four days and using generator power. The sooner we can get Highway 11 open the better to get those needed resources. I understand there’s still about 14,000 residents without power across Muskoka, with the bulk of those in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. […] Ontario Hydro is marshalling all resources to the area, including utility providers from other regions to help support and they’re working. We can’t thank our folks on the ground enough for the work they’ve been doing over the latest couple of days to restore power, keep the roads clear and respond to any safety concerns.”
In Gravenhurst, the state of emergency continues. In the latest updated this morning, officials add abandoned vehicles and downed trees are hampering snow cleanup, adding over 50 trees have been removed from the roads.
Dozens of downed hydro lines are also hampering cleanup efforts, as operators need to wait for hydro utility workers to resolve the situation before continuing with snow removal.
Resources from Peel Region and the County of Simcoe continue to be on scene, and resources from the City of Vaughan are also arriving today, with more being expected. The town says the intent is to get roads open to at least one lane.
Officials add work is also being done with relief agencies to provide support to the community.
They’re reminding everyone to keep snow away from furnace vents – and to only remove snow from your roof unless it’s a critical situation because if you get injured and require medical assistance, they may not be able to get to you.
More from The Town of Gravenhurst below:
General safety reminders:
Don’t leave candles unattended.
Don’t leave cooking areas unattended.
Take breaks if you are shoveling snow.
Things to keep in mind…
The Centennial Centre is open until further notice for people needing a place to seek shelter. However, we ask that people not make their way to the centre unless necessary. We are trying to avoid situations where people leave their home, get stuck en route to the centre, and then require assistance.
Please check on your neighbours to make sure they are OK. We have heard several stories about people caring for each other and these are heartwarming and reflective of our great community. We have a long history of working together in the face of adversity. We will get through this situation.
Recreation programs at the Centennial Centre have ceased until further notice.
The Gravenhurst Public Library is closed until further notice.
If you have general, non-emergency inquires, please e-mail [email protected] or telephone 705-687-3412, 8 (general reception) or ext. 2237.
Town hall is open with a skeleton staff. Please avoid visiting the town hall unless necessary. Connect with staff via e-mail and phone.
Power outages continue and likely will for the next few days. See the Elexicon outage map for details. See Hydro One outage map for details.
Please avoid situations that put your home or shelter location at risk (for example makeshift fires and unattended candles).
If you experience an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
