ICE STORM UPDATE - April 3, 2025

ICE STORM UPDATE - April 3, 2025, 11 a.m.

“Trent Lakes staff and emergency services continue to work together with hydro companies and Peterborough County to clear debris and restore power as quickly and efficiently as possible,” says Mayor Terry Lambshead. “Our Fire Services and other Municipal departments are completing wellness checks, and we ask residents to be operating generators safely, and have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. With the extra rain we received last night, our Public Works crew are out to monitor any flooding on roads and ensure sand is available to bag at designated locations. We also want to acknowledge and thank the community members and businesses that continue to support our residents.”

A Significant Weather Event declaration remains in effect for the Municipality of Trent Lakes as cleanup efforts continue.

Here are updates to know as of today…

Warming Centres 

• Cavendish Community Centre is open from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. for warmth and charging devices. Water and washrooms are available.

• The Buckhorn Community Centre will be open from 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. tonight for warmth, charging devices, and a kitchen to cook meals. Water and washrooms are available.

Wellness Checks

• Trent Lakes Fire Services and other Municipal departments are going door to door performing wellness checks to ensure they have food, medication, communication, water, as well as noting life safety hazards and access to property.

•  If you would like a wellness check for a certain individual, please contact the Municipality with their name and address by sending us a private message on social media, or by calling the Municipal office at 705-738-3800 ext. 230.

Power Outage Safety

Residents who are using backup generators and equipment like a gas-powered cooking stove or charcoal grill are asked to follow safe practices to avoid risks from carbon monoxide.

If you're using a generator due to the ice storm power outages, follow these life-saving safety tips:

• NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows/doors – Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly and builds up fast. Always keep generators outside, at least 20 feet from your home.

• Use the right extension cords – Heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords prevent overheating and fire hazards.

• Let it cool before refueling – Adding fuel while the generator is hot can cause a fire.

• Check vents and exhaust – Ensure snow and ice aren’t blocking airflow.

• Test your CO alarms – A working carbon monoxide alarm can save lives!

• If you or someone in your home feels dizzy, nauseous, or confused, get outside immediately and call 911.

Peterborough Public Health has provided the following tips for food safety:

Keep your fridge and freezers closed for as long as possible. Throw out any food items that appear to be discolored or do not smell normal. Some foods that are unsafe may not show any signs of spoilage. Hazardous foods such as dairy or meat products should be discarded to prevent food borne illness. If possible, transfer hazardous foods to a cooler with ice to prevent spoilage. Make sure to replace ice frequently to keep food cold.

Municipal Office 

• The Municipal Office is currently open and has resumed its regular hours.

• Please note that there are currently internet connectivity issues at the Municipal office.

• Phone lines are now working.

Brush Disposal 

In addition to the transfer stations, the following locations are now accepting brush disposal:

• New 49 Public Works Depot, 110 County Rd 49, Trent Lakes, K0M 1A0

• County of Peterborough Public Works Yard, 2467 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON K0L 1J0.

• Dettman’s Park, 419 Galway Road, Trent Lakes

• Cavendish Community Centre, 32 Community Complex Dr, Buckhorn, ON K0L 1J0.

Cleanup Assistance

Team Rubicon Canada is a non-profit organization that unites the skills and experience of military veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Their services are provided free of charge to those in need.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with clean up efforts, please reach out by calling (647) 473-8655 or emailing request_assistance@teamrubicon.ca (PLEASE NOTE: you must indicate in your email that you are located in Peterborough County, provide your full municipal address and complete contact information).

Transfer Stations 

• All transfer stations are operating at regular hours.

• Stations are accepting household garbage, recycling and brush only.

• Please note the stations are unable to accept payments due to no hydro.

• Spoiled food will be accepted at no cost.

All transfer stations are accepting brush of all sizes, however we encourage residents with large quantities of brush or large diameter brush (over 6”) to dispose at one of the alternate collection sites.

• County Public Works Yard – 2467 Peterborough County Road 36

• 49 Roads Depot - 110 Peterborough County Road 49

• Cavendish Community Centre - 8 Community Complex Drive, off of County Road 507

• Dettman Park - 419 Galway Rd., just past the Galway Community Centre

Flooding and Sandbags

Residents may bring their own bags to fill with sand at the following locations:

• Buckhorn Yard Depot, 8 Melody Bay Road, Buckhorn.

• New 49 Public Works Depot, 110 County Rd 49, Trent Lakes.

Road Conditions 

• Emergency operations are taking place before daily operations can resume.

• Public Works are currently monitoring flooded roads due to last night’s rain.

• Please do not report downed trees—crews are already working to clear them as safely and quickly as possible.

Open Air Burning 

• Please note that you require a burn permit to burn within the Municipality of Trent Lakes.

• Please comply with all the rules contained on the permit.

• To obtain a permit you can call 705-738-3800 ext. 230 or at www.trentlakes.ca

• Prior to starting an Open Air Burn you must contact our burn hotline at 705-738-3800 ext. 301.

Hydro Restoration

• Crews are working hard to restore electricity.

• Stay 10 metres away from any downed power lines , even if they do not appear to be live and report them to 911 and Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

• Report outages via text to 92887 (WATTS), the Hydro One app, or outage map. Tools update every 10 mins.

Hydro One has indicated that full power restoration across the County will take several days. Residents should continue to prepare for an extended period without electricity and can check the Hydro One Stormcentre Outage Map for updates.

Contact Information

• Call 9-1-1 for immediate danger to life or property.

• Non Emergency Police: 1 888 310-1122.

• Non Emergency Fire: 705-738-3800 ext. 230 during office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Property damage: Contact your insurance company

• Municipal website: www.trentlakes.ca 

• Municipal social media: Facebook @TrentLakesOnt and Instagram @trentlakessocial 

• Municipal Alerts: https://www.trentlakes.ca/news. Sign up: https://www.trentlakes.ca/subscribe/ 

• Radio: Bounce 91.9 FM, Country 105.1 FM, Fresh Radio 100.5.

Libraries 

• Buckhorn branch will be opening April 4 with regular hours. There is no internet, fax, or phone service, however everyone is welcome to come get warm, socialize and charge devices. Visitors are able to check out items.

• Programs will not be running until further notice.

• Late fees are waived until further notice.

• Cavendish branch remains closed until further notice.

Stay safe, look out for your neighbours, and follow our website for continued updates.

www.trentlakes.ca