ICE STORM UPDATE - April 5, 2025

ICE STORM UPDATE - April 5, 2025

“Hydro crews from many jurisdictions have now arrived in Trent Lakes and across the County,” says Mayor Terry Lambshead. “Please ensure you keep a safe distance as they work hard to bring power restoration back to your homes.”

A Significant Weather Event declaration remains in effect for the Municipality of Trent Lakes as the water levels continue to rise with more rain expected this weekend.

Here are updates to know as of today…

High Water Flows in Local Waterways

With the recent wet weather and snow melt, local waterways are experiencing extremely high water flows. 

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels and flows, and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the waterway.

Otonabee Conservation has issued a flood warning for the Otonabee Conservation jurisdiction.

Flooding and Sandbags

Flooding is happening across our area. Please stay alert to flooding conditions for your roadway, and prepare your property by gathering sandbags. Bags are available to be filled at:

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

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

Wellness Checks

The majority of properties have been visited for wellness checks and will continue today by Trent Lakes Fire Services and other Municipal departments. We are going door to door to ensure residents 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.

Warming Centres 

The following warming centres continue to be available for residents throughout the weekend:

Cavendish Community Centre - Water, washrooms, and hydro available.
• April 5 and 6,  9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Buckhorn Community Centre - Water, washrooms, kitchen appliances, and hydro available.

• April 5 and 6, from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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.

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

We understand this is a stressful time for many in our community. In the wake of the recent weather event, Team Rubicon Canada (TRC) is on the ground and ready to assist.

TRC 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 your property has been impacted by downed trees or storm debris, their trained volunteers will conduct a damage assessment and evaluate the debris caused by the storm. Based on your individual situation, teams will respond accordingly—getting to work on debris management and removal at no cost to you.

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. With large quantities of brush or large diameter brush (over 6”), we encourage residents to dispose at one of the alternate collection sites listed in the Brush Disposal section.

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

• Spoiled food will be accepted at no cost.

Road Conditions 

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

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

• Public Works continues to monitor debris and flooding conditions.

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. There are 4,000 crew members working as safely and quickly to restore power to customers. This includes contractors and 29 utility partners providing Hydro One with mutual assistance.

• 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.

Libraries 

• Buckhorn branch is now open during regular hours. Everyone is welcome to come get warm, socialize and charge devices. Visitors are able to check out items.

• Internet and phones are currently down.

• Programs will not be running until further notice.

• Late fees are waived until further notice.

• Cavendish branch remains closed until further notice.

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.

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

www.trentlakes.ca