Jeff Lehman, District Chair, says with the highway re-opening, it means supplies and equipment can get here easier, people can get to work, and businesses can start shipping and receiving products.
“It’s still closed southbound currently (8:00 p.m.),” says Lehman. “But hopefully [that will be] opening very soon. Now, it’s about digging out and reaching every corner of Muskoka with snow clearing equipment and helping power crews access where they need to.”
Lehman says with extended outages, they’re checking in on vulnerable residents and he’s urging everyone to do the same.
“Check on your neighbours, and contact the Town, District or 911 if they need help,” says Lehman. “Roads got better today, but still lots of work to do. Same with power. Crews are hard at work and we’ve received lots of help from neighbouring regions. We will get through this.”
According to power outage maps, power has returned to many in the area, though thousands still remain without it.
Just like the highway, progress is being made when it comes to clearing some of the snow in South Muskoka. That includes in Gravenhurst, where a State of Emergency was declared on Sunday.
The Town of Gravenhurst says snowplow crews and contractors continue to clear roads though it is limited and slow due to fallen trees and power lines, abandoned vehicles and more.
Officials are also asking people from outside the area not make their way to Gravenhurst, “that includes individuals wanting to check cottage properties. Additional vehicle traffic in the community is a hindrance to cleanup”.
Officials say the Centennial Centre is now also open for those needing a place to seek shelter, however you’re being asked to not make your way there unless it is necessary.
“We are trying to avoid situations where people leave their home, get stuck en route to the centre, and then require assistance,” adds the Town.
The centre is at 101 Centennial Dr. The following amenities are available at the site:
- beds
- food
- water
- showers
The reception centre is open 24 hours a day and staffed.
Across most of South Muskoka, schools will open tomorrow, though busses are not running.
