UPDATE: OPP says Highway 11 re-opened in both directions

UPDATE: 10:10 p.m. :: The OPP says Highway 11 has re-opened in both directions.

Police say crews have been working tirelessly plowing snow, assisting motorists and responding to emergency calls for service throughout the area, adding reports of vehicle occupants being stranded for hours in their vehicles and residents in their homes without power resulted in challenging times for many people.

Officials say many local residents stepped in to assist stranded motorists by providing food, water and supplies and transportation to local warming centres via snowmobiles and off-road vehicles.

Traffic is now moving throughout the region, although the on- and off-ramps of Luigi Road remain closed at this time due to snow accumulation. All other on- and off-ramps have reopened.

UPDATE: 7:15 p.m. ::  The OPP says southbound lanes are now expected to re-open at around 10:00 p.m. Monday.

Officials say the snow and ice accumulation have pushed back the original anticipated re-opening of 4:00 p.m.

Officials say to avoid the area until crews have made the highway safe.

Update: Highway 11 southbound from Highway 60 in Huntsville is now expected to reopen after 10:00pm tonight, crews are continuing to clear snow and ice for a safe reopening, thank you for your patience.@OPP_CR
^ks pic.twitter.com/WeVgmXjidW

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) December 3, 2024

UPDATE: 12:35 p.m. ::  The OPP says the northbound lanes of HWY 11 between Orillia and Huntsville have re-opened.

Crews are continuing to work on clearing the remaining snow on both the northbound and southbound lanes between West Street in Orillia and Highway 60 in Huntsville.

Officials say except for Luigi Road, all on ramps and off ramps are cleared.

The OPP says officers, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, road maintenance contractors and operators are continuing to clear Highway 11 and prepare for a full reopening, adding southbound lanes are expected to reopen at approximately 4:00 p.m. today.

UPDATE: 10:45 a.m. :: The OPP says the northbound lanes of HWY 11 between Orillia and Huntsville are expected to 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.

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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.”

Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock says because the northern part of Muskoka did not get hit as hard than the southern tip, firefighters were able to be dispatched to go lend a hand.

“[The Huntsville Fire Department] did a stint in Bracebridge, to allow their colleagues to go and support Gravenhurst,” says Alcock. “Those kinds of connections are really important; municipalities rallying around as much as they can to support the greatest need.”

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 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.