Gravenhurst still digging out after storm, Hwy 11 starting to reopen

Gravenhurst, Ont. is currently facing significant challenges in snow-clearing efforts due to downed hydro lines, trees, and abandoned vehicles following intense snow squalls that hit parts of Ontario over the weekend. The town officials have been working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the storm, with over 50 fallen trees cleared from roadways since Saturday.

According to a recent update on Gravenhurst’s website, the removal of fallen trees is a slow process as resources need to be mobilized to each location. In addition to trees, downed hydro lines have also been a major hurdle in the snow removal process. Although the exact number of fallen hydro lines is unknown, there have been numerous instances where they have obstructed roads, requiring utility workers to remove them before snow removal can proceed.

Gravenhurst, located in Muskoka, received approximately 140 centimeters of snow over the weekend, prompting the town to declare a state of emergency early Sunday. Mayor Heidi Lorenz expressed astonishment at the rapid accumulation of snow, stating that she had never witnessed such conditions in her 27 years in the town.

Highway closures have further compounded the situation, with nearly 100 kilometers of Highway 11 rendered impassable. However, progress is being made, with northbound lanes now open and southbound lanes expected to reopen soon. The closure of such a significant stretch of highway is unprecedented, according to Mayor Lorenz.

In response to the crisis, neighboring municipalities have offered assistance in clearing the snow. Resources from Peel and Simcoe are already on-site, with additional support from Vaughan expected to arrive shortly. The primary focus is to reopen roads to at least one lane to facilitate travel.

Despite the challenges, the community spirit in Gravenhurst remains strong, with residents coming together to support one another. Mayor Lorenz praised the town’s resilience, referring to it as “the little town that could.” She highlighted the kindness and generosity of residents who have been checking on their neighbors and offering assistance.

Power outages remain a concern in the region, with the main Hydro One line still without power. Utility workers are working diligently to address downed lines throughout the community, despite the obstacles posed by snow-covered roads and debris. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with workers and contractors pushing beyond their usual hours to restore normalcy.

The town is collaborating with relief agencies to provide support to residents and urging caution when dealing with snow accumulation. Residents are advised to keep snow away from furnace vents and avoid removing snow from roofs unless absolutely necessary to prevent injuries.

As Gravenhurst continues to recover from the severe snowstorm, attention has shifted to southwestern Ontario, where intense snow squalls are affecting areas such as London, Middlesex, and Oxford County. Environment Canada has issued snow squall warnings, with up to 60 centimeters of snow expected in some regions. The Thames Valley District School Board in London has closed five schools due to the inclement weather, underscoring the ongoing impact of the winter storm across the province.