Ice Storm Clean Up Efforts

The Significant Weather Event, declared on Sunday, March 30, 2025, was lifted on Friday, April 25, 2025. 

The Township of Springwater continues to expedite the essential clean up of Township roads following the ice storm. Township operations crews are removing roadside debris from municipal road allowances and remain focused on clearing trees and branches along nearly 442 kilometers of roadways.

The Township has developed an interactive GIS map to provide the public with up-to-date information on municipal clean up operations following the March 30 ice storm. This map allows residents to see exactly where crews have completed debris removal along municipal road allowances and highlights areas where work is ongoing. By making this information accessible online, the Township aims to enhance transparency and keep the community informed throughout the clean up process. To view the ice storm clean up mapping, visit: www.springwater.ca/maps. 

Ice Storm Clean Up Map

The prioritized clearing of certain roadways is based on their strategic importance for public safety, accessibility, and emergency response. Roads serving critical infrastructure, high-traffic routes, and essential services are addressed first to ensure swift and safe travel for emergency services and residents. 

If residents come across any fallen trees on municipally owned pathways in parks or blocked roadways it is recommended to use the Report a Concern feature on our website or contact our Customer Service team at 
705-728-4784. 

While we navigate this extensive clean up process, we are committed to keeping the public informed as timelines evolve through our official communication channels.

Parks and Trails Clean up Efforts

For your safety, please refrain from accessing Township parks and trails, as these areas currently pose significant hazards due to extensive debris and numerous dangerous trees.

Crews are actively working to clear and restore these areas, and it is crucial for the public to avoid them while this work is underway. Your cooperation is essential to ensure both public safety and the completion of ice storm clean up efforts. We thank you for your patience while crews work to restore these spaces to their full usability.

Springwater Open Air Burning Permit Fee Waived

The fee of $21.00 for open air burning permits is waived for the next 60 days, ending on Friday, June 6, 2025. This waiver specifically applies to rural properties within Springwater.

A mandatory site inspection by the Fire Chief or their designate is required prior to the issuance of any permit.

NOTE: this waiver is solely applicable to open air burning permits and does not extend to recreational burn permits, which are excluded due to the smaller size of the fires involved.

Remember, our Fire and Emergency Services need to be ready for emergencies. Here's how you can help them out by being safe:

• Burning is allowed only from sunrise to sunset
• Maintain at least 30 meters from the fire to the nearest structure
• Burn no more than 2 cubic meters of material at a time
• Only dry materials can be burned. Burning petroleum products, plastics, rubber, or materials is prohibited
• A responsible adult must be present with the fire at all times
• Always have proper fire extinguishing tools on hand
• No burning during a fire ban, snow, fog, air quality advisory, or when winds exceed 20 km/h or change frequently
• Fires should be at least 15 meters away from combustible materials

Check the fire danger rating regularly and respect all rules to keep our community safe. To apply for an open air burning permit, visit: www.springwater.ca/fire

County of Simcoe Brush Drop-off 

The County of Simcoe has extended operations at temporary brush drop-off locations until May 3, with possible further extensions based on ongoing needs. Following last month’s ice storm, temporary drop-off sites were established in Coldwater, Midhurst, and Innisfil to help residents dispose of storm debris. Additionally, brush drop-off fees have been waived at all County waste facilities until the end of May. 

Meanwhile, curbside brush collection has been ongoing, prioritizing the hardest-hit communities of Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara. Collection has also begun in Innisfil, Essa, and Springwater, though the large volume of debris will continue to require extended processing time.

Chipper trucks will be processing brush in these affected communities over the coming weeks based on priority needs. Residents must place ALL brush materials at their curbs by May 19. While collection timing will vary, all properly placed materials will eventually be collected.

Residents can utilize this interactive map to see if their home address falls into one of the highly impacted areas currently receiving collection and/or chipper crews. If you are not in one of the highly impacted areas, the County will still be doing a one-time collection of larger storm brush in the near future. More information on this one-time collection for the remaining areas will be shared soon.

For a full list of County waste drop-off facilities, including details on expanded operating days and temporary brush drop-off sites, please visit: simcoe.ca/icestorm or download the Simcoe County Collects App for waste and brush disposal information.