After costly ice storm cleanup, Orillia explores ways to improve winter maintenance
The gates to the Saint. Andrew's - Saint. James' Cemetery in Orillia remain locked nearly a month after a devastating ice storm swept through the region on April 23, 2025. (CTV News/ Rob Cooper)
Just months ago, the City of Orillia approved a half-million dollar investment for tree rescue and replanting, marking the beginning of the city's recovery from the devastating March ice storm.
Now, Orillia is asking how it can improve its winter maintenance.
A working group was established early last month and came up with 19 recommendations for the city to adopt. That includes enhancing communications, expanding its slow plowing fleet, and even driveway clearing support to some residents in Orillia.
On Monday afternoon, CTV News asked Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac what caught his attention. His response focused on the city's Business Impact Analysis (BIA) about the possibility of assuming downtown winter upkeep.
'I'm wondering why they do that. Why doesn't the city just take that over? That's a conversation we have to have with them. I mean, there may be a good reason why they want to do it, but I think the city has all of the equipment and people, stuff in place to do it. So that's probably something we could look at.' He said. 'Roads and sidewalks we're looking at expanding the fleet. Do we need more equipment or not? The problem with the equipment is you have it, and you need it for one or two days a year, and then you don't need it. So we need to look at it very carefully.'
Ice storm damage provincial parks
A destructive ice storm has created significant damage at provincial parks in the Orillia area.
(Source: Ontario Parks)
Council has directed staff to assess the feasibility of these recommendations, with a further report to be included in budget deliberations.
Earlier this month, council approved the $500,000 in funding to plant new trees, remove damaged and fallen trees and tree stumps from public parks hit the hardest by the storm, including Couchiching Beach Park, Centennial Park, and J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park.
The funding was allocated from the City's Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.
But with the city spending more than anticipated to keep up with the challenges of the harsh winter, it remains to be seen what the city can actually adopt.
With files from CTV News Christian D'Avino.
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