Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

04/02/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2025 14:20

Ontario Taking Action to Help Communities Impacted by the Ice Storm

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TORONTO - Following the recent ice storm, the Ontario government continues to provide support to impacted communities across Ontario. Emergency management personnel and Ontario Corps partners are working in areas hardest hit by the storm, including where critical infrastructure is most impacted. Teams are cleaning up debris, conducting wellness checks on residents, delivering food and water, and setting up warming stations.

"When emergencies happen, getting boots on the ground quickly can make all the difference to ensure life-saving actions are taken," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "I would like to recognize the incredible efforts of our emergency response personnel, Ontario Corps volunteers, hydro workers and first responders who answered the call to support their communities in times of need. Thanks to these efforts, we are on the road to recovery."

The province's top priority is the safety of Ontario residents and getting critical infrastructure like electricity back up and running.

To date:

  • Over 2,000 wellness checks of vulnerable population in person and by phone have been conducted
  • Over 100 personal hygiene kits have been distributed
  • Over 500 meals and food hampers have been delivered in communities
  • Over 1,500 people have accessed municipal evacuation sites
  • Over 600 volunteer hours have been contributed

Communities in need of provincial assistance during an emergency should contact the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response by way of the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. Staff are available 24/7 and will act quickly to assess the situation and determine the best support to provide to the community-Ontario Corps partners, equipment, regional field services staff and/or more.

As parts of the province brace for more freezing rain, the public is reminded to:

  • Prepare an emergency preparedness kitfor your household with enough non-perishable food, water and essentials to stay self-sufficient for up to 3 days
  • Be safe around downed power lines and stay at least 10 meters away
  • Visit ontario.ca/511 to stay informed on local traffic and road conditions

Quick Facts

  • Ontario Corps partners include Team Rubicon, GlobalMedic, the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Mennonite Disaster Service, Feed Ontario and the Salvation Army.
  • Ontario Corpsis a group of skilled professionals and volunteers that the province can deploy to help communities respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, while promoting civic engagement and community participation.

Related Topics

Law and Safety

Ontario's laws and related information about our legal system, emergency services, the Ontario Provincial Police and victim services. Learn more