Storm Response Updates

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Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025, 3:30 p.m.

Peterborough, ON – Ongoing efforts continue throughout the City of Peterborough in response to the ice storm that hit the region March 30, 2025. The State of Emergency declaration remains in place.

Localized Flooding in Some Areas

The City is experiencing localized flooding due to high water conditions along the Trent-Severn Waterway due to ongoing wet weather conditions and snow melt in the north region of the watershed.

Some residential properties below Lock 19 along the Otonabee river may be affected. Residents should stay well back from creek banks and the Otonabee River shoreline due to high and fast-flowing water.

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels and flows, and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the waterway.

Residents asked to reduce water consumption

With high water levels on all waterways in the region and rain in the forecast, the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility is processing extremely high volumes of water. To help reduce the demands on the sewage treatment system and assist with capacity at the facility, residents are strongly urged to conserve water over the next several days.

The municipal drinking water system has maintained operations throughout the state of emergency with no disruption to service.

Safe disposal of food waste  

Curbside garbage, green bin and yard waste collection will proceed on the regular schedule. 

Proper food waste disposal is essential to prevent contamination and maintain community cleanliness.

Residential Properties

  • Residents should use their green bin to dispose of spoiled food. All packaging must be removed before placing food waste in the bin.
  • Residents may also dispose of spoiled food waste at no charge at the City Landfill/Compost Site, 1260 Bensfort Rd., until April 14. Spoiled food waste should be removed from its packaging before disposal.

Multi-Unit Residential & Commercial Properties

If the building does not have a green bin program, please coordinate with the property owner or building manager to arrange proper disposal.

Tree debris and yard waste 

Curbside removal and chipping of large tree debris will begin in the north end of the City Monday, April 7, 2025. It is expected to take at least six weeks to complete all areas of the City.

When placing tree debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please be mindful of sightlines for safety for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Avoid placing debris close enough to the curb that it may wash into the street during a rain storm.

Tree removal on private property

As a result of the ice storm, the City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement until April 28, 2025 to remove trees on private property only that have been destroyed, destabilized or structurally compromised as a direct result of the ice storm, with the following condition:

  • Residents must send email notification to treebylaw@peterborough.ca providing photos, property address, tree species information including diameter, and provide the physiological and structural condition of the tree preferably prior to removing the tree or as soon as possible after removing a tree.
  • City-owned trees of any size, including street trees and trees in parks and natural areas, are owned and maintained by the City. If you are not the tree owner do not proceed with the injury or removal of any tree.

City parks temporarily closed

Due to the hazardous situation caused by falling trees and tree limbs from ice accumulation, all City parks are officially closed until further notice.

Emergency benefit deadline

Eligible residents in areas still affected by the power outages have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 to apply for an Emergency Benefit of up to $75 to cover storm-related expenses.

This benefit is available to low-income residents, Ontario Works and ODSP recipients. Eligible residents whose power has not been restored yet but who have not applied for the benefit by the deadline may still be eligible for this assistance but will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Those residents are asked to contact the Social Services office at 705-748-8830 or visit the office at 178 Charlotte St. (Charlotte Mews) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Storm response

Residents are asked to not call emergency services about power outages or to ask when power will be restored. Outages can be reported to Hydro One by texting 92887 (WATTS), through the company’s outage map at hydroone.com and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235.

Stay clear of any fallen power lines. Keep at least 10 metres back from any fallen power lines, even if it does not appear to be live, Hydro One states. Report it to 911 and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

For updates on Peterborough Transit service, please monitor @ptbo_transit on X and Peterborough Transit Service Alerts on Facebook for the latest information.

Motorists that come to a power outage at a signalized intersection should treat the intersection as an all-way stop.

The City declared a significant weather event on March 28, 2025 in advance of the ice storm.

The City is actively monitoring the weather forecast and conditions. Public Works crews are deploying City’s 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes to help keep roads, sidewalks and trails clear.

City forestry crews are clearing fallen branches and trees on roads and sidewalks.

To report a downed branch or tree on City property please call Public Works at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Be prepared in an emergency

There is potential for power outages due to ice accumulation. Residents should be prepared in case an extreme weather event results in a power outage.

Having an Emergency Prepardness kit on hand is essential for staying safe.

Emergency Prepardness Kits should include:

  • Battery powered or windup flashlight
  • Battery powered or windup radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Portable external battery charger for cellphones, laptops, etc.
  • Water (Two litres per person per day)
  • Canned or dried food that won’t spoil
  • Manual can opener
  • Extra batteries for your flashlight or radio
  • Cash-if there is an extended power outage many stores may only be able to accept cash as a form of payment
  • Blankets
  • Candles and matches
  • A list of emergency numbers and important contacts

Residents are encouraged to charge devices in advance of a weather event.

Motorists should also ensure there is enough fuel in their vehicles before the storm, as local gas stations may also lose power.

Flooding risk

Residents should ensure downspouts are directing rain away from the foundations of buildings. 

If possible, residents can help by clearing debris away from the storm sewer drains near their property.

Due to the volume of water moving through local waterways, residents are reminded to stay a safe distance from the water’s edge as banks can be slippery and unstable.

Otonabee Conservation has issued a Flood Warning for all watercourses in our region. Residents are advised to monitor conditions and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their property from flooding.