Otonabee Region Watershed Downgrades to Level 1 Low Water Condition

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team has downgraded the Otonabee Conservation watershed to a Level 1 Low Water Condition, following its Level 2 status since August.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Above-average rainfall in September and October has eased the effects of this summer’s hot, dry weather. Otonabee Conservation states they will continue monitoring conditions and may return to normal status if precipitation remains sufficient in the coming weeks.

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team includes representatives from local municipalities, water managers, tourism and agriculture, provincial and federal agencies, First Nations and Otonabee Conservation.

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City of Peterborough Says It Is Prepared For Winter Weather

The City of Peterborough says it is ready for winter weather, with snow-clearing crews on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep roads, sidewalks and trails safe and accessible throughout the season.  

File Photo.

Snow is in the forecast for Sunday, and crews are monitoring radar to respond and maintain safe, accessible roads, sidewalks and trails throughout the community. 

“City crews are dedicated to keeping Peterborough moving safely through all winter weather conditions. Working around the clock, they respond swiftly to changing conditions, ensuring that residents and visitors can travel safely throughout the city,” said Councillor Keith Riel.

The City’s snow-clearing operations maintain: 

• Roads: 978 kilometres are cleared using 16 plow routes. These routes can be augmented with two graders, seven loaders, backhoes and four sanding units. 

• Sidewalks: 450 kilometres are cleared over nine plow routes. 

• Trails and bus stops: 40 km of trails and 650 bus stops are maintained. 

• Parking lots: Winter service is provided for 28 municipal surface parking lots. 

Snow clearing operations follow a priority route system. Roads with the highest traffic volumes, on transit routes or near the hospital are cleared first. Once these main routes are safe and clear, crews move to residential and local streets. 

The time required to complete snow clearing depends on the storm's severity and duration. Prolonged or heavy snowfall may increase the time needed to clear residential streets. 

The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volume and speed limits – the greater the traffic volume and the higher the speed limit, the higher the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.  

As snow accumulates, City crews regularly remove snowbanks in the downtown area. To keep the area clear for this work, ‘No Parking’ signs are posted in advance of snowbank removal. 

Parking rules change during the snowy season to support snow-clearing work. Keeping streets clear overnight enables more efficient snow clearing on City streets.  

During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any city street. The fine is $80 for this violation and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.

Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, including the King Street Parkade, 202 King St. and the Simcoe Parking Garage, 190 Simcoe St. Customers parking overnight at either garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry, which can be used for a free transit trip home. 

From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all city streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The fine for a violation is $35. 

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event when weather conditions pose a significant danger to road users. During such a declaration, the municipality’s roads are deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation, allowing for extended or altered snow‑clearing timelines. 

During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution, as standard winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be maintained. Motorists are encouraged to stay home and travel only if necessary. 

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Peterborough and Some Parts of the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Peterborough, Lakefield and Southern Peterborough County are under a severe thunderstorm watch after favourable conditions have developed for dangerous thunderstorms, according to Environment Canada.

Lightning in Bobcaygeon. Photo by Jay Callaghan.

The thunderstorms could appear early this afternoon into the early evening. It may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h, large hail up to four cm and a risk of a tornado.

Environment Canada suggests a cold front moving through the area is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Advise caution as large hail can damage property and cause injury. Powerful wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road.

In case of severe weather, take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches. Environment Canada urges people to stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes, as there is no safe place outside.

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Riverview Park and Zoo Reopened From March Ice Storm

The Riverview Park and Zoo and its playground have reopened following the March 28 to 30 ice storm.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & zoo.

All other park areas, including the disc golf area, riverside trails, train station, shoreline, picnic shelters and gazebo areas, remain closed due to potentially unsafe conditions related to trees, hanging branches and debris from the severe ice storm.

The Zoo is urging visitors to follow closure signage and barricades while visiting the zoo and playground and stay out of areas that are closed.

“I am incredibly proud of our team here and so grateful for the help we received from Peterborough Utilities, Public Works crews, arborists and hydro workers,” said Cathy Mitchell, Zoo CEO manager and curator. “We have all worked extremely hard to get to this point after the worst storm damage in recent history.”

“We are very happy to be able to welcome you back. We’ve missed seeing everyone enjoying the playground and zoo,” said Dawn Pond, Zoo service program manager. “While our gates have been closed, we have received so many lovely messages of encouragement and offers of support from the community and we are so grateful for our incredible visitors.”

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City Conducting Wellness Checks For Vulnerable Residents

The City of Peterborough Social Services division and Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) members are checking in on the City’s most vulnerable residents after last weekend’s ice storm that hit the area.

Photo by Aaron Elliott.

The City is actively tracking the power outage status of community housing providers. Prioritizing seniors, residents with disabilities and vulnerable residents, OSARVA members conduct door-to-door wellness checks and deliver food hampers.

“In times like these, the strength of our community shines through. Volunteers from the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, City staff, and organizations like Kawartha Food Share have stepped up to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are safe, fed, and supported,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Thank you to everyone who has given their time and energy to help those in need. Let’s all take a moment to check in on our neighbors, lend a hand where we can, and continue to care for one another as we recover from this storm.”

Food hampers are coordinated through Kawartha Food Share and Feed Ontario. Around 500 hamper boxes will be distributed within the next few days according to the City.

OSARVA members have also been providing support on warming buses and at the City’s warming centres, volunteering throughout the day and night alongside City social services staff.

Social Services staff have been operating out of the Healthy Planet Arena, providing referrals to residents looking for warmth, food and a space to charge their devices. The team has also been helping young children stay occupied and entertained while they are at warming centres. 

With power outages continuing, the City encourages residents to check in on neighbours and loved ones.

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Team Rubicon Canada Deploys Volunteers To Aid Peterborough In Ice Storm Recovery

Team Rubicon Canada is sending volunteers to Peterborough to assist residents with downed trees and storm debris on their properties that started on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Team Rubicon Canada.

This is not the first time the group has aided Peterborough. Its members came during the City’s derecho storm in May 2022.

“Our community extends a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers with Team Rubicon Canada for helping residents recover from the damage following the severe ice storm,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Many residents may not be physically able to remove downed trees and storm debris on their property, and it could be a financial hardship. It’s a distressing situation. I’m grateful to the volunteers with Team Rubicon for providing a helping hand through this difficult time.”

Team Rubicon Canada issued the following statement:

“We understand this is a stressful time for many in our community. In the wake of the recent weather event, Team Rubicon Canada is on the ground and ready to assist.

We are a non-profit organization that unites the skills and experience of military veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Our services are provided free of charge to those in need.

If your property has been impacted by downed trees or storm debris, we’re here to help. Our trained volunteers will conduct a damage assessment and evaluate the debris caused by the storm. Based on your individual situation, our teams will respond accordingly—getting to work on debris management and removal at no cost to you.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be honoured to serve you.”

To contact Team Rubicon for assistance, please email request_assistance@teamrubicon.ca clearly indicating the location—whether the address is in the City of Peterborough or Peterborough County—or call 647-473-8655.

As part of the storm response, the city has waived tipping fees for residential yard waste and tree debris at the City-County Landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., until April 14.

Regular curbside yard waste collection services began this week.

The City will provide curbside tree debris chipping services for debris that is too large for the regular curbside yard waste collection service once resources are available to divert to that activity. Currently, resources are being directed to the storm response efforts to address hazardous and critical conditions. An update will be provided when the curbside chipping service activity is scheduled.

The City does not maintain trees on private property.

As a result of the ice storm, the City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement until April 14 for residents to remove trees on private property 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.

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Riverview Park and Zoo Remains Closed Due to Weather Damage

The Riverview Park and Zoo remains closed to the public due to damage caused by the weekend ice storm and prolonged power outages.

IN CAPTIVITY, RIVER OTTERS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 25 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF Riverview Park and Zoo.

Its exhibits, parking lot, playground, disc golf area, and park spaces remain closed until further notice. However, the animals and staff are unharmed from the significant weather event.

“We are very happy to report that all our animals and staff are well and there were no injuries due to the storm,” said Cathy Mitchell, zoo manager and curator. “We have approximately 150 animals under our care, we continue to be proud of the Animal Care and Parks teams who, without interruption, continue to provide top-class care to the animals who live here.”

The weekend’s ice storm damaged several trees, with hanging limbs and downed power lines. The closure will remain in effect as staff work to make necessary repairs and ensure the area is safe.

“The tree damage and damage to property, is worse than we saw during the 2022 Derecho storm,” explained Mitchell. “However, I am very proud of our Riverview Park and Zoo team and grateful for the support of the City of Peterborough, Water Distribution team, for being here to help us tackle the mammoth task of clearing the site of fallen trees and hanging tree limbs.   

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City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event Ahead of Weekend Ice Storm

The City of Peterborough has declared a significant weather event, effective immediately, in advance of the ice storm expected this weekend.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is actively monitoring weather forecasts and conditions. Winter abrasives and de-icers are ready to go, and Public Works crews are ready to deploy the City’s 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes to help keep roads, sidewalks and trails clear.

Crews will work throughout the weekend to keep roads clear; however, depending on the storm's severity, ice accumulation may still occur on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region, forecasting a potent spring storm that will begin late Friday and last until Monday.

Significant ice accumulation can result from freezing rain, with general amounts of five to 15 mm and amounts in excess of 20 mm possible. Environment Canada warns that utility outages, slippery surfaces, and broken tree branches from ice build-up are a possibility.

City forestry crews are standing by, ready to clear fallen branches and trees that may become an issue.

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

Due to ice accumulation, there is potential for power outages. Residents should be prepared if an extreme weather event results in a power outage.

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

Emergency Preparedness 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 enough fuel in their vehicles before the storm, as local gas stations may also lose power.

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

Residents can help by clearing debris away from the storm sewer drains near their property if possible.

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.

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Peterborough and Parts of the County Could Face Potent Spring Ice Storm From Friday to Monday

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for a likely potent spring ice storm that will hit Peterborough, Lakefield and parts of southern Peterborough County from late Friday until Monday.

File Photo.

Significant ice accumulation can result from freezing rain, with general amounts of five to 15 mm and amounts in excess of 20 mm possible. Environment Canada warns that utility outages, slippery surfaces, and broken tree branches from ice build-up are a possibility.

A break in the freezing rain is expected for most areas late in the day on Saturday into Saturday night before a second round of freezing rain begins.

Environment Canada believes the likelihood of an increase in a widespread, prolonged freezing rain event is occurring over portions of southern Ontario. The swath of maximum ice accretion is still uncertain but confidence is highest for central and eastern Ontario areas between Parry Sound and Kingston. Environment Canada will issue warnings as the event draws nearer.

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City of Peterborough Warns Forecasted Rain May Cause Localized Flooding

The City of Peterborough is preparing for above-freezing temperatures and rain in the forecast, starting on Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Wednesday.

File Photo.

Monday’s forecast shows up to 30 mm of rain is expected over the two days. With the current snow accumulation, the City expects the rain to present a risk of localized flooding.

Crews continue to work to clear the more than 6,000 storm drains across the city. While crews work throughout the city to clear the storm drains, residents who live near a storm drain are asked to clear the drain of snow and ice if they can safely do so to help reduce the risk of localized flooding and pooling water.

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