Communities across Muskoka are still cleaning up after the recent ice storm. Over the past week alone, more than 1,200 tonnes of brush have been dropped off at District Transfer Stations free of charge through the waived tipping fee program. The District Municipality of Muskoka says the efforts have made a real difference in community-wide recovery.
Residents are still being asked to manage their own yard waste if possible. Through an extension of the District’s Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Program, Storm Yard Waste Curbside Collection will start on Monday, April 21st beginning in the areas most heavily affected by the storm: Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Bracebridge. The program is available to properties that currently receive curbside leaf and yard waste collection. To check eligibility, residents are encouraged to enter their address in the Muskoka Waste App or on the District’s website.
The District says it’s working with community partners, service clubs, and debris management companies to help connect residents to local supports and resources to assist with cleanup efforts. Information about how to access these resources will be shared on their website as details are confirmed.
For those who are physically or financially unable to manage their storm cleanup, support is available. If you or someone you know needs help with debris clean-up, please contact the Storm Assistance Line at 705-645-2100 ext. 4500 or email icestorm@muskoka.on.ca.
Storm Yard Waste Collection Program – What You Need to Know:
- Brush and branch collection begins Monday, April 21and will run for 3 weeks.
- Set materials at the curb by 7 a.m. on Mondayeach week. Collection may take several days. Please be patient and leave bundles and containers neatly at the curb, clear of roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure to ensure safety of folks in the community.
- Crews are unable to collect large or heavy debris or oversized piles. Tree branches must be in bundles no longer than 3 ft in length and 2ft wide or placed loosely in brown paper yard bags or open top garbage bins/totes (must weigh under 55 lbs).
- Leave the leaves! Leaves are not accepted during this program. Regular Leaf and Yard Waste Collection resumes May 12th.
- Residents can continue to bring brush to District Transfer Stations free of charge until April 30th.
- Second home property owners will have another opportunity to dispose of brush at District Transfer Stations for free this summer.
- Stay informed: Download the Muskoka Waste app in the App Storeor Google Play for updates right to your phone.
- More details and FAQ’s about the program are available at muskoka.on.ca/spring-ice-storm
The District Municipality of Muskoka thanks everyone who continues to lend a hand, check in on neighbours, and look out for one another as the region moves forward.
