(Barrie, ON) – Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for much of Southern Ontario, including Barrie. The freezing rain warning is for possible significant ice buildup of 5 to 10 mm.
The City of Barrie has winter maintenance and forestry crews on standby. Staff will monitor the weather closely and salters/sanders will be dispatched accordingly. For information about road and sidewalk maintenance, visit barrie.ca/snow.
The City will post City service information related to the storm on X (@cityofbarrie), Facebook (@cityofbarrie), and the barrie.ca.
Residents are reminded not to use social media to report service requests during the storm. Service requests should be sent to Service Barrie by calling 705-726-4242 (after hours, press zero for assistance) or by using the City’s mobile app, available for download via barrie.ca/app. As always, in the event of an emergency, residents should call 911.
This weather event may result in power outages caused by significant ice build-up on electrical equipment, high winds and fallen tree limbs on powerlines. Residents are encouraged to follow Alectra or InnPower on social media or view the outages maps on their respective websites for the latest updates.
City services
During the potential ice storm, Barrie Transit will continue to operate. However, weather may cause service delays, and Transit staff will monitor the weather closely and work to maintain service levels where possible and safe to do so.
The City will share any drop-in program and/or registered recreation program cancellations on the City’s website.
What to do if you see a downed tree or downed power line
Use caution around downed trees or large branches. Residents are responsible for damage done to trees on their private property. For any downed City trees, call Service Barrie at 705-726-4242. If the concern needs to be addressed outside of Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., press zero for assistance.
Downed power lines may be energized and are dangerous. If power lines are down, stay at least 10 metres away and call 911 immediately.
Flashing red or blank traffic lights
During a power outage, traffic signals will be either be blank or flashing red/amber. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles in the intersection and to vehicles entering the intersection from your right. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop and proceed with caution.
The City reminds residents to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit ready with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit, and flashlights. For more information, visit getprepared.gc.ca.
For information on current and forecasted weather conditions, visit Environment Canada’s website at ec.gc.ca.