Highway 11 lanes to reopen after snowstorm blasted Ontario's cottage country, stranding motorists
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shoveling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall this weekend.
According to Environment Canada, storm accumulations reached 140 centimetres of snow in Gravenhurst and 125 centimetres in Bracebridge.
Near-whiteout conditions near Orillia Ont., on Sat., Nov. 30, 2024 (CTV News/David Sullivan)The heavy snowfall led to the closure of Highway 11 in both directions between Orillia and Huntsville on Saturday, with the closure persisting through to Monday morning.
OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said police expect the northbound lanes along Highway 11 to reopen around noon Monday from West Street in Orillia to Highway 60 in Huntsville.
"There will be limited access. Not every exit and entrance will be open in that stretch," he explained.
Except for Luigi Road, all ramps are cleared.
Schmidt noted southbound lanes are expected to reopen sometime around 4 p.m. on Monday.
Additionally, a dozen trucks were trapped on Country Road 6 in Cooper's Falls near Washago Monday morning.
Emergency crews and motorists confirmed to CTV News that hundreds of vehicles were stranded without food or water, some for nearly 30 hours.
On Saturday, fire crews helped bring motorists to Gravenhurst Town Hall via side-by-side transports for access to generators amid power outages.Lakeland Power and Elexicon Energy – the respective suppliers of electricity for Bracebridge and Gravenhurst – and Hydro One all indicated via their outage maps that tens of thousands of customers were without power on Saturday.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The Town of Gravenhurst declared a state of emergency on Sunday after the District Municipality of Muskoka had declared a ‘Significant Weather Event’ on Saturday.
Premier Doug Ford posted to social media Monday morning stating the province was working closely with authorities in Gravenhurst and across Muskoka to ensure they have everything they need.
“Provincial resources are on hand and more are en route to help where needed. I’m relieved that there are no injuries or fatalities reported.”
Ford encouraged residents to stay home until power is restored and roads and highways are safely reopened.
Beaver Creek Institution isn’t immune to the power outage, having to switch over to its generator. “We are closely monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to make adjustments as needed to ensure secure access to essential services,” Correctional Service Canada noted in an email to CTV News.
Meanwhile, drivers who are low on fuel are advised to find a safe place to park until they can safely access a gas station, or until fuel can be brought to them.
OPP add that locals should only dial 911 for life-threatening situations and should contact the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 for all other situations.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband's death during diving trip
A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
Soldier who died by suicide in Las Vegas told ex-girlfriend of pain and exhaustion after Afghanistan
The highly decorated Special Forces soldier who died by suicide in a Cybertruck explosion on New Year's Day confided to a former girlfriend who had served as an Army nurse that he faced significant pain and exhaustion that she says were key symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
'Support better care': Advocates argue need for mental health emergency service
The crisis service sees two mental health clinicians respond to well-being checks without police. Calls are received through 211 or 911, and workers are dispatched if there aren't immediate public safety or medical concerns.
Man arrested after committing five bank robberies in 10 days: Toronto police
A man accused of robbing five Toronto-area banks in a 10-day period has been arrested by Toronto police.
Special national Liberal caucus meeting called for next week after regional chairs meet: sources
A special meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's national Liberal caucus has been called for next Wednesday, sources say.
N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting
A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year's Eve.
'Inadmissible' foreign nationals to pay more upon return to Canada: CBSA
Foreign nationals who refuse or are unable to pay their own way home after being denied stay in Canada will soon face steeper financial penalties should they ever attempt to return.
Canada pausing applications for parent, grandparent permanent residency sponsorships
Canada will not accept new parent and grandparent permanent residency sponsorship applications until further notice, according to a ministerial directive.
Kitchener
-
Snow squall warnings for southwestern Ontario
Environment Canada says southwestern Ontario could get between 15 and 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday.
-
Union representing Ontario college faculty issues five-day strike notice
Ontario college students could soon see their winter semester cut short as the union representing faculty at the province’s 24 public colleges could walk off the job as early as Thursday next week.
-
Volunteers get ice rinks ready for skating season
Now that there’s a stretch of sub-zero temperatures in the forecast, volunteers have been busy getting ice rinks ready for skaters.
London
-
The Forest City will get walloped by snow this weekend
If you’ve tucked your shovel away since the last snowfall, it’s time to haul It back out. Snowfall accumulation could exceed 20 centimeters in London by Sunday morning.
-
Heritage protection might save this 200-year-old oak tree in London
Recognition that certain trees contribute to the heritage of the Blackfriars-Petersville neighbourhood might save the life of a centuries-old oak.
-
London Knights blow out Niagara on home ice
The London Knights ran up the score against the Niagara IceDogs Friday night at Canada Life Place, earning a 9-4 win.
Windsor
-
2.99% tax increase in proposed 2025 Windsor budget
The proposed 2025 City of Windsor budget includes a 2.99 per cent tax increase.
-
-
'It was a privilege to work alongside him': Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex joins worldwide memorial for Jimmy Carter
Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is joining a worldwide memorial for late U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Northern staff react to Ontario college faculties issuing five-day notice of labour action
College faculty in Ontario gave its five-day notice of starting labour action on Friday, which could include a strike or some other work stoppage at the 24 schools within the province.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Northern staff react to Ontario college faculties issuing five-day notice of labour action
College faculty in Ontario gave its five-day notice of starting labour action on Friday, which could include a strike or some other work stoppage at the 24 schools within the province.
-
Blind River, Ont., roommates charged with taking car without consent
The first impaired driving charge of the year for Ontario Provincial Police in East Algoma involved a missing vehicle and roommates.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Ottawa
-
Flurries, cold temperatures in the forecast for Ottawa this Saturday
It feels like -20 with the wind chill this Saturday morning in Ottawa.
-
Man, woman seriously injured following multi-vehicle collision on Bank Street
A man and a woman were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on Bank Street at Lester Road Friday afternoon, according to the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
-
OTTAWA'S LRT
OTTAWA'S LRT All aboard Ottawa's new LRT line: What you need to know about the new north-south Line 2 and Line 4
Ottawa’s new north-south rail line will open to the public on Monday, Jan. 6, connecting downtown Ottawa and Riverside South with a spur to the Ottawa International Airport.
Toronto
-
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
-
2 Royal Military College students jumped into action to save a man from a burning car in North York
A black Ford Mustang had lost control while traveling north along Bayview, crashing into cement pillars near the stores loading dock.
-
Union representing Ontario college faculty issues five-day strike notice
Ontario college students could soon see their winter semester cut short as the union representing faculty at the province’s 24 public colleges could walk off the job as early as Thursday next week.
Montreal
-
Lachine tenants have been out of heat and hot water for 2 months
A 47-unit building hasn't had hot water for nearly two months, and the heat is out too, forcing the city to intervene.
-
More homeless people hiding from the cold in Montreal's crowded ERs
When warming centres are full, homeless people with nowhere to go are turning to emergency rooms.
-
Montreal police make 2 more arrests in killing of Claudia Iacono
Montreal police have arrested two more suspects in the slaying of Claudia Iacono.
Atlantic
-
N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting
A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year's Eve.
-
Saint John man charged with second-degree murder in wife’s Christmas Eve death
A man accused of murdering his wife on Christmas Eve made his first court appearance in Saint John, N.B., Friday morning.
-
Winter storm watch issued in Cape Breton; Weather statements expanded in N.S. and P.E.I.
A major winter storm is expected to hit eastern parts of the Maritimes Sunday into Monday.
Winnipeg
-
'Hopeful that we can make this go': Potential $5.25 million bid made for Lemay Forest
There is a new offer to buy and preserve the Lemay Forest.
-
'An enormous data set': Christmas Bird Count looks at avian health in Winnipeg, North America
When you look out your window this weekend, chances are you will see birds but have you ever wondered how many feathered friends are flying around? The Christmas Bird Count seeks those answers every year.
-
New train detection system on track to alert motorists, first responders about railway traffic
Winnipeg may soon see a new train detection system that lets motorists know when to use alternate routes and avoid railway crossings.
Calgary
-
Community grieves as one at vigil for Calgary double homicide victims
They braved the cold to pay tribute to a Calgary mother of three and her father, killed just days after Christmas.
-
Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband's death during diving trip
A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.
-
Third person charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
A third person has been charged with first-degree murder after a woman was found dead in a Lethbridge motel room over the weekend.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead on Edmonton riverbank
Police have identified a woman who was recently found dead on the shore of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton.
-
Gas leak slows traffic on 111 Avenue Friday night
Drivers were asked to avoid 111 Avenue near 110 Street due to a gas leak on Friday night.
Regina
-
Sask. RCMP investigating woman's death on Piapot First Nation
Saskatchewan RCMP says it is investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman on Piapot First Nation as suspicious in nature.
-
SaskAbilites Yorkton enhances relaxation room
SaskAbilities Yorkton has enhanced their relaxation room to help people with disabilities experience a more comfortable and calming environment.
-
CTV Regina's top trending stories of 2024
Whether it was hard news or light-hearted features, the year of 2024 hosted some very compelling stories – with several being widely shared online and reaching new audiences.
Saskatoon
-
$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one
Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.
-
Two people charged with murder after suspicious death on Sask. First Nation
A man and a woman have been charged with first degree murder after a 24-year-old man died of injuries on Saulteaux First Nation.
-
Inmate who escaped federal prison in Saskatchewan arrested
After about five months of searching, police have arrested Jareth Gardipy-Taypotat, who escaped from the Willow Cree Healing Lodge, a minimum-security federal institution north of Saskatoon.
Vancouver
-
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
-
Former Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver to be demolished
A former luxury hotel tower in downtown Vancouver is slated to be demolished.
-
Accused in armed robbery at Vancouver Holt Renfrew has prior convictions
The 66-year-old man accused of holding up a Holt Renfrew in downtown Vancouver this week has prior convictions, including for two other robberies that involved fake guns.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. driver who tried to apprehend suspected impaired driver was impaired: RCMP
Mounties on Vancouver Island say a 50-year-old motorist who tried to apprehend a suspected impaired driver on New Year's Eve, was, in fact, impaired and was issued a 90-day driving prohibition by police.
-
Attending hundreds of serious crash scenes each year takes its toll, B.C. first responders say
Just days into the new year, officials are already pleading with British Columbians to follow the rules of the road.
-
Woman, 63, dead after collision on Vancouver Island
A 63-year-old woman is dead after the car she was driving collided with a truck on southern Vancouver Island.
