State of Emergency remains in Gravenhurst

The Town of Gravenhurst provided an update on its State of Emergency placed on the community after nearly a metre of snow fell in the area on the weekend.

As of Monday morning, the notice from the town indicates the town's snowplow crews and subcontractors are continuing to clear roads, but efforts are hampered by obstacles on roads and the sheer volume of snow to be cleared.

"Emergency services are limited, and in some instances, might not be able to respond," the statement reads.

The prolonged closure of Highway 11 – expected to open Monday – abandoned vehicles and downed trees and limbs are slowing the clean-up process.

• Photo Gallery | Snowstorm wreaks havoc across Simcoe Muskoka

Additionally, downed hydro lines are delaying road openings as well.

"While we don’t have an exact count, there have been dozens of instances where hydro lines across roads have slowed our snow removal progress," the town's emergency notice says, indicating town staff must wait for the hydro crews to finish their work before snow removal can be completed.

Snow removal resources from Peel Region, Simcoe County and Vaughan are assisting with the snow removal.

The intent is to get roads open to at least one lane.

Because of the situation, curbside collection is cancelled for Monday, including Downtown Business Area routes.

"This Significant Weather Event has created unique challenges for curbside collection services across Muskoka, and ensuring the safety of our community remains top priority” shares Renee Recoskie, Director of Waste Management and Environmental Services. “We appreciate our community’s patience as crews work to address the impacts of the storm.”