ORILLIA, Ont. — Should we be bracing for a plague of locusts?
Today, Orillia felt like something between a war zone and the end times. The ice clinging to branches and wires is pretty, but its deceptive power is everywhere in the form of downed power lines and limbs, and trees snapped off, lying across roads and roofs.
There are lineups at gas stations — the few that are open.
Zehrs was reminiscent of the early pandemic days with people buying everything they could get their hands on.
Coffee was like gold — a commodity worth lining up for, for hours. That’s because almost everything in Orillia and environs was shut down Sunday due to the power outage. It will likely be the same Monday.
Walking around the neighbourhood this afternoon was surreal ... and frightening. Every crack and thud ignited a shock of worry, as eyes quickly darted this way and that to asses the danger and the damage.
The damage is everywhere and bordering on existential. It will not take days to clean up, but weeks; perhaps months. Sadly, Orillia's beautiful landscape will be scarred forever.
Hydro One is saying power should be restored in Orillia by 11 p.m. Monday night. I’ll believe it when I feel the heat.
For now, there is no heat to be felt. It’s time to pile on the blankets for another night and hope for the best.
Please heed the warnings from the police and the advice from civic officials. There’s a reason Orillia, Rama, Ramara and others have declared a state of emergency.
It’s vital that you stay inside when and where possible. That’s the only way crews will be able to access and clean up the damage.
And, remember, there is no garbage or recycling collection this week in Orillia. On top of that, Orillia Transit buses won’t be running Monday.
The city’s water/wastewater systems are operational but under pressure. Residents are asked to reduce water use, including flushing, laundry, and dishwashing, to prevent backups.
These are not normal times. Please act accordingly.
Check on your elderly family members, friends or neighbours or those who are alone. A small act of kindness can go a long way at a time like this.
Together, we will get through this.
