News

Update for April 4: The bypass event that started on April 3 has ended, and treatment has resumed at the Coldwater Wastewater Treatment Plant. Monitoring, testing, and reporting have been ongoing through the event and after it ended. The municipal drinking water system in Coldwater remains fully operational, and the water is safe to drink. Thank you to our hard-working wastewater operators who managed this situation throughout the day and night. 

The Ministry of Natural Resources Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for residents in Severn and Ramara Township, in the area of the Severn and Black Rivers as well as Sparrow Lake within the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District until Friday, April 11, 2025.

Township of Severn has declared a State of Emergency as of Wednesday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m. under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as a result of the severe impacts of the ice storm and forecasted weather.

Residents are reminded that burning wet trees and wet brush on their property is not permitted per our Open-Air Burning By-law, as this creates excess smoke and unsafe conditions. Residents can dispose of brush free of charge at County of Simcoe waste disposal sites or through regular curbside pick-up. 

Read the Mayor's message to the Severn community, staff, and volunteers in response to the ice storm on our website.

Township of Severn has opened a second Warming Centre at the Coldwater Community Centre (11 Michael Anne Drive) in addition to the Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street). Both Warming Centres will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily until further notice. Individuals and families looking for a warm space to charge their devices (priority for medical devices), access restrooms, or a warm drink can drop by as needed.

Township of Severn has been working around the clock since Saturday to remove debris and downed trees from local roadways. Roadways that remain closed are those that have downed powerlines and are awaiting Hydro One clearance. Once Hydro One has cleared any powerlines and declared the area safe, Township staff will move in to clear the debris.

Potable water stations are available for residents who may continue to have no power and those who rely on wells. The current locations that can be accessed by the public are the indoor taps at the Washago Community Centre (4361 Hamilton Street) and the Coldwater Water Supply and Distribution System (14 Sheridan Drive).

Roadways that remain closed as of April 3 at 3:00 p.m. are those that have downed powerlines and are awaiting Hydro One clearance. Once Hydro One has cleared any powerlines and declared the area safe, Township staff will move in to clear the debris.