The City of Barrie confirmed on Monday its significant weather event declared two weeks ago remains in effect as crews continue to work on clearing tree debris following a destructive ice storm.
Earlier this month, the City called in reinforcements from multiple municipalities to help with storm cleanup efforts, noting that extra help allows residents to pile brush at the curb to be collected by crews, but the City said the piles cannot block sidewalks or fire hydrants, and must be stacked neatly, adding there is no set schedule for when it will be collected.
“Crews will be circling back, so if your neighbour’s brush was collected but you haven’t yet been able to place yours curbside, please still get your brush piled curbside as soon as possible,” the City stated. “Crews will be making multiple passes across the city until everything is cleaned up.”
The City said the cleanup is expected to take months. “There is a long cleanup ahead, as many trees were damaged or destroyed by the ice storm.”
Tree Removal
Certified arborists are assessing trees across the city that were damaged by the ice storm and flagging those that will need to come down and those that require corrective pruning. “If you see Davey Tree staff looking at trees in your neighbourhood, that is the work they are completing,” the City noted.
Trees marked with a ‘K’ have been assessed as being structurally unsound. The City confirmed all trees removed due to damage would be replaced eventually. " If the tree has been identified as needing removal there will not be an opportunity to keep it, as it has been identified as a risk or will decline and die from the damage sustained."
Trails and Parks
Residents are urged to avoid from venturing into certain areas due to the sheer number of damaged trees. “For your safety, please stay out of trails and treed areas in city parks, and refrain from attempting cleanup on your property if you feel the area remains unsafe due to continued falling branches.”
Crews will work to assess hazards in parks and collect debris, but the priority remains clearing roads and removing materials from sidewalks and boulevards.
Landfill Brush
The City continues to waive brush tipping fees at the landfill to help residents until May 2, but this has created long lineup and wait times.
“As brush and tree cleanup is prioritized, we encourage you to visit the landfill only for the disposal of ice storm-related material at this time,” the City stated.
Mulch is currently available to residents for free at the landfill, residents are just asked to bring a shovel and containers to fill.
Yard Waste
Yard waste will be collected as usual - separately from brush collection - as yard waste falls under the City’s curbside collection contractor, Emterra.
“Yard waste collection is proceeding as normally scheduled (every other week opposite your garbage collection week)‚” the City’s website noted. “Ice storm cleanup crews have special equipment that enables chipping of brush piled curbside. Yard waste collection drivers are equipped with collection truck equipment that allows only for the safe collection of properly packaged yard waste.”
