Orillia mayor seeks residents for ‘Shovelling Blitz’ to uncover city’s 1,000 fire hydrants

Fire hydrants should be cleared of all snow and ice for access in an emergency. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

Orillia’s mayor is encouraging residents to grab their shovels for a ‘Shovelling Blitz’ next week to help dig out fire hydrants from all the snow that has blanketed the city.

Mayor Don McIsaac took to social media to ask residents to meet at the Orillia Recreation Centre at 255 West Street South on Tuesday at 8 a.m.

“Goal is to clear all 1,000 fire hydrants in the City of Orillia,” the mayor stated.

Blocked or hidden fire hydrants can delay emergency response times. Residents are encouraged to keep hydrants clear of snow and ensure that municipal green address numbers remain visible for first responders.

The mayor urges anyone willing to participate to email him or contact your city councillor. Residents are asked to also provide addresses of anyone who needs snow removal done.

“We will also shovel out those in need,” McIsaac added.

The City of Orillia ended the Significant Weather Event Thursday morning after declaring it on Monday. The declaration was made so city crews could tackle the significant volume of snow accumulation following days of snowfall and squalls.