As of 6:00 p.m. today (Monday, December 23), Oshawa PUC has restored the city’s major power lines. There are, however, isolated pockets where up to 2,000 customers could continue to experience prolonged power outages. Oshawa PUC is working continuously to restore power to these areas, which could take up to 72 hours. In addition, a significant amount of ice accumulation remains on many trees in the city, which could cause branches/limbs to fall resulting in new power outages.
Customers impacted by either of the above circumstances should contact Oshawa PUC directly at 905-723-4623 or alternatively by email at [email protected].
The Legends Centre (1661 Harmony Road North) and South Oshawa Community Centre (1455 Cedar Street) are open 24/7 as warming centres for residents who have been without power and heat. Both warming centres are pet-friendly although residents who are bringing a pet(s) to a warming centre are reminded to bring the pet(s) leash or harness and/or carrier.
Residents who do not have power and are remaining at home are reminded to:
• Dress in layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt or even a jacket to stay warm. Wear gloves and a knit hat as you lose heat through your hands and the top of your head.
• Congregate in one room as you can collectively warm the room with your body heat.
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, home generators indoors or any propane-fueled devices indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you cannot smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.
• Use flashlights as a primary lighting source. If candles are used, never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.
• Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. Food inside should stay cold for hours if the door is left closed.
Residents are reminded to avoid trees with broken branches/limbs and to never touch power lines as a hanging power line could be charged (live) and you would run the risk of electrocution.
Residents are not to clear trees from roads, sidewalks, boulevards and power lines. To report fallen trees/branches on power lines, contact the OPUC as noted above. For trees/branches fallen on City streets, boulevards and parks, contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 or [email protected]. Fallen trees/branches on private property are the responsibility of the homeowner, unless they are impacting a power line.
City crews continue to salt/sand City roads. Salting and clearing of sidewalks abutting City property has begun and the Snow Clearing Assistance Program will commence this evening. For updates, visit www.oshawa.ca/snow.
All City of Oshawa recreation facilities are open and programs are being provided as scheduled.
Waste collection is operating as scheduled, however due to the inability of refuse vehicles to access some streets because of the impact of the storm, collection may not be possible in these circumstances. If your refuse has not been collected by the end of the day, please return it to your premises and place it out for pick up on your next scheduled collection day and the four-bag limit will be waived.
The City of Oshawa will continue to provide residents with information. For updates, visit www.oshawa.ca or contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 (TTY: 905-436-5627) or [email protected]. Weather forecasts and warnings are available on the Environment Canada website at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.
For emergencies, contact 9-1-1.
