Trent Lakes council reviewed an after-action review (AAR) that evaluated the municipal response to the 2025 ice storm.
Presented by Susan Jackett, Fire Administrative Assistant/Community Management Coordinator, the review that looked at:
• what happened
• what went well
• where can be improved
• what should be changed next time
The storm occurred between March 28th and 30th and a formal Emergency was declared on April 1st citing extensive power outages, communication breakdowns, and impassable roads caused by downed power lines and fallen trees.
“The scale of the event placed considerable strain on municipal and public resources, particularly in ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents,” the report said.
The emergency was lifted on April 14th once hydro services were restored to most properties.
Activities that were not reviewed in the report included Hydro One activities and actions, telecommunications companies’ activities and actions and emergency protocols to private residences by fuel suppliers.
The review concluded that municipal business continuity at the office was well done and many departments continued to operate.
External communications were adjusted to meet public inquiries by providing daily updates on the municipal website and social media. Information was also provided to residents through email subscriptions to the website and the e-newsletter.
The fire department already had a storm protocol in place and municipal vehicles were able to be refuelled by using a generator at the 49 depot.
Municipal roads were opened to at least one lane within a few days and two lanes in four days.
The report said that staff responded quickly and effectively to changing conditions.
A number of challenges were identified and the report listed future actions that could improve the situation.
One challenge was the ability to send clear communications to residents. To improve this action staff will create a Crisis Communications Plans to provide guidelines and pre-made templates based on types of emergencies.
Another challenge was providing places where residents without power could charge their devices. During the storm they were able to go to the municipal office and the Cavendish Community Centre.
The report suggested that In the future libraries could become warming/cooling/charging centres with generators and proper plans in place.
During the storm some residents were not aware that the municipality was not responsible for clearing up trees on fire routes. More information will be provided to residents on the website and in the municipal newsletter on road clearing responsibilities for fire routes.
There was also a challenge in finding locations to drop off the large volumes of brush and chipped wood. The municipality will look into the possibility of creating an Emergency Management Plan for alternate disposal protocols, extended transfer station hours and/or dedicated pre-arranged drop-off locations.
After the report was presented Councillor John Braybrook said that he thinks one of the changes should be allowing all members of council to attend the morning update meetings instead of just the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
“At the Buckhorn Community Centre warming station I was asked a lot of questions I could not answer,” he said “We need to hear the progress so we have real-time information.”.
Deputy Mayor Carol Armstrong asked if staff went out and got public input for the report and Jackett said that the only public input was received when fire department staff went out and did wellness checks.
“I think public input is an important component of an after affect report,” Armstrong said.
Jackett’s report said that the AAR is meant to serve as a learning tool and is not a mechanism to assign blame or liability.
