FREEZING RAIN WARNING – IMPORTANT PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION

A potentially critical freezing rain event is expected over the coming days.

What

Forecasted total accumulations of 20 to 30 millimetres of freezing rain, accompanied by sustained winds of approximately 20 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour.

When

Precipitation is expected to begin early Wednesday morning, between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., continue steadily throughout the day, and end early Thursday morning.

Impacts and risks

• Wednesday, March 11: Municipal offices will be closed for in‑person services. Residents are encouraged to contact the Town by phone for any assistance. In the event of a power outage, the Parks and Recreation Department at the Community Centre will remain open to accommodate residents.
• Temporary adjustments to municipal collections are expected, including the postponement of recycling collection to Thursday, while organic waste collection will proceed and begin earlier than usual.
• Significant transportation delays and cancellations are anticipated.
• Roadways, sidewalks, and public spaces will become extremely icy, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Prolonged power outages are possible, as ice accumulation combined with wind may result in broken tree branches and damaged power lines.
  Residents are encouraged to contact Hydro‑Québec directly to report outages and to consult Info‑Pannes for updates.
• Persistently cold temperatures following the event may delay the full restoration of services.

Public safety and preparedness recommendations

Residents are strongly encouraged to delay or cancel all non‑essential travel, exercise heightened caution when outdoors, and closely monitor official communications.

To better prepare for potential service disruptions, residents are advised to:

• Park vehicles in garages or private driveways whenever possible and avoid parking under trees. Public parking areas on Rue Harrow and at the Community Centre will be made available to residents.
• Ensure vehicles are adequately fuelled and winter‑ready, should travel become unavoidable.
• Maintain essential supplies, including drinking water, non‑perishable food not requiring cooking, necessary medications, flashlights, batteries, and a battery‑powered radio.
• Charge mobile phones and external battery packs in advance.
• Keep some cash on hand, as electronic payment systems may be temporarily unavailable.
• Limit the opening of refrigerators and freezers during power outages.
• Dress warmly indoors and ensure access to additional blankets.
• Check on elderly, isolated, or vulnerable individuals and ensure they have access to essential resources.
• Postpone construction or outdoor work sites.
• Prepare or review a 72‑hour emergency kit.

Generator and electrical safety

Portable generators must be used outdoors only, well away from doors and windows, to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

NEVER APPROACH A DOWNED POWER LINE.
Any electrical hazard must be reported immediately to Hydro‑Québec.
Any situation posing an immediate danger must be reported without delay to 911.

After the event

Remain vigilant for falling ice from buildings, trees, and structures. Debris should only be removed once conditions are safe and with appropriate caution.
Public works crews will intervene as conditions allow.

Municipal operations

Municipal crews will be actively deployed before and throughout the event to carry out winter maintenance operations, including the application of salt and abrasive materials on roadways, sidewalks, and priority areas.

Despite these efforts, icy conditions may persist. Residents are asked to exercise caution at all times and to cooperate in allowing crews to work safely.

In the event of a power outage, the Irving L. Adessky Community Centre (30, Rue Lyncroft) will be open and available to residents for warming and charging electronic devices. When travelling to the Community Centre, residents are encouraged to proceed cautiously along the edge of the roadway, where salt and abrasive materials are applied first, while remaining alert to traffic, vehicles, and roadway conditions, including the presence of potholes.

Municipal services are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve.

Useful Contacts