When Ice Storm Meets Restoration: The March 2025 Eastern Canada Crisis
Last March 28–31, 2025, southern Ontario and Quebec were hit by a prolonged ice storm. With up to 35 hours of freezing rain and ice accumulation reaching 25 mm, the extreme weather tested both homes and our southern Ontario restoration teams at PuroClean Canada.
Industry Impact at a Glance
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The 90-day post-event estimate revealed total insured losses of approximately $416 million, covering residential, commercial, auto claims, and loss adjustment costs (canadianunderwriter.ca)
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This figure is expected to rise with the next update scheduled for September 30, as personal property claims—especially for cottages and seasonal homes—continue to grow (canadianunderwriter.ca)
Field Challenges for Restoration Crews
1. Power Outages That Lasted Weeks
As freezing rain accumulated, power infrastructure buckled. Over 400,000 Hydro One customers lost power, some for days or even weeks. For PuroClean teams, this created serious logistical hurdles: drying equipment—such as dehumidifiers and air movers—can’t function without reliable electricity. In many cases, crews had to deploy battery-powered heaters, generators, or coordinate with hydro providers to safely restore power before beginning drying. Every delay increases the risk of microbial growth and structural issues.
2. Obstructed Access: Fallen Trees & Blocked Roads
The weight of ice-laden branches caused widespread tree falls, snapping power lines and blocking roads—especially in rural areas like the Kawarthas. Some homes were completely inaccessible for days, forcing us to:
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Coordinate with municipal crews for road clearance and debris removal.
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Use chainsaws and brush cutters to clear pathways.
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Prioritize high-risk properties (e.g., with water intrusion or burst pipes) once access was restored.
3. Remote & Seasonal Properties
Many affected properties were cottages or seasonal rentals that reopened later in spring. Damage wasn’t always reported immediately—insurance adjusters noted a delay in personal lines claims, which only surfaced when owners returned. PuroClean teams from Barrie, North Simcoe/Muskoka, parts of the GTA, and even as far as Belleville, prepared for a staggered influx of late-coming jobs, placing additional pressure on scheduling and crew availability.
Why timelines matter:
In water damage restoration, rapid response is crucial. Even what begins as a Category 1 water loss—clean water from sources like drinking water pipes—can quickly escalate to a Category 3 water loss in as little as 48 hours. At this stage, water becomes highly contaminated, containing significant microbial growth, mold spores, and other harmful pathogens. Timely intervention can drastically reduce property damage, health risks, and overall restoration costs.
🧰 PuroClean Canada’s Restoration Best Practices
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Utility Coordination
We work closely with utility providers and local authorities to safely run generators and temporary power solutions—always prioritizing client safety and equipment needs. -
Mobile & Off-Grid Drying Solutions
Generators, battery-powered dehumidifiers, and propane heaters ensure restoration processes can begin even without grid power. -
Site Assessment & Safety
Upon arrival, crews inspect roofs and service lines. We often perform moisture mapping across walls, insulation, and framing to target hidden pockets of moisture and prevent mold. -
Debris Clearance Partnership
Collaborating with municipal, forestry, and utility crews means faster site access and reduced project timelines. -
Educating Homeowners
We inform clients about the “waiting game” for latent damage—like mold or structural weakening—and advise on early mitigation steps.
📌 Restoration Tidbits & Industry Insights
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After 90 days post-storm, personal property claims continue to grow, as ice damage becomes more visible.
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Ice events in April, such as in 2018 and 2023, are increasingly common; the 2025 storm shows how climate trends may be evolving (canadianunderwriter.ca.)
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The 1998 Quebec ice storm remains on record, with insured losses of around $2.9 billion as of September 2024 (canadianunderwriter.ca)—a critical reminder of the scale these events can reach.
In Conclusion
At PuroClean Canada, we’re committed to delivering:
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Rapid response even when power is out
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Expert damage assessment amid site access challenges
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Clear communication to clients facing delayed or hidden damage.
Our teams—as always—are fully trained, licensed across provincial lines, and prepared with advanced drying technology and strategies to restore homes to pre-loss condition.
Contact PuroClean Today for Professional Water Damage Restoration Services
If you find obvious signs of water damage on your property, contact PuroClean today. Our IICRC-certified professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to target all water-affected areas and restore your property to its pre-loss condition quickly and safely. Contact us as soon as possible to learn more about our services. To find your nearest PuroClean office, visit our online office locator or dial (877) 261-7876 today.