Photo credit: globalnews.ca

Severe Ice Storm Ravages Ontario Communities, Leaving Thousands Without Power

The community of Peterborough, Ontario, is echoing with the relentless noise of chainsaws as residents grapple with the aftermath of a catastrophic ice storm. Arborist Evan Noland, owner of New Growth Tree Care, described the scene as “carnage,” with debris littering the streets following the storm that struck on March 28, lasting over 48 hours.

This storm deposited nearly 20 mm of ice on trees and power lines, leading to widespread destruction across various regions of Ontario. Many were left without electricity, with close to 121,000 Hydro One customers still in the dark as of Friday evening.

“This is likely the worst damage I’ve witnessed in my decade-long career,” Noland stated. He noted that despite the severe derecho storm of 2022, nothing compares to the current devastation. Crews from as far as Timiskaming, approximately five hours away, have come to assist with cleanup efforts.

Amidst the chaos, officials highlight that quantifying the damage is no simple task. Jessica Kaknevicius, CEO of Forests Canada, pointed out that any comprehensive assessment involving municipalities, private landowners, and the provincial government could span several years.

While crews focus on immediate safety concerns, many damaged trees that pose no acute risk may remain until summer for a more accurate evaluation of the storm’s impact.

Long-term Implications for Ontario’s Forests

Kaknevicius remarked on the storm’s severity, noting that it could rival the destructive event of 1998. “In Southern Ontario, it is vital that we maintain our forest cover. We need innovative strategies for preservation and restoration,” she emphasized. The loss of trees can exacerbate flooding risks in urban areas, as tree canopies play a crucial role in managing rainfall. A reduction in tree cover not only increases flood risks but can also lead to higher surrounding temperatures and accelerated snowmelt.

Local business owners are feeling the financial strain as well. Shannon Porter, who operates Porter Lumber in Port Dover, highlighted that accessing woodlots has become perilous due to hazardous hanging limbs. The winter season typically marks the peak for lumber harvesting, but thousands of trees designated for the upcoming harvest have fallen prematurely. If the wood is not processed quickly, it risks decay, potentially lowering its market value.

Further complicating matters, trees that have sustained damage but remain upright may only have a year of viability left before their wood quality declines. The logging industry is already contingent on international markets, particularly in the U.S., where Porter expressed concerns over the possibility of tariffs affecting Canadian lumber exports.

Nationwide Assessment Challenges

Natural Resources Canada communicated that tracking the national impact of severe weather on forestry is not systematically conducted. Some provinces map the effects of abiotic damage, such as ice storms, but there is no uniform approach. In recent years, researchers have been able to estimate damages from other disasters, including the devastating 2023 wildfires in British Columbia, which destroyed 18 million hectares of trees—equating potentially to around 30 billion individual trees.

Despite these concerning statistics, Kaknevicius remains optimistic about the resilience of Canada’s forests. “Trees have a remarkable ability to bounce back. Although we need to be vigilant, I don’t consider the situation hopeless,” she noted. Both Kaknevicius and Porter agree that the future of Ontario’s green spaces remains in flux as the cleanup continues and the possibility of more severe weather looms.

As residents embark on the laborious recovery process, Noland advises against taking matters into one’s own hands, stressing the importance of professional assessments for downed trees and damaged property, citing the potential dangers involved.

Source
globalnews.ca