A significant winter storm developing across Central Ontario has led to the cancellation of curbside waste and recycling collection services in the Muskoka area for Monday, December 29, 2025. The decision was announced as Environment Canada issued multiple weather alerts for southern Ontario, warning of hazardous conditions.
Service Suspension Due to Hazardous Conditions
Municipal authorities made the call to suspend all curbside pickup operations as the storm began to intensify. The primary concerns are heavy snowfall, strong winds, and potential freezing rain, which create dangerous working conditions for collection crews and make roads treacherous for the large vehicles. Residents who have already placed bins or bags at the curb are being asked to retrieve them to prevent them from being obstructed by snow or blown into the road.
What Muskoka Residents Need to Know
The cancellation affects all scheduled pickups for garbage, recycling, and organics for the day. At this time, a specific make-up date for the missed collection has not been announced. Residents should monitor official municipal communications for updates on when services will resume and if collection schedules will be adjusted later in the week.
It is crucial for public safety and efficient future collection that residents remove their bins from the curb. Leaving them out can interfere with snow plowing operations and poses a risk of damage to the containers. The municipality typically provides updated information on its website and social media channels once a new collection plan is confirmed.
Broader Weather Impact Across the Region
This service disruption in Muskoka is part of a wider pattern of severe winter weather affecting much of the province. Environment Canada has various alerts in effect, ranging from winter storm warnings to wind and snowfall advisories. The storm system is contributing to travel advisories, potential power outages, and the postponement of other services and events across Central and Eastern Ontario.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, to prepare for possible power interruptions, and to check on vulnerable neighbours during the storm. The cancellation of curbside collection is a standard precautionary measure taken by municipalities to prioritize the safety of workers and the public during extreme weather events.
