Gravenhurst Residents Rally Together as Community Endures Mammoth Snowstorm
When over a meter of snow blanketed Gravenhurst this past weekend, turning Highway 11 into a parking lot, local residents rose to the occasion, demonstrating the true meaning of community. While emergency crews worked tirelessly around the clock, normal life was disrupted, leaving many stranded and struggling to cope with the daunting aftermath of the blizzard.
Flooded with Kindness
Businesses opened their doors to offer shelter, strangers were helping each other, and the local Salvation Army’s emergency response team jumped into action to deliver food to those who were snowed in. On Saturday, On the Water Designs, a dock-building company located along the now-impassable Highway 11, welcomed stranded motorists seeking refuge. Owner Brandon Jewitt said, “It was just cars, like bumper to bumper, as far as you could see.”
?
During the height of the storm, neighbors pitched in. Having taken shelter at the business, one neighbor offered to coordinate a hot meal for those seeking refuge. Food was brought to the business, providing a sense of human connection in a time of stress.
People seemed to be feeling the pressure as it got dark, but the warmth and light created a place of reprieve for many. the best of humanity.,” said drove by, they quickly realized the extent of the situation.
“I had one homeowner drive by, and just said ‘I wonder how many people are starving right now?’ said the notice a real opportunity to help our community.”
This weekend,
From Grocery Store to Safe Haven
Jesse Grimes, owner of the local Sobeys, found himself facing a similar situation. His usual ten-minute commute stretched to two hours due to the immense volume of snow and countless stranded vehicles. He decided to use his available resources to make a difference. “I saw all the transport trucks along Bethune Drive – backed all the way up from Highway 11,” he said. With his staff able to make it into work, even with the restaurant scene, they were able to get the grocery store open.
Once at the store, someone suggested, ‘why don’t we take supplies to help people.’
Grimes, with the help of his customers, loaded two truckloads of supplies, including clementines, bananas, water bottles, and ready-made meals. Along the way, a local woman joined in to help deliver the much-needed goods, ensuring everyone had one less thing to worry about in an already stressful time.
“I had a few guys ask if I could otherwise they weren’t going to head back home. You know, there are people who depend on us every day, so it was important for us to be there for others.
“We figure probably around 200 people need help in the community.” The local Salvation Army found itself hard at work coordinating with other groups and delivering meals to those who lost power and were unable to leave their homes. Mayor Heidi Lorenz praised residents for their unwavering resilience, stating the community had displayed “grace under fire.”
The mayor added that the closure of Highway 11, while necessary to ensure safety during the storm,
created a ripple effect, impacting residents on a deeper level.
These community members were determined to make sure everyone got through the ordeal with their essential needs met.
She hopes residents will begin seeing
What specific actions did Gravenhurst residents take to help each other during the snowstorm?
## Gravenhurst Residents Show Resilience in the Face of Mammoth Snowstorm
**Host:** Welcome back. This weekend, Gravenhurst, Ontario found itself buried under over a meter of snow, turning Highway 11 into a standstill and leaving many stranded. But thankfully, in the face of this monumental snowfall, the true spirit of community shone through. Joining us today to discuss this inspiring story is Alex Reed, a resident who witnessed these acts of kindness firsthand.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me. It was truly something else to see.
**Host:** Can you tell us about what you experienced during the storm?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. When the snow started coming down, it was relentless. Soon, cars were stuck everywhere, bumper to bumper along Highway 11. It was a sight to behold. Many people, including myself, found shelter in local businesses like ”On the Water Designs,” a dock-building company. Their owner, Brandon Jewitt, opened his doors to anyone needing refuge. [[1](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/snow-storm-state-of-emergency-gravenhurst-1.7398242)]
**Host:** That’s fantastic. And what about the other residents? How did they help each other?
**Alex Reed:** It was incredible. Neighbors rallied together, sharing food and offering support. One neighbor even organized a hot meal for everyone taking shelter at “On the Water Designs.” The Salvation Army’s emergency response team also sprang into action, delivering food to those who were snowed in. It was truly heartwarming to see everyone coming together.
**Host:** It sounds like Gravenhurst showed remarkable resilience in the face of this challenge.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. It was a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. When times get tough, we band together to help one another, and that’s something truly special.