Town of Aurora crews are clearing downed trees from municipal roads, parks, and other public spaces after the July 3 storm, but homeowners must arrange and pay for tree removal on their own property. The Town clarified these responsibilities in a July 7 cleanup update, stressing that debris from private trees is the owner’s job to handle.
The severe thunderstorm hit Aurora, Ontario, around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, toppling trees and power lines, damaging homes, and blocking roads. More than 2,000 homes and businesses lost electricity across Aurora and neighbouring Newmarket. Mayor Tom Mrakas said parts of the community were hit hard, with significant damage in some areas.
According to the Town of Aurora, work crews are only removing debris from Town-owned trees and municipal properties. That means any fallen branches or trunks on private land – even if they came from a neighbour’s tree – are the responsibility of the homeowner. The Town says small branches can be set out for regular yard waste pickup by GFL Environmental, but they must be bundled and tied with twine, no more than 1.2 metres long, and no thicker than 10 centimetres in diameter. Each bundle must weigh under 22 kilograms.
Power was restored quickly for most residents. Alectra Utilities reported about 1,109 customers lost power in Aurora right after the storm, but by July 4 only around 20 homes were still without electricity. No injuries were reported during the storm.
Several trails and parks in the northwest part of town remain closed until further notice. The Town says Willow Farm and Lakeview Trail systems are off limits while staff check for hazards like damaged branches and unsafe conditions. Residents are asked to avoid those areas until the all-clear is given.
In nearby Newmarket, crews estimated over 200 trees on town property were damaged near Yonge Street and Mulock Drive. Aurora’s cleanup continues, with the Town focusing on public spaces and urging homeowners to take care of their own storm debris.
