Kitchener cemeteries heavily damaged during Saturday's storm

Crews are working to clean up two Kitchener cemeteries that were hit hard Saturday during the storm.

On Thursday, workers were trimming damaged branches off of trees at Woodland Cemetery.

The city said their removal was a priority as the limbs could break off on their own and potentially hurt a passerby.

A lot of taller, older trees were knocked down during the storm, and fencing around the property was also damaged.

One neighbour told CTV News that she was amazed at how much progress the city has made in clearing the debris from Woodland Cemetery.

"I think they've done a wonderful job," said Barbara Wright. "Two days ago a lot of the roads here were closed, and there were trees that were hanging over stones, memorial stones. You couldn't hardly walk without walking into branches. It was really, really bad."

Clean-up efforts were also underway at Mount Hope Cemetery in Kitchener.

Even though a lot of work has already been done, residents are warned to be aware of their surroundings when walking through damaged areas.

"While the weather is really nice right now, and may be for the coming days, we did have a significant storm event and there could be damage above you in the trees," said Niall Lobley, the city's director of parks and cemeteries. "If there are areas that are closed, or look unsafe, try to avoid them and go somewhere else for your walk that day."

The city said it will also be repairing or replaced any damaged headstones on the properties.

As for trails and parks, the city said many areas are still in rough shape.

Idlewood Park, Prospect Park and parts of Rockway Gardens remain closed.

The city also said the Rockway Golf Course has reopened 15 holes, but workers are still clearing up debris.

CLEANUP CONTINUES ACROSS ONTARIO

Thousands remain without power in Peterborough.

The city has opened up shelters and facilities for people to access showers, and residents are being asked to avoid unnecessary travel.

"It’s been pretty crazy just trying to get around," said one resident. "Especially with all the traffic lights out, I think that’s been the biggest hazard."

In Ottawa, clean up crews face a monumental task. Four hydro transmission towers were destroyed by the strong winds and have left tens of thousands of homes without electricity. More than 160 hydro poles have to be replaced.

"We are making progress on all fronts but road closures and traffic impacts are ongoing due to fallen trees and debris on the roadway," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

-- With reporting by Heather Senoran and Tyler Kelaher