The Luxury of Being Prepared: What Happens to Your Newmarket Ontario Home When the Power Goes Out?

01 · The big idea

The Ontario Ice Storm That Reminded Us Why Preparation Matters

If there is one thing Ontario weather has taught us, it’s that conditions can change quickly. And sometimes the consequences extend well beyond a difficult commute.

During the major ice storm of March and April 2025, Hydro One recorded approximately 1.2 million service interruptions across its distribution system. That’s an extraordinary figure. Importantly, it represents interruptions rather than 1.2 million separate households, because some customers experienced more than one outage. Hydro One reported that more than 600,000 customers were affected (Ontario Energy Board record).

Accumulated ice brought down trees, poles and power lines across much of Hydro One’s service territory. Not every part of York Region experienced the same disruption. But the event is a reminder that even established communities aren’t immune to major weather-related outages.

For homeowners, the lesson isn’t to expect the worst. It’s to understand what your property depends on before something happens. And that begins with asking which systems are essential to keeping your home safe and functional.

A prepared home isn’t a frightened home. It’s one where the important questions have already been answered.

02 · Hidden dependency

The Hidden Dependency: Your Heating System Needs Electricity

Here’s something homeowners may overlook. Even if your home has a natural gas furnace, the equipment generally still needs electricity to operate its controls and circulate warm air. So when the power goes out, the heating can stop too.

During a short outage, a properly insulated home may retain heat for a period of time. But during extended cold-weather interruptions, falling indoor temperatures can become a serious concern.

For larger homes with multiple heating zones, radiant flooring, boilers or sophisticated mechanical systems, it’s particularly important to understand which components depend on electricity. I would encourage homeowners to speak with their HVAC and electrical professionals about the systems that should receive priority during an outage.

Not every appliance needs to keep running. But maintaining essential heating, where feasible and appropriate, may be part of protecting the property.

The real luxury isn’t having every light on during a storm. It’s knowing the important systems have been considered.

Related reading: The hidden work behind a winter-ready luxury home in Newmarket Ontario & Aurora

03 · Backup power

The Backup Generator: Not All Systems Are Created Equal

When people hear the words backup power, they often picture a whole-home generator. Depending on the property, that may be a worthwhile option. But there are several approaches to consider.

And here’s an important detail. A generator’s advertised capacity doesn’t tell you everything. You need to know which circuits it will support, whether it can handle equipment starting loads, and how long the available fuel or stored energy can sustain the selected appliances. For a larger luxury property, an electrical professional should assess those requirements rather than relying on guesswork.

For more on carbon monoxide risks, see Health Canada’s guidance on preventing carbon monoxide exposure. The Government of Canada also advises getting advice from a licensed electrician before installing a generator.

04 · Below the surface

The Sump Pump: The Small Machine That Can Protect a Finished Basement

Here’s one of the less obvious risks during an outage. Many homeowners invest significantly in finished basements, entertainment areas, home gyms, wine rooms and lower-level living spaces. But if the property relies on an electrically powered sump pump to move groundwater away from its foundation, a power outage can interrupt that protection. And storms that cause power outages may also bring rain or melting snow. That’s a combination worth preparing for.

The Government of Ontario recommends testing sump pumps and installing a back-up power system, such as a battery back-up or generator, and testing that back-up regularly (Ontario: Floods). Many pumps are replaced around every ten years, but follow the manufacturer’s guidance and your plumber’s advice. A battery-powered backup pump may provide additional protection if the main pump cannot operate.

The plumber who checks a small mechanical component may be helping protect one of the most beautifully finished areas of your home.

For me, this is a perfect example of the invisible staff. And that’s valuable work, even when nobody sees it.

05 · Connected homes

What Happens to Your Security and Smart-Home Systems?

We’ve previously explored how smart technology can help homeowners monitor their properties while travelling. But there’s another side to that conversation. What happens when the internet router loses power? Or the cameras stop recording? Or a smart lock or alarm component no longer operates as expected?

Different systems have different backup capabilities. Some alarms contain their own backup batteries. Certain devices continue operating locally even if internet service is unavailable. Others may lose remote-access features until connectivity returns.

That’s why I would encourage homeowners to ask their security or automation provider for an outage-response plan:

• Which devices have batteries, and how long can they operate?
• What features remain available without internet access?
• Should the router and other essential communications equipment have backup power?

Because a smart home is only useful when you understand its limitations.

Related reading: Who’s looking after your home when you’re not there? Smart estate management in York Region

06 · The invisible staff

The Professionals Who Make a Home Resilient

Throughout this Invisible Staff series, I’ve been exploring the people who quietly make our homes easier to enjoy. Backup power introduces another important team.

• Licensed electrical contractor
• HVAC specialist
• Plumber
• Security professional
• Property manager or home-watch professional

An electrical contractor can evaluate power needs and installation requirements. An HVAC specialist can identify heating equipment that needs protection. A plumber can review sump pumps and backup drainage. A security professional can assess alarm and connectivity contingencies. And a dependable home-watch professional can provide a physical response when something requires attention.

What matters is that everyone understands their role:

• Who receives the alert?
• Who contacts the electrician?
• Who can access the property?
• Who makes decisions if urgent work is required?

A home doesn’t need a complicated emergency plan. But it does need a clear one.

For families who travel regularly or maintain more than one property, that can be especially reassuring.

Related reading: More from the Invisible Staff series: how to build your own household team in Newmarket Ontario

07 · Buying and selling

What Luxury Buyers Should Ask Before Purchasing

This is another area where thoughtful questions can make a difference. If you’re considering a luxury home in Newmarket Ontario or Aurora, don’t focus only on the visible features.

A qualified home inspector and the appropriate specialists can help evaluate these features. Accurate information allows buyers to make better decisions. If you’re planning to sell, a home valuation for your Newmarket Ontario property is a good place to start.

08 · Newmarket Ontario & Aurora

What This Means for Living in Newmarket Ontario and Aurora

One of the things I love about our communities is how much care homeowners put into their properties. Established neighbourhoods. Mature landscaping. Thoughtfully designed homes. Spaces that families have worked hard to create.

But luxury ownership involves more than choosing finishes and maintaining appearances. It’s also understanding the systems that keep those spaces comfortable and protected. And sometimes the smartest investment is one nobody notices until it’s needed.

Five questions every homeowner should ask

Before the next major storm, consider these questions:

• Which essential systems stop operating during a power outage?
• Does our property have appropriate backup power for heating, drainage and essential communications?
• Have our generator, battery systems and sump pumps been professionally inspected and tested?
• Who can access the property and coordinate help while we’re away?
• Do we have emergency supplies and a practical plan for an extended outage?

You may not need an elaborate whole-home backup system. But knowing your home’s vulnerabilities gives you a better starting point. For provincial guidance on preparing a household, see the Ontario government’s power outages and blackouts page.

Related reading: The luxury of breathing better: indoor air quality in Newmarket Ontario homes

References

Sources and Further Reading