Residents across southern and central Ontario felt a tremor late Tuesday night. Earthquakes Canada confirmed a magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred shortly before 11 p.m. ET, centered approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Orillia, Ontario, at a depth of five kilometers.
Tremor Felt Across a Wide Area
The quake was widely felt, with over 2,000 reports submitted to Earthquakes Canada’s “Did you feel it?” feature. Reports came from as far west as Kitchener, through the Greater Toronto Area, eastward to Belleville, and as far south as Niagara Falls.
Sarah Cowley, an artist based in Beaverton, described a “roaring sound” accompanying the quake. She noted the shaking was significant enough to move the floors of her 120-year-old home, though a visual inspection revealed no immediate damage.
While shaken by the experience, Cowley’s husband remained asleep throughout the event. The tremor comes after a period of challenging weather conditions in the region, including recent extreme snow and cold.
Looking Ahead
There was no immediate reporting of damage or injuries. However, it is possible that residents may discover minor damage to structures as they assess their properties in daylight. Earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, and further minor tremors could occur, though predicting these events remains a significant scientific challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.7, according to Earthquakes Canada.
Where was the earthquake centered?
The tremor was centered approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Orillia, Ontario.
How many people reported feeling the earthquake?
At least 2,000 people reported feeling the rumble through Earthquakes Canada’s “Did you feel it?” link.
How does an event like this impact your perspective on the forces of nature and our place within them?
