As recovery efforts continue following the gas leak explosion in Wheatley, the province is providing further financial aid to those directly affected.
The Ontario government will be providing $3.8 million in funding to help Wheatley residents and ensure Chatham-Kent can continue to deliver emergency services. The province said the funding will be invested in residents’ immediate needs such as housing and food.
Minister Greg Rickford spoke to residents and business owners in Wheatley on Wednesday, and says applications for funding will be available through the municipality with money expected to start flowing to residents by the end of the month. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2022.
“We’ve all been moved by incredible acts of kindness and generosity as residents of Wheatley support their friends and neighbours,” says Premier Doug Ford in a news release. “I want Wheatley’s residents to know that they can count on our government’s support too.”
The province previously announced $2 million to the town in September to aid eligible businesses to resume operations or relocate if necessary.
The provincial government continues to work closely with the municipality with the investigation into the source of the gas leak and to identify mitigation options.
“We will keep going until we’ve determined the cause of the gas leak, and in the meantime, we are providing this additional funding to help alleviate some of the burdens for those who have been displaced from their homes,” Ford says.
The explosion occurred on August 26 on Erie Street and Talbot Road East. Two buildings were destroyed in the blast with several surrounding buildings also damaged by flying debris.
Multiple hydrogen sulphide leaks were also discovered in the area prior to the explosion, prompting evacuation orders in June and July.
While an abandoned gas well was discovered next to the site of the explosion in September, the municipality has been unable to confirm if it is the main source of repeated leaks in the town. However, technical investigators at the scene have identified three primary areas of interest as the investigation continues.
