Chatham-Kent’s mayor and members of council are commending the residents of Wheatley for their perseverance on the anniversary of a gas explosion that rocked the town exactly one year ago.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the citizens of Wheatley have endured a year of uncertainty following the explosion on August 26, 2021, that destroyed two buildings and injured 20 people.
The explosion at 15 Erie St. N also resulted in the evacuation of 67 households and 44 business properties.
“The citizens of Wheatley have worked tirelessly to advocate, collaborate and work with municipal and provincial officials to resolve issues,” Canniff said in a statement on behalf of council. “Between volunteers and organized citizen groups, together members of the community have been unrelenting in their commitment to the downtown core of Wheatley and envisioning what the future could hold.”
While he acknowledged more work is needed in downtown Wheatley, Canniff said he and council “remain committed to helping the community of Wheatley as it moves forward to renewed vibrancy.”
Work crews remain at the site of the explosion as they continue preparations to cap the third and final well in the downtown area, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent further gas leaks.
There has been no gas emission at the site since July 6.