Premier Doug Ford and Minister Greg Rickford were in Wheatley on Tuesday to tour the area where the explosion occurred last month.
While in the area they met with Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, Fire Chief Chris Case, CAO Don Shropshire and Ward 1 Councillors Mark Authier and Melissa Harrigan, although other members of council and local media were not informed of the visit.
“We are very thankful for the ongoing work that’s being done to get to the bottom of last month’s explosion,” Ford say in written statement. “We want the families and business that have been affected by this incident to know that our government has their backs. The people of Wheatley deserve answers and we are continuing to provide technical support and funding to the municipality of Chatham-Kent as they investigate the source of the explosion and recover from this devastating event.”
The consulting firm Golder Associates has been hired to conduct a technical analysis of the area. The Ministry of Northern Development continues to fund 24 hour monitoring in the area.
“Seeing and hearing first-hand how the explosion has affected the community brings the issue into focus much more clearly than reading a report or getting information second-hand,” Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire says. “I’m thankful the premier and minister took the time to meet with those who have been most affected.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff said by speaking with residents the premier was also able to feel the spirit of the community.
“The citizens of Wheatley have shown tremendous resiliency and they are determined to get through this and come out stronger,” Canniff says.