After days of clearing drifts, plowing streets, and towing abandoned vehicles, a state of emergency declared on December 24 has been lifted.
Municipal officials say the state of emergency declaration was ordered through the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, and allows the municipality to deal with a situation that constitutes a danger that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial property damage.
Local public works, fire, police, EMS, and other municipal workers are being praised for their efforts in responding to extraordinary situations by clearing roads, providing medical aid, establishing emergency shelters, and coordinating rescues of stranded motorists and others.
Mayor Darrin Canniff also praised members of local service groups, schools, churches, and individuals who stepped up to provide food and accommodations to stranded holiday travelers.
Most rural roads and major arterial routes in the community have been cleared although secondary residential streets in urban areas could take 24 to 48 hours to clear.
A ban on parking vehicles on municipal streets and roads remains in effect until 2pm on Tuesday, December 27.
“We are asking motorists to make every effort to move their vehicles off the streets so that the plows can clear the roads more effectively,” said Ryan Brown, Director of Public Works, “We recognize that this is an inconvenience, but there are no other options. Emergency vehicles, citizens, and local businesses all depend on these streets being cleared as quickly as possible. The order will be rescinded as soon as road conditions warrant it to limit the inconvenience to residents.”
Public works snowplows are working throughout the municipality today. To follow their progress visit https://chatham-kent.plowtracker.com/