It’s been almost a month since an explosion rocked downtown Wheatley, sending several people to hospital and forcing dozens from their homes.
Chatham-Kent’s Director of Human Resources, Cathy Hoffman, says municipal staff have had in-person meetings, phone calls, or left information packages with residents from over 800 homes.
“The purpose of going out door-to-door is to answer questions and have a visual presence, and also to start to build an extended registry in the event that we have either a planned or unplanned evacuation that occurs in the future, so we are in a better position to be able to maneuver that efficiently and safely for residents.”
As the province and technical experts continue their investigation into the source of the hydrogen sulphide, municipal CAO Don Shropshire says they’ll make sure residents are given proper notice about any more work or demolition that needs to be done.
“We have requested the provincial government work closely with us so we can get any kind of work schedules or plans communicated to this community so people know what’s happening, when it’s happening,” Shropshire says. “If there is any additional risk that’s perceived, then we can use the list we’ve already created and communicate that to people. If we have to extend the evacuation zone, that’s already in place, it can happen faster.”
The reception centre has been relocated from the arena to the Wheatley Village Resource Centre and Food Bank at 108 Talbot Street East. Case Managers will be on site to help evacuees with housing, food, and other support services. This service will operate Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the week of September 20th to September 24.
The Wheatley Recovery Group has been essential to the recovery efforts as the group has connected residents in need, identified service gaps in the community, and launched the Wheatley BIA Disaster Relief Fund application through the Municipal website.
Evacuees may also call 519-351-8573 Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and ask to speak with a Wheatley Crisis Case Manager for assistance with housing, food, and other support services.
Residents requiring emergency housing outside of weekday office hours may call the Homeless Response Line (HRL) at (519) 354-6628.
Residents requiring general information should call (519) 360 – 1998 or 3-1-1 Monday- Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. To subscribe to email updates please email ck311@chatham-kent.ca