Following the gas event that took place on Thursdaycin Wheatley, the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources visited downtown Wheatley to survey the site.
The Minister then spoke to media at the Wheatley Fire Hall, offering words of encouragement and reassurance that the Province will continue to support Wheatley through ongoing Provincial investment in finding, capping and monitoring abandoned gas wells throughout the region, Municipal officials say.
In attendance at the media event were Hon. Mike Harris – Minister of Natural Resources, MPP Trevor Jones, Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, Ward 1 Councillor Lauren Anderson, Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case, and TL Watson & Associates President Theresa Watson.
As of Friday morning, residents temporarily displaced from their homes were permitted to return, all roads reopened, and power restored.
The Wheatley Library branch will remain closed until further notice while the investigation continues.
Chatham-Kent Economic Development and Tourism Services’ dedicated Wheatley Economic Development Officer is currently on scene to assist businesses affected by the situation.
For businesses in need, Kyra Knapp can be reached at KyraK@chatham-kent.ca.
The quick resolution of the gas event means that this weekend’s scheduled Wheatley Fish Festival is still taking place.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the people of Wheatley, who time and time again have shown courage, flexibility, and a willingness to put community before self,” said Councillor Lauren Anderson, in a media release.
“I would also like to thank the numerous agencies, both local and from afar, who acted extremely quickly to come to Wheatley’s aid. It’s amazing to see the collaboration we’ve built over the years come together so quickly to remedy a frightening situation.”
For immediate notifications in times of emergency, residents are encourage to sign up for CKAlert at www.CKAlert.ca.
