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petespaint.ca Vol. 12, Issue 33
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Blast zone cleanup is complete; work continues to find source
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By Mark Ribble WHEATLEY — The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced that the clean-up of debris within the immediate area of 15 Erie Street North in Wheatley is complete. Tons of debris were cleaned up and taken away in large disposal bins last week as investigators continue to search for the hydrogen sulphide gas leak that has eluded them so far. A media call held last Thursday cleared up some rumours and speculation about the future of the remaining Erie Street North buildings in that area. “The structural integrity of buildings in the vicinity of the blast has not been determined as of yet,” said Chatham-Kent CAO Don Shropshire. “Municipal officials will take the appropriate action regarding structures when it is safe to do so.” Shropshire warned that people sharing photos and speculating on social media as to the future of the block are hindering the investigation. “We count on the media to get our message out and we trust them to do so,” he said. “Facebook rumours cannot be trusted.” Shropshire thanked the media for helping them get accurate information to the community and reiterated his pleas for everyone to stay away until the leak is found and dealt with. The debris that filled the street and nearby alleys has been taken away with precautions taken due to possible asbestos and other contaminants in those old buildings. A clear picture is starting to emerge of what remains and that should help investigators in their quest to find the elusive leak and get it plugged. A technical advisory group — including municipal emergency, building, engineering and utilities — along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, is examining how best to determine the source of the leak. Private sector officials are providing technical advice as well. A strong odour drifted through many parts of Wheatley on Saturday, September 11, prompting speculation that the gas leak had returned, but gas level monitors detected no gas. It was eventually thought to be lake inversion, which happens when the warm surface water cools quickly and the warm water underneath rises to the surface. Municipal officials were busy on the weekend going door-to-door in the village, answering questions and giving out pertinent information to over 300 residents. Meanwhile, the community continues to wrap its arms around those residents directly affected by the blast.
BLAST ZONE - Page 2
BALLOON FUN AT FESTIVAL OF NATIONS
LEAMINGTON — Jangles the Clown had a very busy evening making balloon creations for the kids at the annual Festival of Guest Nations on Sunday, September 12 at Seacliff Park. Here, Jangles hands a skeleton balloon creation to a very excited youngster. A full story on the festival is on page 3. SUN photo
Election on Monday, Sept. 20 REGIONAL — With the federal election only days away, local candidates — as well as those on the national level — are scrambling to make last minute pleas for votes. Many advance polling stations were busy this past weekend, with a good voter turnout expected in this election. Let this serve as a reminder to get out and vote on Monday if you haven’t already done so. In the riding of Chatham-Kent Leam-
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ington, your choices are Conservative Dave Epp, Green Party Mark Vercouteren, Liberal Greg Hetherington, NDP Dan Gelinas, and People’s Party Liz Vallee. In the riding of Essex, your choices are Christian Heritage Party Jeremy Palko, Conservative Chris Lewis, Green Party Nancy Pancheshan, Independent Andrew George, Liberal Audrey Festeryga, NDP Tracey Ramsey and People’s Party Beth Charron-Rowberry.
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