Local MPP thanks those involved in ice storm cleanup, promises ‘we’ll get through this’
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock (HKLB) Member of Provincial Parliament Laurie Scott singled out some of the thousands of individuals who are currently involved in the cleanup of the ice storm that pounded central Ontario from March 28 to March 30, causing extreme damage to both individual property and government infrastructure.
“Our communities in HKLB were hit hard by the ice storm,” Scott told Kawartha Lakes Weekly, “and these are difficult times for families impacted by the power outages.”
Scott highlighted the work being done by hydro workers from all across Canada.
“Four thousand eight hundred hydro workers from all over Ontario and other provinces are working around the clock to restore power to thousands of families and businesses everyday,” Scott said. “For example, this past weekend 60 hydro workers arrived in Minden from New Brunswick and yesterday 8,000 homes were reconnected alone. Current challenges in our area include replacing and repairing hundreds of damaged poles and rebuilding parts of the power grid.”
Scott said that she had been in constant communication with the mayors and their municipal teams from across her riding, and she has been communicating regularly with Premier Doug Ford and the government ministries responsible for emergency preparedness and response, municipal affairs and energy.
“This past weekend, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop and I have visited communities (in the riding) to assess the damage and see the important work done by hydro crews, paramedics, firefighters, and staff and volunteers in the warming centres,” Scott said.
Scott made sure to also point out the valuable work being done by emergency management personnel, municipal staff and volunteers including members of the Ontario Corps, who are delivering much needed services to those in need.
Scott reminded HKLB residents that there are warming centres available where people can access water, charge their devices, warm up, and there are shower centres for people to use. Scott said that information about these warming centre locations can be found on municipal websites, which she shares daily on her social media page.
“We are stronger together and we will continue to work to support families and businesses in Ontario,” Scott said. “We need to support one another during this difficult time and check in on our neighbours. We will get through this.”
Perhaps Ms. Scott would care to comment on the fact that, whilst our power was restored in 24 hours, we are still without means of heating water other than a kettle!
My power was out for 10 days. Many people are still out. In rural areas that means you have no water. Can’t flush toilets or wash dishes for example. I have been told of several seniors who were alone, no hydro, no heat, no water, no light, no food. Fortunately neighbours helped as much as they could. There were no wellness checks by any level of government. Why not?
Not one of the elected officials was seen in the Kirkfield, Coboconk, Norland area. Where were they? What are any of them doing for the people who still have no power?