Goderich officials are making progress in the aftermath of Sunday’s devastating tornado despite severe thunderstorms and another tornado warning on Wednesday night.
Thousands more residents have had electricity restored and 60 per cent of the community has natural gas service again.
One thousand more homes got their hydro back overnight and Union Gas hopes to have two thousand homes re-connected by the end of Thursday.
Power has also been restored to the Sifto Evaporator Plant and is coming to town hall today.
Even Highways 8 and 21 in the town have been re-opened in sections.
CAO Larry McCabe tells Bayshore Broadcasting News there isn’t a time frame on the recovery — but the community is pulling together and getting the job down.
McCabe says town officials are currently working on removing all the trees off the streets as well as cleaning up public property.
He says trucks will continue to come and go through Friday night and into Saturday and he expects the cleaning will once again pickup next Monday.
McCabe tells us the next step is to decrease the restricted zone.
He says there are red zones and grey zones — the red zone is off limits while the grey zones allow business owners to get what they need if they have a permit.
He says the town was successful Wednesday in limiting the amount of space the public can’t go.
McCabe notes 90 per cent of Goderich should have electricity again by Friday.
But McCabe says business owners unaffected will not be going back to work — as long as there is no hydro or gas service.
McCabe warns people to not touch anything in the downtown.
The CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Judy Crawford held a meeting for business and land owners Wednesday night at the old arena on MacDonald Street.
She says merchants will not be allowed past police barriers without permits, so they must fill out necessary paperwork.
Crawford notes the owners will be given a certain amount of time by OPP to get into their business and take what they need.
Crawford says clearing up East Street remains at the top of the list.
She tells us Canada Post is a priority for everyone so they can receive their mail.
Crawford notes if you’re needing a package or needing to mail out they will be able to help at the old arena.
Crawford says businesses can also use the old ice surface area in the arena to continue their business.
She adds owners may want to call Huron-Tel to get their old numbers directed to their new phone line or cell phone.
Councillor Kevin Morrison tells Bayshore Broadcasting News that the Square will look different after all is said and done.
He says some buildings will have to come down and some will be condemned.
Morrison says the city of Guelph and Waterloo have been working with the Goderich Parks department to clear the Maitland Cemetery, Lions Harbour Park and the waterfront.
He tells us the date and time has been finalized for a public meeting.
That will go at 10:30 AM on Saturday at the Memorial Arena.
Goderich District Collegiate meanwhile is throwing its doors open to help young people escape the effects of the tornado.
On Thursday and Friday — GDCI will give students from Grades 7 through 12 access to gyms, computer labs and guidance offices.
Principal George McEwan says any students who need to clean up are welcome to use the showers in the school.
