Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-10-98 REPORT 113 " 4. THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON ." --'...." REPORT Meeting: COUNCIL File #Q () 1 . c; E"" Res. # t - 4. L1 -98" By-Law # Date: JANUARY 12, 1998 1/D 10 JO File#: Report #: Subject: STAFF ASSISTANCE IN RELIEF EFFORT FOR THE DISASTER STRICKEN AREAS OF EASTERN ONTARIO AND QUEBEC Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that Council consider the following: 1. THAT Report WD-10-98 be received as a handout; and 2. THAT Council approve the actions. taken by the Director of Public Works to provide labour and equipment to the eastern Ontario communities following declaration of a State of Emergency. REPORT 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 On Thursday, January 8, 1998 a State of Emergency was declared in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. Over a period of three days, Eastern Ontario and Quebec received considerable amounts of freezing rain and snow that left the above mentioned area without power and with innumerable downed trees which severed many transportation links. 2.0 REVIEW AND COMMENT 2.1 On Friday, January 9, 1998, the Municipality of Clarington was contacted by the Region of Durham, and was requested to assist in the relief effort for the disaster stricken areas of Eastern Ontario and Quebec. ",,,",,o.<r\ ..,,," PAN" 'ttJ:1 ~H'Clr f1.<lSISP,,",TEClONRECVCLEO""""R F .. / .!I' REPORT NO.: WD-10-98 PAGB2 2.2 In consultation with the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality of Clarington, the Public Works Department dispatched two operators (Brian Allin and Mike Bourke) and equipment be-ing 1 bucket truck, 2 generators, several chain saws and associated equipment. Along with staff from_ the Region of Durham and the Town of Ajax, Clarington's crew was dispatched from the Hampton Depot (2320 Taunton Road) on Saturday, January 10, 1998 at 6 :00 a.m. to assist the Ottawa area. The Town of Whitby was detoured and dispatches to their twin city Lonquelle. 2.3 At the time of writing this report we are aware that Clarington Hydro was dispatched to Prescott. As well , Langley Utilities, our streetlight contractor, was dispatched to Almont, Ottawa, Hull and Bricom. 2.4 On Sunday, January 11, 1998 and Monday January 12, 1998, Clarington staff had been assigned to assist with tree clearing in the Ottawa suburb of Brittania, attempting to restore hydro in that area. The two generators were tagged and dispatched to medical facilities. 2.5 In conversation with staff by cellular telephone, the reception from all residents in the area is most appreciative.. Re.sidents are assisting with the crews and, at restaurants, they are receiving standing ovations from residents as a sign of their appreciation. Hampering their efforts is six inches of freezing rain hard packed snow on the roads and snow drifts along the shoulders of the roads. This ongoing assistance is expected to continue throughout the week of January 12th as long as the emergency situation exists. '~. / .,. REPORT NO.: lUl-10-98 P 1\.GB 3 2.6 Staff and equipment were dispatched with no conditions and/or commitment of costs being reimbursed by the affected communities. 3.0 CONCLUSION 3.1 It is therefore recommended that Council approve the action of the Director of Public Works to provide two employees along with a bucket truck, generators and tree clearing equipment to to assist in the relief effort in Eastern Ontario. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, ~,v~ Stephen A. VOk:eS, P. Eng. Director of Public Works ~ W. H. Stockwell Chief Administrative Officer SAV/ce January 12, 1998