Caledon cleans up after last week’s storm

March 30, 2016 · 0 Comments

It might have been a last roar of winter in these parts, but it sure caught attention.
The area was hit late last week with combinations of freezing rain, high winds and cold temperatures. The result was closed schools last Thursday, giving local young people an extra long Easter weekend. As well, ice accumulating in trees caused considerable damage, causing numerous power blackouts.
Crews were on the job all weekend trying to get hydro restored. Mayor Allan Thompson reported Tuesday night that he hoped everything would be back to normal that night.
“I hope we’ve got everything powered up,” he remarked.
In response, the Town set up warming facilities in a number of buildings.
There was one centre opened Friday at the Caledon Community Complex in Caledon East.
“Thousands of Caledon residents have been without power since early evening Thursday,” Thompson said at the time. “With the Good Friday holiday closures, the warming centre at Caledon Community Complex is a central location for residents seeking warmth, a cup of coffee or internet access.”
Others were set up Saturday at Mayfield Recreation Complex, Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness, Albion-Bolton Community Centre and Lloyd Wilson Arena in Inglewood.
Laura Johnston, executive director of strategic initiatives for the Town, said these facilities were not heavily used, although they were available.
It was estimated by Hydro One that power outages affected at least 6,000 Caledon customers.
Caledon OPP were kept busy dealing with the results of the storm.
Constable Tamara Schubert reported they dealt with 34 calls reported wires down, 32 dealing with traffic hazards, 27 to address dangerous conditions, 24 residential alarms and 14 motor vehicle collisions.