Municipal and provincial officials have formed a technical advisory group to build a framework for the investigation into the cause of the Wheatley explosion.
Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire says "significant movement" has been made in preparing to find the source of the hydrogen sulfide gas leak.
"Municipal and provincial officials met in Wheatley Monday and have formed a technical advisory group that will set parameters for the investigation of the explosion and finding the source of the hydrogen sulfide leak, which is the suspected cause," he said. "Establishing how the effort will proceed is a necessary step to getting where we want to be."
Shropshire said there is no timetable for residents to return to the two-block evacuation area around the site of the blast at 15 Erie Street North.
"There are structural issues regarding a number of buildings, contaminated debris, and the leak itself," he said. "It will be some time before we can contemplate allowing people into the area."
A limited number of workers will be entering a section of the downtown area away from the immediate blast zone to board up windows that had been blown out.
According to the municipality, people from more than 100 households have sought help at the Wheatley Arena reception centre.
Officials say 13 families are being housed and officials are assisting local groups who are coordinating donations.
Residents who are looking to return to their properties in the non-evacuation zone are asked to contact 519-350-2956 to confirm their eligibility to return.
The Wheatley community has also set up a food hub and donation reception centre at the Talbot Trail golf course in Wheatley.
For further details, residents can contact the golf course at 519-825-4521.