The Municipality of Chatham-Kent says the odd smell Wheatley residents reported this weekend was not a gas leak from the site of a recent explosion.
In a statement issued on Monday, Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said emergency personnel responded to each report with detection equipment and no gas was detected at the site. Shropshire said the smell could be coming from agricultural activities, lake water turning over, or an odour from offshore gas wells.
Municipal officials are warning residents about rumours circulating on social media about this and other situations.
"We are asking that residents contact the municipality if they have questions or concerns and not spread gossip on social media channels," said Shropshire. "If there is something to report, we will provide information to legitimate media outlets and use official municipal social media channels, including the subscription list. We are committed to getting accurate information to citizens in as timely a manner as possible. Rumors and uninformed and misguided theories simply upset residents."
Residents can join an email list to provide them with updated information by filling in a form on the municipality's website here or by calling 3-1-1 or emailing ck311@chatham-kent.ca with contact information such as name, phone number, address, and email address.
Chatham Kent municipal employees and members of Chatham-Kent Emergency Services went door to door during the weekend to provide emergency preparedness advice and answer questions about the explosion at 15 Erie Street North on August 26.
Fire Chief Chris Case said work continues to find and manage the source of the toxic hydrogen gas leak discovered on June 2, 2021.
"We can't say for sure that further evacuations won't be necessary. Community safety remains our priority so please be prepared," said the chief.
Information on community aid efforts can be found at the Active Citizens Facebook group.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff attended a community fundraising fish fry on Sunday and said he was moved by the spirit and attitude of Wheatley citizens.
"Wheatley strong isn't just a tag line; the citizens are determined to get their community back. I've spoken to people right across the municipality and everyone in Chatham-Kent is behind Wheatley," said the mayor.
Currently 12 families continue to live in temporary accommodations. Evacuees can call 519-351-8573 during office hours to speak to a Wheatley Crisis Case Manager. After hours, they can call 519-354-6628. Residents who need information after hours can call 519-350-2956.