An explosion in downtown Wheatley brings a building down to rubble. BlackburnNews.com file photo by Kari Matheson. An explosion in downtown Wheatley brings a building down to rubble. BlackburnNews.com file photo by Kari Matheson.
Chatham

Wheatley residents from blast zone can gather their belongings

Residents in Wheatley who were forced out of their homes and businesses just before an explosion in August are finally being allowed to access their properties to retrieve some needed belongings.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said they will begin to access their properties in the evacuation zone in downtown Wheatley this week. Municipal officials said 40 appointments have been set up to allow visits beginning with six on Wednesday and another six on Thursday.

The municipality has been working with residents, business owners and their insurers for weeks to coordinate the safe access into the evacuation zone.

“The first visit includes staff from Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services and Building Development Services, who will enter the property in safety gear to monitor and determine if the property is safe to enter. If the property is deemed safe, the owners will be able to enter,” said General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Thomas Kelly, in a news release late Tuesday afternoon.

Municipal officials said work continues in the area where the explosion occurred. Structural engineers are also assessing the damage to adjacent buildings. Work to identify the pathway mapping for the methane and hydrogen sulphide gas is also ongoing.

Municipal officials also noted that three stationary gas monitors are being installed in the problem area to enhance public safety.

A major blast at 15 Erie Street North on August 26, 2021 hurt 20 residents, destroyed several buildings, and forced dozens of people from their properties. Multiple hydrogen sulphide gas leaks in the area since June 2, 2021 have also caused anxiety and frustration among residents. Many of them are uncertain about their futures.

Residents have been asking for access to their properties for several weeks to gather their belongings and check on their properties.

Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry Greg Rickford will be in Wheatley on Wednesday to make an important announcement for the residents. Rickford will be at Chatham-Kent Fire Station 20 at 130 Talbot Road at noon.

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