| June 2, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.: Video Update from Mayor Kentner |
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A video update from Mayor Kentner on the on-going situation.
Please click here to view the video
| Transcript |
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"Good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of Council and the Municipality, I wanted to reiterate the positive news we received on Wednesday night.
As of 6:30 p.m. on May 31, the do-not-consume advisory for the Meaford water system was lifted. The Municipality received confirmation from the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, that the advisory could be lifted and that residents are again able to drink water from the municipal water system. Dr. Arra issued the recommendation after sample results from the municipal water system came back negative for potential contaminants.
The Ministry of Health and Grey Bruce Public Health required test results from four sets of samples, taken from the municipal water system over a 72 hour period. Based on the results of those samples, the Municipality has now received confirmation from Grey Bruce Public Health that the drinking water meets provincial water quality standards.
Our thoughts continue to be with the owners of Johnny B’s Automotive and their employees as they navigate the next steps following the fire.
I want to say thank you to municipal staff who have worked very hard during the situation, always with the best interests of the Municipality at the forefront in their actions. And I want to express my sincerest appreciation to this tremendous community during a challenging time. The strength and support residents provided to each other is commendable.
The Municipality of Meaford continues to be under a state of emergency based on ongoing concerns about soil contamination and other site remediation issues. This state of emergency should not affect residents at this time, but it does provide the Municipality more powers and authority to deal with the consequences of the fire on Sykes Street on May 25th. The Municipality continues to work with experts in the contamination field, source water protection agencies and the provincial government to address these ongoing concerns.
For more information as it becomes available, please visit the website at www.meaford.ca/emergencyupdates.
Thank you.”
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May 31, 2023 at 7:40 p.m.: Municipality Announces End of “Do-not-Consume” Advisory for Meaford Water System
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As of 6:30 p.m. today, the do-not-consume advisory for the Meaford water system has been lifted. The Municipality received confirmation from the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, that the advisory could be lifted and that residents can now drink water from the municipal water system. Dr. Ian Arra issued the recommendation after sample results from the municipal water system came back negative for potential contaminants.
The Ministry of Health and Grey Bruce Public Health required test results from four sets of samples, taken from the municipal water system over a 72 hour period. Based on the results of those samples, the Municipality has now received confirmation from Grey Bruce Public Health that the drinking water meets provincial water quality standards.
Residents can return to using the municipal water as they would normally, including providing tap water to pets and using water to brush teeth, wash produce, make infant formula and make ice cubes.
The Municipality, in consultation with Public Health, has also decided to lift the advisory to avoid swimming in Georgian Bay, meaning residents can once again enjoy the water.
“We appreciate the patience of the community during do-not-consume advisory, and commend our residents for their supportive and collaborative spirit as we moved through this challenge” says CAO Rob Armstrong.
“It is our mandate, priority, and mission to protect and promote the health of all individuals, families, and communities in Grey-Bruce,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra.
The Municipality of Meaford continues to be under a state of emergency based on ongoing concerns about soil contamination and other site remediation issues. This state of emergency should not affect residents at this time, but it does provide the Municipality more powers and authority to deal with the consequences of the fire on Sykes Street on May 25, 2023. The Municipality continues to work with experts in the contamination field, source water protection agencies and the provincial government to address these ongoing concerns.
Click here to read the news release.
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| May 31, 2023 at 11:27 a.m.: Meaford Provides Update on Municipal Emergency |
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As of 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the Municipality of Meaford is still under an emergency declaration as a result of environmental concerns following the Sykes Street fire on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
The “Do-Not-Consume” advisory for the Meaford water system remains in place. The Municipality continues to take samples from the water system and is currently waiting for a third set of sample results after a request from the Ministry of Health and Grey Bruce Health Unit. We anticipate receiving these results on Thursday, June 1, and will provide an update at that time. The temporary water distribution and refill centre at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre (151 Collingwood Street West) will remain open as long as the “Do-Not-Consume” advisory is in place. Bottled water is available while supplies last and is limited to one case per family. Bulk water is also available for residents; please bring your own bottles and containers to fill.
If members of the community would like to volunteer to assist at the water distribution and refill centre, they should go to www.meaford.ca/WaterVolunteer to find out more information and sign up.
Grey Bruce Health Unit continue to recommend that people and animals do not swim in Georgian Bay at this time.
The temporary burn ban that has been in place since Friday, May 26, 2023, has ended. Residents may now have fires on their property, subject to the provisions of the Open Air Burn By-law and their Burn Permit. If you require a burn permit, please go to https://meaford.burnpermits.com.
Additional information will be provided as soon as the Municipal Emergency Control Group has received information from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks, and the Grey Bruce Health Unit regarding water testing. Visit www.meaford.ca/EmergencyUpdates for the latest information.
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| May 30, 2023 at 2:11 p.m.: Call for Volunteers to Support the Water Distribution Centre |
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The Municipality of Meaford is looking for volunteers to assist at the temporary Water Distribution Centre. The Centre is located at the Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre (151 Collingwood Street W) and will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., as long as the “Do-not-Consume” Advisory is in place.
“The do-not-consume advisory remains in place, and it would be wonderful to have volunteers from the community to assist us in providing potable water to our residents,” said Matt Smith, Director of Community Services.
Volunteers will assist in distributing bottled and bulk water to the community. Shifts are 4 hours in length. Training and PPE will be provided, and a municipal staff member will be on site throughout.
Community members are encouraged to get involved. Please visit www.meaford.ca/WaterVolunteer to register to volunteer. A municipal staff member will be in touch with you to assign shift(s) based on the responses received. Please do not show up without receiving a confirmation from a municipal staff member on your scheduled shift(s).
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| May 29, 2023 at 1:30 p.m: Video Update from Mayor Kentner |
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A video update from Mayor Kentner on the on-going situation.
Please click here to view the video
| Transcript |
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"Good afternoon everyone,
On behalf of Council and the Municipality I wanted to take a moment and speak to you regarding Thursday’s fire on Sykes Street North and the resulting environmental impact. First of all, I would like to thank and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters and those from our neighbouring communities.
Our thoughts are also with the owners of Johnny B’s Automotive and their employees. Such an important business in our community and we hope to see their business rise from the ashes, so to speak.
On Sunday afternoon I declared a formal emergency due to ongoing environmental concerns resulting from the fire, following advice from our emergency control group. The concerns are site contaminants, and particularly the risk of these flowing into the bay should the weather change.
We’re taking all necessary steps to protect the community. Our Emergency Control Group is working continuously with the health unit and provincial government regarding our next steps and requesting assistance from appropriate agencies.
At this time, which for the record is Monday, May 29 at 11:15 am., residents on the municipal water system continue to be under a ‘Do-Not-Consume’ advisory. Based on the results of water testing the Grey Bruce Health Unit will determine whether the ‘Do-Not-Consume’ advisory can be lifted.
Due to the complexity of the toxins involved, we understand it could be 48 hours before we have additional information. The Municipality will continue to provide bulk and bottled water at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre. This morning an additional shipment of bottled water was received. We will continue to ensure that we have water supplies at the ready just as long as this situation persists.
In addition, the temporary fire ban that was announced on Friday, May 26, has been extended until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, because of the ongoing impacts of the Sykes Street fire on the Meaford Fire Department, both in terms of personnel and equipment.
For details and up-to-date information visit the municipal web site. Residents can also call the municipal office during regular working hours at 519-538-1060, or call 211 at other times. Businesses should contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit for advice on safe operations during the advisory.
And again, I want to thank the residents and businesses of Meaford for their patience and understanding as we move through this process."
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This notice was shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along for updates.
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| May 29, 2023 at 11:10 a.m.: Large Order of Bottled Water Expected at 3:00 p.m. |
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Please be advised, the temporary water distribution and refill center is receiving a large order of bottled water at 3:00 p.m. today, Monday, May 29, 2023. Bottled water supply is very limited at this time. If you are not in urgent need of drinking water, please wait until after 3:00 p.m. to pick-up a case.
Bulk water continues to be available to residents; please bring your own bottles or containers to fill.
This notice was shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along for updates.
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| May 29, 2023 at 9:45 a.m.: Bottled Water Available at Temporary Water Distribution and Refill Center |
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The Municipality would like to remind residents that the “Do-Not-Consume” advisory is still in effect for anyone on the municipal water system.
We are happy to report that we have received another delivery of bottled water for residents.
The temporary water distribution and refill center is open today, Monday, May 29 until 8:00 p.m. at the St. Vincent and Meaford Community Center (151 Collingwood Street W).
Bottled water is available while supplies last and is limited to one case per family. Bulk water is also available for residents; please bring your own bottles and containers to fill. If you require special considerations and are not physically able to pick-up water, please call 2-1-1 for assistance.
This notice was shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along for updates.
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| May 29, 2023 at 9:45 a.m.: Meaford Fire Department Extends Temporary Fire Ban |
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The temporary fire ban that was announced on Friday, May 26, has been extended until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, due to ongoing impacts of the Sykes Street fire on Thursday, May 25 on the Meaford Fire Department, both in terms of personnel and equipment. We thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.
This notice was shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along for updates.
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| May 28, 2023 at 4:06 p.m.: Municipality Declares Emergency Related to Environmental Concerns - ‘Do-Not-Consume’ Advisory Continues |
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The Municipality of Meaford is declaring a formal Emergency following the fire on Sykes Street North on Thursday, May 25, 2023, due to ongoing environmental concerns. There are concerns about contaminants leaching into the ground surrounding the property and residue on the site of the fire flowing into the water should the weather change. Please note, residents on the municipal water system continue to be under a ‘Do-Not-Consume’ advisory.
“We believe that the best approach is to declare an emergency to ensure the Municipality can take all necessary steps to protect the community, and request assistance from appropriate agencies. On behalf of Council and the Municipality, I would like to express my gratitude to the residents and businesses of Meaford for their patience and understanding as we move through this process,” said Mayor Ross Kentner on Sunday. “We are doing everything that we can to expedite the approvals that we need from provincial partners. While we know this is an inconvenience to residents and businesses, we expect to have additional information about the ‘Do-Not-Consume’ advisory within the next 48 hours. Our thoughts are with the owners of Johnny B’s, as they will be dealing with the consequences of Thursday’s fire for months to come.”
The Municipality has provided water samples to the Ministry of Environment and is currently awaiting results. Once results are received, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will determine whether the ‘Do-Not-Consume’ advisory can be lifted. Drone footage is also being provided to the Ministry of Environment to show that there is no debris or contamination in the area surrounding the water intake.
Bulk water continues to be available at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 28 and will be available between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day until the “Do-Not-Consume” advisory is lifted. Bottled water supplies have run out at this time, but additional bottled water will be procured on Monday, May 29.
Rob Armstrong, CAO, says that “Our Emergency Control Group is working continuously with the health unit and provincial government regarding our next steps, and requesting guidance on how to move forward if sampling and testing continues past Monday. While we still see the testing as precautionary, it is important that residents abide by the ‘Do-Not-Consume’ advisory.”
The Municipality will be requesting assistance from experts in the contamination field, source water protection agencies and the provincial government. It is important that residents are aware that there may be additional issues after the end of the initial “Do-Not-Consume” advisory. The Municipality will continue to provide up to date information as necessary.
Businesses who are reliant on consumption of water should contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit for advice on safe operations during the advisory. It remains safe to use water for other purposes, such as the use of bathrooms. The Municipality will continue to provide updates through www.meaford.ca/EmergencyUpdates. Residents can also call the municipal office during regular working hours at 519-538-1060, or call 211 at other times.
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| May 28, 2023 at 2:33 p.m.: Bulk Water Still Available; Bottled Water Supply Temporarily Unavailable |
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A reminder to residents that bulk water is still available at the temporary water distribution center located at the St. Vincent and Meaford Community Center (151 Collingwood Street W) until 8:00 p.m. tonight. Please bring you own bottles and containers to fill.
Please note, we have run out of bottled water at this time. For more information about the advisory and updates as they become available, please continue to check www.meaford.ca/EmergencyUpdates or call 2-1-1.
If you have special considerations and are not physically able to pick up water, please call 2-1-1 for assistance.
This reminder was shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along for updates.
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| May 28, 2023 at 8:50 a.m.: Do-Not-Consume Advisory Remains in Place |
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The Municipality would like to remind residents that the “do-not-consume” advisory is still in effect for anyone on the municipal water system.
For residents in need of drinking water, a temporary water distribution center is open today, Sunday, May 28 until 8:00 p.m. at the St. Vincent and Meaford Community Center (151 Collingwood Street W). Bulk water is available for residents, please bring your own bottles and containers to fill. Bottled water will be available while supplies last and is limited to one case per family.
Residents who require special considerations and are physically unable to go to the pick-up site can call 211 for assistance.
Out of an abundance of caution, residents and pets are advised to stay out of the Bay at this time.
This reminder was shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along for updates.
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| May 26, 2023 at 4:41 p.m.: Municipality Issues a "Do-Not-Consume" Advisory for Meaford Water System |
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In consultation with Grey Bruce Public Health, The Municipality of Meaford would like to share the following updates.
The municipal water system has been restored and conservation of water is no longer necessary. However, the Municipality has issued a “do-not-consume” advisory until the Ministry of Environment completes all required tests to confirm the water is safe to drink and that the fire has had no impact on the water system.
It is expected that the tests will be completed by Monday, May 29, 2023. If this timeline changes, the Municipality of Meaford will provide an update to residents.
The do-not-consume advisory also urges residents to not provide tap water to any pets or use the water to:
- Brush their teeth;
- Wash fruits or vegetables;
- Prepare food or drinks;
- Make infant formula; or
- Make ice cubes.
Residents on the municipal water system may use their tap water to:
- Flush the toilet;
- Do laundry;
- Wash the dishes;
- Have a shower or bath (younger children should be supervised to ensure they do not consume the water); and
- Water yards and gardens.
For residents in need of drinking water, a temporary water distribution center has been set up at St. Vincent and Meaford Community Center (151 Collingwood Street W) to provide bottled and bulk water. Bottled water is available while supplies last and is limited to one case per family. Bulk water will continue to be available to residents if they bring their own bottles and containers to fill.
The Community Center will remain open to distribute water on Friday, May 26, 2023 until 8:00 p.m. and reopen on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Residents who require special considerations and are physically unable to go to the pick-up site can call 211 for assistance.
Out of an abundance of caution, residents and pets are advised to stay out of the Bay at this time.
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| May 26, 2023 at 4:33 p.m.: Meaford Fire Department Issues Temporary Fire Ban |
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Please note: This fire ban has been extended to 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Due to equipment and personnel shortages following the fire on Sykes Street North on 26-27 May, 2023, the Meaford Fire Department Chief has issued a temporary fire ban to ensure the community is adequately protected this weekend. The ban takes effect as of 4 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, and will be removed at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 29, 2023.
“Our firefighters, and our friends from the Inter-Township Fire Department, the Blue Mountains Fire Department, and the Grey Highlands Fire Department, worked extremely hard through the night to ensure the fire on Sykes Street did not spread further.” said Fire Chief Courtney Allen. “Unfortunately, much of our equipment was seriously contaminated and is being cleaned or replaced. In order to ensure that we can respond to major issues over the weekend, we ask our residents to abide by this temporary fire ban.”
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| May 26, 2023 at 3:27 p.m.: Second Delivery of Bottled Water Arriving at Temporary Water Distribution Center |
| The Municipality of Meaford is continuing to ask residents connected to the municipal water system to avoid drinking the water, and to limit water consumption as much as possible. It is important that the water system does not run dry, as this may cause water main breaks which will require additional repairs.
Please be advised that a second delivery of bottled water is arriving at the temporary Water Distribution Center at the St. Vincent and Meaford Community Center (151 Collingwood Street W). Bottled water is available for pick up, limited to one case per family at this time.
Residents who require special considerations and are physically unable to go to the pick-up site can call 519-538-1060 extension 0 to be connected to our customer service team for assistance. If you have already called for assistance, our staff will be delivering cases of water from the new delivery.
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| May 26, 2023 at 1:18 p.m.: Bulk Water Supply Arriving at Temporary Water Distribution Center |
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The Municipality of Meaford is continuing to ask residents connected to the municipal water system to avoid drinking the water, and to limit water consumption as much as possible. It is important that the water system does not run dry, as this may cause water main breaks which will require additional repairs.
To encourage residents to conserve water, the Municipality has arranged for a bulk water delivery at the temporary water distribution center located at St. Vincent and Meaford Community Center (151 Collingwood Street West). The bulk water is now available and residents can bring their own bottles and containers to fill.
Please note, there is no more bottled water at this time. We are expecting a second delivery and will update residents when it has arrived.
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| May 26, 2023 at 10:57 a.m.: Temporary Water Distribution Center |
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The Municipality of Meaford asks residents connected to the municipal water system to avoid drinking the water, and to limit water consumption as much as possible. The Municipality’s water system has been temporarily shut down to ensure that no by-products of the fire at 452 Sykes St. N enter the water system.
A water distribution center has been set up at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre (Arena) at 151 Collingwood Street West. Bottled water will be available for pick up, limited at this time to one case per family. If necessary, further information will be provided regarding additional water supply options. Residents who require special considerations and are physically unable to go to the pick-up site can call 519-538-1060 extension 0 to be connected to our customer service team for assistance.
In order to conserve water, please:
- Do not take baths and take short showers, only if absolutely necessary;
- Do not wash vehicles, water lawns or gardens, fill pools or run water features
- Do not let your water run while brushing your teeth
- Do not use the dishwasher or clothes washer unless absolutely necessary.
Please note that users should continue to flush toilets when necessary.
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| May 26, 2023 at 9:57 a.m.: Municipal Facility Closure |
| Please be advised that the following municipal facilities and services will be closed on Friday, May 26, 2023 due to the Municipal directive to conserve water at this time:
Building and Planning Office (15 Trowbridge Street West)
Meaford Hall (12 Nelson Street East)
Meaford Museum (111 Bayfield Street)
Meaford Public Library (11 Sykes Street North)
Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre (151 Collingwood Street W)
Meaford Marina and Harbour (3 St. Vincent Street)
The Municipal Office (21 Trowbridge Street West) will remain open to the public to provide limited services.
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| May 26, 2023 at 1:40 a.m.: Urgent Drinking Water and Water Conservation Update |
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The Municipality of Meaford asks residents connected to the municipal water system to avoid drinking the water, and to limit water consumption as much as possible. The Municipality’s water system has been temporarily shut down to ensure that no by-products of the fire at 452 Sykes St. N enter the water system.
Residents are asked to drink bottled water until further notice.
It is important that the water system does not run dry, as that may cause water main breaks which will require additional repairs. In order to conserve water, please:
- Do not take baths and take short showers, only if absolutely necessary;
- Do not wash vehicles, water lawns or gardens, fill pools or run water features;
- Do not let your water run while brushing your teeth;
- Do not use the dishwasher or clothes washer unless absolutely necessary.
The Municipality expects to know more information by lunchtime on Friday, May 26, 2023, and will provide an update at that time. The Municipality is working to arrange alternative water supplies and will provide additional information once it is available.
Please note, this does not affect residents connected to the Leith water system.
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| May 25, 2023 at 10:20 p.m.: Emergency Control Group has been Activated due to Fire Emergency |
| There has been a large fire at Johnny B’s Automotive, located at 452 Sykes Street N, Meaford.
The Municipality of Meaford has convened the Emergency Control Group to assess and monitor the situation. Updates will be provided on the website and social media if the situation changes.
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