THUNDER BAY – Residents and businesses can return to regular water use now that the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Control Plant is processing its normal daily flow.
“We appreciate all the efforts made by residents and businesses across the city to reduce water use,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “It’s definitely made a difference and we’re now a step closer to restoring our community.”
The motors for the plant’s four pumps are operational and performing well, said Darrell Matson, General Manager – Infrastructure & Operations.
“Water use can now return to normal, keeping in mind that water conservation is an environmental responsibility we all share. Every drop of water we use needs to be treated and cleaned before being returned to the lake, which is a costly process. We will advise the public if further restrictions are required due to rainfall or unforeseen issues,” Matson said.
The Canada Games Complex, Churchill Pool and Volunteer Pool will re-open today at noon; two weeks after pools were closed.
The last pump station motor, for the City’s spare fifth pump, is expected to be back from repairs today. Commissioning and testing of this spare pump and motor is expected to take place over the next two or three days. “The plan is now underway to restore the other plant processes damaged by the flood,” Matson said.
Water Billing: On Monday, June 11, Council approved a water billing relief program for residents who experienced property damage during the City Flood Emergency. Assistance is provided with a credit of $207 for homes connected to the City sanitary sewer system and $118 for homes not connected to the City sanitary sewer system. Impacted residents are also exempt from late penalties on their next water bill.
Disaster Relief Committee: The following individuals were chosen on Monday to sit on the Disaster Relief Committee: Gloria Cyr, Marv Detweiler, Mary Lucas, Wayne Fletcher, Vince Mirabelli, Lynn Peterson, Sue Prodaniuk and Beverly Ann Sabourin.
Two members will be appointed by the Councils of the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge and the Township of Conmee. Pending the outcome of funding agreements, two non-voting members may serve as representatives of The Canadian Red Cross and The Salvation Army.
Donations to the Thunder Bay Disaster Assistance Relief Fund can be made at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre on River Street, the Canada Games Complex, Volunteer Pool, Churchill Pool and the Victoriaville Civic Centre Cashiers.
Only donations to the Disaster Relief Committee Fund will be matched by the Province.
City Clerk John Hannam reminds residents affected by the flood that the claims process will take some time. “A claim form is not available yet. We will make an announcement on the claims process as the Disaster Relief Committee gets underway,” Hannam said.
When claim forms are available, an announcement will be made and posted at Thunderbay.ca/flood.
In keeping with the commitment made at the June 2 public meetings, the City is holding another set of public meetings on Saturday, June 23. Meetings will include an update and questions & answers followed by an opportunity to pick up claim forms and ask specific questions. Meetings will be held as follows:
Slovak Legion, 801 Atlantic Avenue, 1 to 2:30 pm
Moose Hall, 434 Fort William Road, 4 to 5:30 pm
Affected residents without insurance or inadequate coverage can get ready to make a claim by preparing lists; taking pictures of damaged property; keeping a diary; maintaining receipts, invoices and estimates.
MyTBay: MyTBay, the City’s citizen newsletter, will be distributed tomorrow in The Chronicle-Journal. Its publication date was pushed back two days to include information on the flood emergency including the notice of public meetings.
Safe Home Clean-up Program: About 520 homeowners have now registered for clean-up assistance through the Safe Home clean-up program through the City’s Facilities & Fleet Department, working with contractors, the Mennonite Disaster Team, Samaritan’s Purse and qualified volunteers.
Initial contact has been made with all 520 homes, though the City is waiting for call-backs from about one third of the homes and continues to provide the appropriate follow up. The focus of the ongoing clean-up is on making homes safe and to address health issues. There have been 175 homes assisted with more scheduled for today.
“Uninsured homeowners who require assistance with damaged hot water tanks and furnaces are encouraged to call the flood line to request help,” said Michael Smith, General Manager – Facilities and Fleet.
Affected residents, especially those with no insurance, who need help with clean-up are asked to call 98 FLOOD [983-5663].