Investigators looking into multiple hydrogen sulphide gas leaks and the cause of an explosion in downtown Wheatley this summer have found an abandoned gas well near the property in question.
Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said officials have always believed there was an abandoned gas well near that property but now it has been confirmed, adding it's a big step in finding the source of the gas leaks and explosion. But he noted the gas well has not been confirmed as the source of the gas leaks or explosion.
Shropshire said more gas sampling has been done and the results will be compared to samples taken from the initial gas leak at 15 Erie Street North to confirm if it was the same source. He said there's still a bunch of investigating to do and there could be more sources in the area.
A blast at 15 Erie Street North on August 26, 2021 levelled two buildings, damaged several other buildings, and injured 20 people. Four gas leaks since June 2, 2021 have also forced dozens of people from their homes and businesses in the area.
Shropshire also said more financial help should be coming from the province because of the overwhelming loss of income and extra expenses caused by the evacuation. He said the province should approve the financial support in one or two weeks.
"We are doing everything we can to double down on the urgency. We recognize this has been really tough for people and it continues to be," said Shropshire.
The municipality added that the Fire Chief and the Technical Advisory Group are still determining if people can access their homes and businesses in the evacuation zone safely and will develop a plan to allow property owners limited access if it's safe.
The municipality noted the Chief Building Official and his staff are on site this week to review and determine if buildings are safe to enter and this work needs to be completed before a determination is made. Municipal officials are reminding all residents in Wheatley that the site is an active work zone and people should not go beyond the barriers.
Municipal Employment & Social Services Case Management Services are available at the community centre from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Wheatley Area Food Bank is open each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The centre, located at 108 Talbot Road East, also houses the Wheatley Branch of the Chatham-Kent Library that is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Anyone who needs to access the centre's support services can call 226-484-1004 or email at info@villageresourcecentre.ca.
Residents with questions about the current situation can reach out through the centre, call the municipality at 519-360-1998 or 3-1-1 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email ck311@chatham-kent.ca.
Residents requiring emergency housing outside of weekday office hours may call the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628.
Evacuees may also call 519-351-8573 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and ask to speak with a Wheatley Crisis Case Manager for assistance with housing, food, and other support services.
Residents requiring general information should call 519-360-1998 or 3-1-1 Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To subscribe to email updates please email ck311@chatham-kent.ca.
