The clean up begins in various communities hit by Thursday’s tornado and severe storms.
As Bayshore Broadcasting News Reporter Diana Meder tells us — Blue Mountains and Grey Higlands are feeling pretty fortunate compared to Durham.
” Very fortunate ” — That’s the word from Blue Mountains Mayor Ellen Anderson reacting to the storm that hit her neck of the woods late Thursday afternoon.
Anderson says while there was some damage to the Thornbury and Craigleith areas — there was nothing very serious and there were no injuries.
She describes the damage at Georgian Peak ski hill as being some of the worst in Blue Mountains with trees down, roofs on condo’s damaged and a few barns that have been razed.
Anderson says however they were very lucky that not many people were home at the time and the municipality got off lightly compared to other areas.
She says if residents are having any issues or problems dealing with the aftermath of the storm — they should call the municipal office.
In Markdale, the damage from the storm is primarily downed trees and power lines with limited damage to buildings.
Grey Highlands Mayor Brian Mullin says there was also damage to the cemetery and the steel roofing of the hardware store was damaged.
He says municipal crews are now in clean up mode and asking residents to bear with them and be patient.
Mullin says if homeowners could pile their debris at the curb or side of the road… someone will be by to pick it up and chip it.
He says they’re also opening the Markdale landfill Friday.
He doesn’t advise residents call the administration office unless its an emergency.
Mullin says while the damage to trees and hydro poles is fairly extensive — he doubts whether Markdale actually had a tornado.