Roughly 90 homes in Owen Sound are now without water, as the Works Department fights a losing battle to get services restored.
Operations Manager Ken Becking tells Bayshore Broadcasting News they have probably restored water service to about 45 other homes — either by thawing out frozen pipes or hooking up water to a neighbouring home.
The City is providing some relief to people left without water service.
Water is available at both the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and at the Julie MacArthur Regional Recreation Centre.
Becking says city staff will help fill up containers brought in by city residents who have no water.
As well, the YMCA is allowing those affected to come in to shower during the cold snap.
Becking says the problem is unprecedented and he can’t predict how long pipes will be frozen in the city.
He says however, if they have to dig up service lines to all 90 homes currently affected — it could be a long time before all water service is restored in Owen Sound.
The Operations Manager is hoping for warmer temperatures soon to help them out.
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News Release from City of Owen Sound
The City of Owen Sound Water Department continues to receive reports of water service lines freezing due to low temperatures, in locations where no water services have frozen before.
For residents who have frozen services, please be advised that you can access water at the following locations:
Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre at 700 10th Street East (bring your own jug/container)
Harry Lumley Bayshore at 1900 3rd Ave E, Owen Sound (bring your own jug/container)
The Water Depot at 640 10th Street West in Kings Buffet Plaza 50 litre maximum (container provided)
For residents needing access to showers, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (located in the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre at 700 10th Street East) has graciously offered their showers without restrictions during their regular hours. Residents are required to supply their own towels, soaps, and shampoo.
The YMCAs hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday 5:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sundays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please visit the Citys website www.owensound.ca and click on Frozen Water Services button for more information, including a map of the affected area. Further areas may be added to this map as time goes on.
For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at phone number 519-376-4274.