Premier Doug Ford is pledging the Province’s support for Barrie as communities come together to help those affected by Thursday’s tornado.
Today the Premier toured the impacted areas with Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman.
The Premier gave a shout-out to first responders who he called “absolute heroes.”
“Just thank god no one was killed, it’s an absolute miracle,” said Ford. “I just want to tell the people here we are going to have their backs we’re going to have their support – anything they need.”
Mayor Lehman said Ford called him within hours of the tornado strike – mayors from cities across the province have called him too offering their support.
Lehman said so many residents in the affected area were able to get to their basements in time following the Tornado Warning, which probably saved their lives.
“The assistance that’s been given to Barrie from across the province – from our neighbors especially – has just been exemplary,” added the Mayor.
The City will now determine if any disaster funding will be needed moving forward.
In the meantime, Ford pledged that the Province would step up to help if insurance didn’t cover some of the damage costs.
Today residents have helped the cleanup effort by bringing gloves and brooms to the site.
Over 100 people are displaced at this time – Lehman said some went to say with friends and family.
As it stood Friday, 10 people had to be brought to RVH following yesterday’s event – two people remain there today with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Environment Canada has confirmed Thursday’s tornado as category EF-2.
The City’s emergency personnel continues to work in the Mapleview and Prince William Way area responding to the damage. At this time, no on-site donations are being accepted. You are asked to please avoid the area of Prince William Way and Mapleview in order not to impede recovery efforts. To be added to a list to offer assistance or donations, please email ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca.
The City also says the Salvation Army will distribute the donations received so far to those in need and arrange for the pickup of perishables and large quantities of certain items.
Monetary donations to help those affected are being accepted by the Salvation Army (please mark ‘tornado relief’), by dropping off at their 16 Bayfield St. location, or visit salvationarmy.ca for credit card donations and specify ‘Barrie tornado’.
The City thanks the community for the outpouring of support and offers to help. Donating through the Salvation Army is the best way to help the affected community while allowing the essential site evaluation and clean-up to occur.
A Facebook page called Barrie Families Unite can be used to make financial donations.
Another useful resource for those wanting t to volunteer their efforts is the Facebook group Barrie Tornado Volunteers.
Barrie Police too have set up a central phone line for people needing assistance. It’s 705-728-8442.
Further update from Prince William Way and Majesty in the tornado zone. pic.twitter.com/eRuW8dpRrm
— Jeff Lehman (@jedi_lehman) July 16, 2021
Paramedics and other #firstresponders are meeting with @fordnation at the scene of yesterday’s #Barrie #Tornado as he tours one of the damaged neighborhoods pic.twitter.com/9Jqk16rYy6
— COSParamedic Service (@simcoecountyPS) July 16, 2021
We’re bringing in extra crews to help restore gas service to customers affected by the #barrietornado. We'll begin restoring service as soon as we're advised it’s safe to do so. @Barrie_Fire @cityofbarrie
— Enbridge Gas (@enbridgegas) July 16, 2021
Photo via County of Simcoe Paramedics