Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited the Barrie and Orillia areas on Friday to witness the damage that was caused by this past weekend’s ice storm, and to show his support for those who were impacted.
The Premier had stops in Orillia, Rama First Nation and Barrie on his itinerary.
While in Orillia, Ford thanked first responders and hydro crews for working around the clock to help those in need get the lights back on, with help on the way from hydro workers in Québec, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.
“In my opinion this is 10 times worse than it was 25 years ago because of the damage,” said Ford. “This is really not just ‘Team Ontario,’ but ‘Team Canada’ stepping it up for our neighbours.”
Before the Premier’s visit, the day began with hundreds of Hydro One workers meeting David Lebeter, Hydro One CEO, at approximately 7 a.m. at Casino Rama.
As crews work to restore power for about 20,000 more homes. Hydro One says it will likely take another week to finish the job.
“We still have a long way to go, making sure that we make it safe and to get in there and cut the trees,” said Bruce Breedon, an Oro-Medonte resident.
Breedon says had been without power for a week, and that he is thankful for the help by hydro crews called in from Toronto to get the lights back on in Oro-Medonte.
“The boys are doing a great job and thank you for all your help,” added Breedon. “I really appreciate it.”
Still without power at home, Randy Greenlaw, Oro-Medonte’s mayor, encourages residents to call the township’s support line at 211 if they need.
According to Hydro One, the Orillia area was one of the most impacted communities by the ice storm. Nearly 50 per cent of the city was still without power as of Thursday afternoon.
As crews work to restore power for about 20,000 more homes, Hydro One says it will likely take another week to finish the job.
With files from CTV’s Mike Arsalides.
