MEDIA RELEASE: Flood information available this weekend at downtown events

Media Release

Flood information available this weekend at downtown events

Most of the items in this Regal resident’s basement were destroyed by water/sewage and have had to be thrown out.

Burlington, Ont.—Aug. 15, 2014— Flood information will be available in downtown Burlington this weekend at Saturdays in the Street, Fit in the Core and at the City of Burlington’s Children’s Festival to help raise awareness of the community need following the extreme storm of Aug. 4.

Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and other members of City Council will be at the three events in the downtown at various times this weekend. City and Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) staff will have flood-related information available at information tables.

· Saturdays in the Street
3 to 5:30 p.m. Elgin Street
Mayor Rick Goldring and Councillor Meed Ward will speak at 3:30 p.m.
www.burlingtondowntown.ca

· Fit in the Core
10 to 11 a.m. in Civic Square, 426 Brant St.
Pilates by Design
www.burlingtondowntown.ca

· Children’s Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 and 17
Beachway Park—Aug. 16
Spencer Smith Park—Aug. 17
www.burlington.ca/events

At a special City Council meeting today, council approved a direction to Halton Region to give immediate help to homes that have been flooded more than once. The city also approved moving forward with an application to receive Ontario Disaster Recovery Assistance Program funding.

“Burlington’s situation is an invisible disaster,” said Mayor Goldring. “I have visited homes devastated by flooding, but for those who haven’t seen it first-hand, the presence of dumpsters and furniture at the roadside is sometimes our only clue as to what families are experiencing. I want to thank Councillor Meed Ward for volunteering to share information with the downtown community.”

Families have reported losing clothing; furnaces; hot water heaters; washers and dryers; furniture; carpeting; and flooring. They have had to cut drywall and rip out carpeting. Toys and other items had to be thrown away.

“This disaster has hit our residents most basic need: shelter. Their homes—their refuge and biggest financial investment—is compromised,” said Councillor Meed Ward. “Today, we heard stories of residents whose homes are contaminated and have structural damage. These residents were without hot water, and they need new furnaces. These matters will take time and money to resolve.”

Here are some ways the community can help:

· Give to the United Way Burlington Flood Relief fund. Call 905-635-3138, email uway, visit in person at 3425 Harvester Rd, Unit 107, Burlington, or go to www.uwaybh.ca.

· Post your donated items or services on the city’s Community Bulletin Board at www.burlington.ca/flood.

· Volunteer to clean up homes after the flood with Samaritan’s Purse by calling 905-592-1874 or registering online at www.IAFF1552.org.

“Most of us were spared in the storm, so we have the opportunity to help our fellow residents,” said Councillor Meed Ward. “That’s who we are, a caring community that always steps up to help each other. I encourage everyone to do what you can.”

For more information visit accesshalton or visit www.halton.ca/flood.

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