Clean-up Guidelines
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Garbage Collection
Garbage collection has resumed as scheduled.
Every homeowner and business owner is responsible for the proper disposal of their own "storm damage" wastes including but not limited to trees, limbs, building debris, siding, windows, roofing material, broken furniture, damaged vehicles, etc.
The Mid-Huron Landfill is operating with their regular business hours.
Recycling
Recycling collection has resumed as scheduled.
Anyone who has lost their wheelie bin due to the tornado is asked to call Bluewater Recycling at 1.800.265.9799 and request to have another one delivered.
If anyone finds a wheelie bin, please call Bluewater Recycling and give them the serial number on the bin so it can be returned to the proper household.
Recycling/Reuse of Electronics
Habitat for Humanity Restore accepts electronics for recycling at no charge, whether the items are working or not.
Tree Removal
Please do not remove the truck or stump of any trees. Utility infrastructure needs to be located before this work can be done.
It is strongly recommended that if you are removing a tree stump or trunk from private property that you call for a free locate service to avoid damaging any underground network of natural gas pipes, telephone lines, hydro lines, cablevision cables and water pipes. This locate service can be contracted at ONTARIO ONE CALL 1.800.400.2255.
RESTRICTED AREAS
Please respect Police and Town barricades and fencing for your safety as we work to assess buildings in the Core.
West Street is now open with on going construction.
Please use temporary pedestrian walkways where provided. Also during reconstruction, traffic on the The Square may be reduced to one lane with temporary sidewalks available for pedestrian traffic.
PRIVACY DOCUMENTS
As a result of the tornado in Goderich, documents may have been swept out of buildings. We appreciate your cooperation in helping to ensure that these documents are protected. If you find a document that appears to contain personal information please mail documents to the Courthouse in Walkerton at:
Bruce County Courthouse
PO Box 39, 207 Cayley St.
Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
c/o: Stephan Olschewski, Supervisor of Court Operations
Staff at this location will ensure that documents are returned to the proper location. Protecting personal privacy is important and we appreciate your co-operation at this difficult time. Thank you.
SAFETY ISSUES
Attention to all Residents: Please wear safety equipment appropriate to the task (including proper footwear, fall protection, safety glasses, hard hats, etc). Please call the Ministry of Labour if you have questions regarding safe working practices 1-888-202-0008.
Asbestos Risk
Because older buildings have been impacted by the tornado, it's possible that materials containing asbestos may have been exposed by the tornado damage, and while it has not been confirmed that asbestos is present in debris or damaged buildings, caution is necessary.
Ministry of Labour staff is making sure that employers are taking appropriate precautions and measures to ensure that workers are protected when clearing the debris and checking building safety. As well, the Town has retained a consultant to asses whether any of the damaged downtown public buildings have exposed or released asbestos.
Further information will be provided once the assessment has been completed. The Huron County Health Unit has prepared a Fact Sheet on Asbestos which may be of interest.
