WHEATLEY, Ont. – A city in southwestern Ontario rocked by a massive explosion last month will receive up to $ 2 million from the provincial government to help with recovery efforts.
The province says the funds will help businesses affected by the explosion in Wheatley, Ontario, resume operations.
It also says the money will be used to help cover the cost of “goods and services” for affected families.
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Gas leak in progress, risk of explosion hampering work at the site of the Wheatley explosion that injured 20
The Aug. 26 explosion, suspected of being caused by a recurring gas leak, flattened a building in downtown Wheatley and left 20 people in need of medical attention.
The news of the provincial funding comes days after Prime Minister Doug Ford and Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford visited the city to assess the situation and express their support.
Ford issued a statement praising the community for its resilience in the face of the blast.
“The people of Wheatley have shown tremendous strength after the devastating explosion of the gas leak last month,” the statement read. “They have come together and shown incredible resolve as the community works to rebuild what was lost. As this funding shows, we are ready and willing to help the City of Wheatley and they can continue to count on the support of our government. “
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3 people injured and 2 buildings seriously damaged in Wheatley, Ontario, after an explosion
The exact details of the funding allocation are still being determined, the province said.
The explosion at a privately owned building occurred near a site where hydrogen sulfide gas was first discovered in June, prompting an evacuation order and the declaration of a state of emergency.
In July, local officials declared a second state of emergency after confirming that hydrogen sulfide was again present in the building that was washed away by the August explosion.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
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