Dunrobin residents raise concerns about tornado cleanup

People affected by the tornado in Dunrobin got a chance to ask questions of City of Ottawa officials, hydro utilities and non-profits such as the Red Cross at an information meeting Saturday.

Security, insurance and where to put garbage and debris were some of the top concerns.

The meeting at West Carleton Secondary School was one of several being held around the city. 

Michael Stieber wanted to know more about debris cleanup on his 28-hectare farm, where his home was severely damaged and his barn and workshop were destroyed.

'Hard to cope'

"There's a lot of debris scattered all over my property and adjacent properties. It's not quite clear to me how and who [will clean it]. It is beyond my ability to clean it up and I'm not quite sure [if] I will get any help to clean it up," Steiber said. 

But he feels fortunate to be able to stay with his son in Kanata for now.

"It's hard to cope with, but my wife is very strong, so I think we are coping OK," he said.

Pierre Poirier, the city's manager of security emergency management, said the city is getting a lot of questions about what people should do with tree stumps and branches.

People in Dunrobin can put debris on their front curb by 9 a.m. and it should get picked up. He also said the city continues to co-ordinate with staff and hundreds of volunteers to help people clean up. 

Security and rebuilding 

Others asked about security around homes that have been ripped open, and the potential for non-homeowners to gain access when the police presence is eventually pulled back.

City officials say private security has been hired to handle that. 

The Insurance Bureau of Canada was also on hand to answer questions, something Dubrobin resident Brigid Whitnall was happy to see as people start to get detailed more coverage information from insurance companies. 

"It's a scary amount of money and you don't want to fritter it away. And there's going to be so much money spent on the demolition and the cleanup ... we want to make sure we have money left to properly build and furnish our homes," Whitnall said.

Environmental concerns

She said she appreciates the daily updates being given at West Carleton Secondary School.

The city said people who still need help can always visit the community support centres at the Nepean Sportsplex and West Carleton Secondary School, or call 311. 

There were some concerns about the environment and groundwater with insulation and other tornado debris swirling around.

City staff say they're starting to look at waterways and will look into a more fulsome plan starting Monday. Staff have already inspected some playgrounds and closed off some that may be contaminated. 

People are being shy coming in because they feel that they're labelled … just come.- Sharon Roper, West Carleton Food Access Centre

People co-ordinating clothing and food donations attended the meeting and urged people in need to go to the West Carleton Client Service Centre on Carp Road. 

Sharon Roper, with the West Carleton Food Access Centre, said they're not just serving their regular clients, but those affected by the tornado as well.

"People are being shy coming in because they feel that they're labelled … just come. We're there. We'll give you a hug. We don't ask any questions," Roper said.

The centre will also be giving out Thanksgiving dinners for those who sign up and have gift certificates, toiletries, pet food, household supplies, diapers and some medical supplies to give out — all free of charge.