North Frontenac shows its strength in face of Derecho fall out

Jeff Green | Jun 08, 2022

While the May 21 storm is a fading memory for some, it is still an active issue in the lives of those who were most impacted.

There are still people without power in North Frontenac. Hydro One says they hope to have that remedied by the end of June, but in a few isolated cases it could extend even further.

Other properties were so badly damaged that clean up may take a few more weeks, and damages to buildings could take longer to be repaired. The roof at the township garage will need to be partially replaced, as will those on homes and outbuildings scattered across the township.

And in some cases, such as Sherwood Park and Brown’s Campgrounds, the elimination of the forest cover will change the look, and feel, of the campgrounds for decades to come.

And there are issues around insurance coverage that are just coming to light.

But in spite of all that, the township is functioning, the roads were cleared pretty quickly, the Frontenac Parklands are back in business. The clean up continues.

“All in all, I would say we were very, very fortunate that no one was seriously hurt,” said Cory Klatt, incoming Chief Administrative Officer, “because the damage was severe, all across the township. Our staff started working as soon as the storm was over, and volunteers from across the township arrived as well. For a small community, we are pretty hardy. Hydro crews are still working on bringing power back.”

Damage at Bon Echo Park has resulted in the closure of the Park until at least June 12, which is a blow to the tourist industry in the township.

Mayor Ron Higgins is advising residents to keep all of their receipts for storm repairs, in the hopes that provincial relief will be available.

“Absolutely no promises in that regard,” he said on his official Facebook page, “but I will try my best to make that happen when this is over and done with.”