The storm that blew through southern Ontario on January 9, 2008 resulted in the worst flooding the Town of Huntsville had seen in nearly 10 years. High winds toppled trees and power lines. Thousands of people in the community were without power. Heavy rains and melting snow caused the waters of the Big East River to overflow its banks. Families living near the river had to be evacuated. Many had nowhere to go.
When Mayor Claude Doughty declared a state of emergency on January 10, staff from the Town of Huntsville, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Emergency Management Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police and community organizations sprang into action to provide emergency and social services.
Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur travelled to Huntsville on February 20 to personally thank everyone who came together to help local residents affected by the flooding. In the Council Chambers at the town’s municipal offices, the minister, together with Mayor Doughty, presented everyone with individual certificates of appreciation. In her speech, Minister Meilleur said, “The quick action and the kindness you showed during this community’s moment of need deserves to be noted. You are perfect examples of what it means to be part of a strong, caring community and I want you to know I am so appreciative.”
Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur visited the
Town of Huntsville on February 20 to personally thank all those who
helped during the town’s state of emergency from January 10 – 16, 2008.
From left to right: Terry Joiner, Assistant Chief, Huntsville Fire Department; Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services; David Tiller, Fire Prevention Officer, Huntsville Fire Department; Cecile King, Administrative Assistant, Fire Services/Clerk’s Department, Town of Huntsville; Claude Doughty, Mayor of Huntsville; Gary Monahan, Assistant Chief, Huntsville Fire Department
In the Huntsville Municipal Council Chambers on February 20, Minister Meilleur personally thanked municipal representatives, agency staff, volunteers and Ontario government staff who helped during January’s flooding emergency in the Town of Huntsville.
From left to right:
Ernest Hills, Community Officer, Emergency Management Ontario; Margo Cain, Income Support Specialist, MCSS, Bracebridge Office; Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services; Kathie Chapman , Emergency Services Manager, MCSS, North East Regional Office; Kerri Sommerville, Emergency Services Administrative Assistant, MCSS, North East Regional Office; Mike Frew, Staff Sergeant, Huntsville OPP;
Mayor Claude Doughty, Town of Huntsville; and
Hugh Stevenson, Superintendent, Central Region Headquarters OPP
Here’s the full text of Minister Madeleine Meilleur’s speech