EDITORIAL: Aftermath an eye-opener

It’s been a tough couple of weeks in Thunder Bay.

As many as 5,000 residences have been affected by the flood that devastated the city’s Atlantic Avenue water treatment facility.

Millions and millions of dollars in damage was incurred in a matter of hours, showing just how powerful Mother Nature can be.
Disasters happen every day around the world. Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and floods are not unique experiences.

At their worst, thousands are killed.

No one ever expects them to happen in their own backyard.

This time, it did. As sewage began pouring into people’s homes, the community found a way to come together, forget past differences and work toward a common goal - returning people’s lives to normal once again.

Neighbours have spent countless hours helping other neighbours in their recovery efforts, a united front this city should be proud to call its own. Thousands heeded the water restrictions put forth by the city, sacrificing comfort for the safety and well being of others.

The work is far from over. The state of emergency still remains. For some it will be months before they return to to their homes.

Some may never get the opportunity.

The big question going forward is can it be prevented from happening again and what can the city do to be sure it’s ready.