Wheatley work underway downtown

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has provided a media update on the demolition and investigation into the blast zone in downtown Wheatley.

Demolition has recently concluded in downtown Wheatley and work is now beginning on the final phase of investigation to determine if there are any additional hazardous wells on the site. This work began September 3 and could continue for several weeks.

Contractors and municipal staff have begun mobilizing equipment to the site, headquartered at 17 Elm Street, and into the work zone. Mobilization work is anticipated to take several days, pending modifications to the work plan.

The tentative work schedule for this week is posted on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent Wheatley Updates webpage, located at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/wheatley-updates. 

As part of the final phase investigation, equipment has been staging at the work site throughout the week.

This equipment requires additional space for storage, and as a result, the roadway and sidewalk between 22 Elm Street and the corner of Elm and Erie Streets has been added to the work site and will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic until the work has been completed. 

This closure is a temporary necessity, and the roadway and sidewalk will reopen once the investigation work is completed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

Residents are encouraged to check back often as information on progress and future schedules will be posted here. 

Fire and emergency response crews are connected to the project team and will respond if required according to the emergency response plan. Residents are reminded to call 911 immediately if they smell gas.