Exactly one year after a tornado devastated neighbourhoods in Barrie, residents say the slow rebuild continues as they put their lives back together.
“We have a roof,” said Natalie Harris in a video showing her ex-husband’s refurbished home on Sun King Crescent.
The home was practically gutted that day.
The street was heavily damaged July 15, 2021 when an EF2 ripped apart homes, flipped over vehicles, and terrorized people cowering in their basements.
The family, including son Adam, just moved back into the repaired home in June.
“Adams is doing great. Adam was in the house with me when the tornado hit and he is doing great. He’s back, and settling in well,” said Harris, who is also a Barrie city councillor.
She said the tornado lasted no more than 10 seconds.
If her ex-husband had not called her to tell her to scramble to the basement, she’s not sure what would have happened.
The tornado damaged at least 150 homes, packed winds of 210 km/h, and caused and estimated $100 million in damage.
Although, miraculously, no one was killed, 11 people were hospitalized with injuries.
Among the damaged homes, 60 needed to be completely rebuilt.
“There still is work to be done,” said Harris, walking along her street showing homes nowhere close to being completely rebuilt.
A Facebook support group for people who lived through the tornado has about 80 members.
“We will all be there for each other just to make sure that you’re not alone if maybe you’re still feeling anxious about it, or if your kids are still feeling anxious about it,” Harris said.
https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/torontosun/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Barrie-1.jpg?quality="90&strip=all&w=576 2x" height="408" loading="lazy" src="https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/torontosun/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Barrie-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288" width="620"/>
Barrie City Council has pushed for changes to the Ontario building code so homes can better withstand severe weather incidents.
“This will take some time. Most likely years to get through,” said Harris.
The city marked the anniversary with a statement on Twitter.
“One year ago today, a tornado touched down in #Barrie. We acknowledge the resilience & caring shown by our residents & are grateful to everyone who worked together to support those in need during that time,” the city tweeted Friday.
Mayor Jeff Lehman said “I couldn’t be prouder of the way our city came together. What makes Barrie great is the people. We are a city of helpers, and we care for our neighbours. I hope we always remember how our community responded in one of our darkest moments.”
Post a Comment