Navan residents hold appreciation BBQ for storm cleanup helpers
Live music, large crowds and burgers on the grill at the Navan fairgrounds are signs this community is healing.
The free barbecue, hosted by the Lions Club and Navan Women’s Institute, was a show of appreciation to thank volunteers near and far for their generosity helping with things like shelter, food, cleanup and repairs following the devastating storm that ripped through Ontario on May 21.
Navan was one of the hardest-hit communities with roofs ripped off barns, damaged homes and uprooted trees.
“We had people outside of Navan that were asking to help. ‘I have a chainsaw I can help cut down trees, I can store food for people, I can babysit kids,’” said local business owner Amanda Watson. “So this BBQ is to thank everyone who came together to help.”
Susan Cameron wasn’t home when the storm hit her property, uprooting at least 24 trees, some damaging the shed, front lawn and garden.
“Everyone came to help,” she said, holding back tears. Still reeling from the aftermath, Cameron says the cleanup would have taken much longer if it wasn’t for the kindness of friends and neighbours.
“I just don’t know what to say. We’re so lucky.”
Pathways and backyard trails still blocked weeks later and residents say it’s going to take quite some time before this will be cleaned up.
Just off of Trim Road, farms are still clearing the debris.
“My son had lost his barn and side house and sheds,” said Mabel Smyth. “but we’re thankful no one was hurt.”
A relief fund for Navan farmers currently sits near $22,000. Organizers say they'll continue to collect donations, adding it may take months even years before a full recovery.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.