Municipality buying handful of downtown Wheatley properties impacted by explosion

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is purchasinga handful properties in the Wheatley evacuation zone, in the wake of a gas explosion in 2021 that injured 20 people.

The properties on Erie Street North, including 15 Erie St. N., where the explosion took place, will be boughtbecause they were deemed unsuitable for redevelopment based on engineering reports, the municipalitysaid in astatement.

"The purchase of these properties brings us one step closer to revitalization in Wheatley," said Michael Duben, the town's chief administrative officer. "When we look towardWheatley's future, the outlook is extremely positive."

WATCH | Video of 2021 Wheatley explosion:

Video of Wheatley explosion

3 years ago

Duration 0:44

Video from security camera footage shows the power of the blast in downtown Wheatley last summer. Submitted by John Urban.

The cost will be funded by a $3-million provincial grant, and the remainder will be drawn from a reserve fund.

Negotiations continue for the potential purchase of remaining properties within the evacuation zone, according to municipal staff.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has also provided $280,000 in funding to the municipality, which has been used to purchase 1,000 multi-gas monitors that will be available, for free, to residents and businesses in Wheatley later this month.

Council also approved exploring the possibility ofa bylaw that would regulate future deep evacuations in the urban boundary of Wheatley.

Two buildings in the area of Erie Street North and Talbot Street collapsed in an explosion on Aug. 26, 2021 that displaced more than 100 people and businesses.