Wheatley is breathing a little easier after the Municipality of Chatham-Kent officially ended the emergency declaration that went into effect more than three years ago.
The emergency was declared after Hydrogen Sulfide gas was detected in downtown Wheatley in July 2021, and a massive explosion took place on Erie Street North the following month.
The emergency was officially declared over on Thursday by municipal officials after the municipality reported that an uncovered well that was found underground in downtown Wheatley in late September was plugged.
Chief of Fire and Rescue Services Chris Case said it's been a very emotional time for everybody, even him.
"When we got the call, Chief Woods called me and said the gas just stopped and that was quite an emotional moment. There may have been a few tears shed when that happened," said Chief Case.
Case said the danger has been reduced and the risk has passed, but it'll take another six months of monitoring to confirm that the situation is stable and redevelopment can proceed.
Chief Case said the province, engineers, and many other groups are currently looking at ways to predict an event like the one in Wheatley and better protect communities in the future.
"From an emergency response perspective, we learned a great deal and our fire chiefs united in Ontario and are currently working with the province to see what lessons we can learn in terms of an immediate response," the chief noted.
West Kent Councillor Lauren Anderson thanked the municipality, the province, and the residents because it took a team effort to get her community back on its feet.
Anderson said it's nice to see the end and get redevelopment started, adding the future of the downtown will be determined by what the community wants through the Wheatley Taskforce.
"I don't think the community really wants to see buildings go up there. I think the community really loves the idea of it being a park space that maybe has some pads where you can have vendors come in seasonally and food trucks and a little amphitheatre where you can have music for families to come and enjoy," Anderson said.
Councillor Anderson said the only complaint she has is that she wishes the end would have come quicker.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said it's the best signature he's ever had to put to paper because it celebrates the amazing effort by everyone and allows the municipality to look forward to a much brighter future and redevelopment plans.
"This is major step in the revitalization of Wheatley; this is where the rubber meets the road in planning for Wheatley’s future,” said Mayor Canniff. “The people of Wheatley have been nothing short of incredible in the face of the adversity that this emergency has caused. I would like to thank the many staff and volunteers who have gotten us here today. I would also like to thank the Province, as without their support, we would not have been able to accomplish nearly as much as we have. I am optimistic about the future of Wheatley, and I know it will be guided by passionate, loyal, and resilient residents that truly care about their hometown.”