City offers storm update

Hot food and transportation available to warming stations. 60% power expected today

The City held a press conference today to update people on power outages and services available to people who are affected.

City reports that there are still 5300 outages in the city but the amount fluctuates but is down from 6800.  Line crews from Maine, Quebec and Nova Scotia are in the city helping out

Warming centres at the Golden Hawk and the Goodie Shop saw 40-50 people yesterday with about 1 people staying all night.  The City wants people to know there will be hot meals today and tonight, and people should bring blankets and charges for their devices.  If anyone needs transportation to a warming station should call 623-2066.

Tomorrow’s regularly scheduled council meeting is postponed until Tuesday.

City reports that NB Power projects that 60% of outages will be fixed by the end of the day.  Some types of outages are slower to repair because the damage sometimes only affects 1 or a few homes.  The type of repairs needed are not always those that can be done that can turn power on for hundreds of people at once.

Public Works is still asking people to conserve water.  The reason is that some pumping stations that fill reservoirs are being run by generators, and if there is a fire or something that requires a lot of water, it could drop levels ot points where it would be hard to recover.   If that happens it gets more expensive and cause inconveniences to residents.  Jay Shanahan also says that all employees are working to remove debris, but it could take up to a week to get to the mess in all areas.  He said the damage around the city is widespread and is more severe than any weather event he has experienced.

Police urge people to only call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.  For other matters call 623-2124.  Chief Fiander said emergency measures have not been employed, and the city remains in an “active recovery status”.

Mayor Lordon said he is impressed with how city staff and council have pitched in, and also with the response from the community how it has banded together.  He urged people to continue looking out for their neighbours especially if they are elderly or needy.