The Saugeen Times

Clean-up continues in Goderich over a week after Aug. 21 tornado
By Liz Dadson

Feature/Video

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Officials stand in front of the Goderich Courthouse on The Square, where most of the trees were destroyed in the Aug. 21 tornado

The building that housed the Coffee Culture is being demolished

Damaged buildings will have to come down, with the store owners and tenants losing everything

The Victoria Street United Church is in the process of being demolished

Tree branches and debris still litter several streets around The Square in Goderich

Damage to The Square in Goderich

The major clean-up has begun in Goderich, now that the streets have been cleared of trees and debris and power lines fixed, just over a week after a major tornado ripped through the town Aug. 21.

With assessments completed, the demolition crew enters the picture, taking down buildings that are no longer structurally sound.

The building that housed the Coffee Culture is among those being demolished, as well as the Victoria Street United Church and the optometrist office on West Street.

However, the residents say Goderich will rebuild and come back as good as new or even better.

To that end, tornado victims should be on guard when hiring contractors. As repairs and restoration of properties begin, residents are encouraged to be vigilant to avoid scams or unfair home repair offers by:

Getting a written estimate
Asking for references and taking the time to verify them
Ensuring all work is detailed on the contract, including total cost, start and completion dates
Not signing a contract unless they understand it completely
Keeping deposits to a minimum (no more than 10 per cent is standard)

"I would encourage residents in Goderich to know their rights when it comes to hiring contractors," says Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. "The McGuinty government wants to make sure that community members are protected as they begin to rebuild from this tragedy."

"In light of the tragic event that occurred Aug. 21, I want to remind Goderich residents to beware of unscrupulous contractors when repairs are needed to homes and businesses," adds consumer services minister John Gerretsen. "They need to be on guard and know their rights when hiring home repair companies and signing contracts."

In most cases you have 10 days to cancel any contract signed in your home
Ontarians who are unable to resolve a complaint with the company can call the province for help at
1-800-889-9768

Find more tips on how to protect yourself at ontario.ca/consumerservices.

You can submit a complaint on-line.