'We are grateful to everyone who worked together to support those in need during that time’
The Ontario city of Barrie marked one year since a tornado touched down in the city and injured three construction workers.
“One year ago today, a tornado touched down in Barrie. We acknowledge the resilience and caring shown by our residents and are grateful to everyone who worked together to support those in need during that time,” the City of Barrie posted on Twitter on July 15.
The tornado touched down around 2:30 p.m. minutes after Environment Canada upgraded its tornado watch in the area to a warning, and ripped through part of the city totalling five kilometres long and 100 metres wide.
There were no fatalities but there were at least 11 injuries, including the three construction workers. At least two residential construction sites, owned by Pratt Homes and Pace Homes, were in the path of the tornado, according to Daily Commercial News.
The tree workers – two site supervisors and a construction clerk – were from Pace Homes. They were inside a construction trailer on Pace’s Urban North site when the tornado hit and had no time to take shelter. The three were part of a crew of around 35 undertaking early works on the 900-home site.
“The character of the community is defined by its response to its most difficult days, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way our city came together,” said Mayor Jeff Lehman of the City of Barrie back in 2021 after the tornado hit.
“What makes Barrie great is the people. We are a city of helpers, and we care for our neighbours. I hope we always remember how our community respondent in one of our darkest moments.”
Previously, six Amazon workers were killed when a series of tornadoes hit a warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois in December 2021.
The company faced criticism following the incident.
“We’re deeply saddened by the news that members of our Amazon family passed away as a result of the storm in Edwardsville, IL. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the tornado,” said Kelly Nantel, Amazon spokesperson, in an email sent by the company to Canadian Occupational Safety after the incident.
