Hydro One sending 30 employees to Nova Scotia to help with storm cleanup
Ontario’s Hydro One is sending 30 employees to Nova Scotia to help restore power to hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses still without electricity after post-tropical storm Fiona ravaged Atlantic Canada last week.
At the height of the storm, nearly 500,000 people across the Maritimes lost electricity. As of Monday night, there were still about 250,000 customers without power and utility companies are warning it could take days to restore.
Over the weekend, Hydro Ottawa sent a crew of about a dozen to help with the cleanup efforts. This included 10 power line technicians, five bucket trucks, a crew supervisor, safety partner, and a fleet mechanic.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday that Hydro One was “on standby” should further assistance be required.
“Hydro Ottawa crews are on their way to Nova Scotia this morning to help with repairing the damage caused by Fiona,” Ford said in a message on social media.
“Ontario will continue to be here to help our friends in Atlantic Canada.”
Later in the day, the electricity company said it would be sending 30 line workers to help Nova Scotia Power with restoration efforts.
The crews are expected to reach the area of Truro, Nova Scotia by Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson for Nova Scotia Power said that thousands of downed trees on power lines, as well as debris and broken or leaning poles, are slowing down progress to turn on power. More than 1,000 technicians are in the field, including the crews from Ontario and those from New Brunswick, Quebec and New England.
The Chief Operating Officer of Hydro One said in a statement they were “proud to answer the call” for assistance.
"Fiona brought with it heavy rainfall, severe winds and historic damage. Our thoughts are with our fellow Canadians in the east affected by this catastrophic storm," David Lebeter said.
In addition to the widespread power outages, the storm caused coastal flooding and mass destruction.
The death toll related to the storm is unclear. Officials are searching for at least one man who went missing and was believed to have been swept out to sea, while an investigation is underway into another possible death related to “generator use.”
A 73-year-old woman from Port aux Basques, N.L. was found deceased after her home was flooded and swept out to sea.
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.