A crew from Windsor's Enwin Utilities has been deployed to the Woodstock area to help restore power after severe storms caused widespread outages. The assistance comes as part of mutual aid agreements between Ontario utilities, ensuring rapid recovery efforts.
Storm Damage and Outage Impact
The storms, which swept through southwestern Ontario on Canada Day weekend, downed trees and power lines, leaving more than 35,000 Hydro-Quebec customers without electricity. In the Woodstock region, local crews were overwhelmed by the scale of damage, prompting the call for reinforcements.
Enwin spokesperson said the crew left Windsor early Wednesday morning with bucket trucks and equipment. “We’re glad to support our neighbours in Woodstock,” the spokesperson stated. “Our team is experienced in storm restoration and will work around the clock until power is restored.”
Mutual Aid and Regional Cooperation
This deployment follows similar mutual aid efforts across Ontario, where utilities share resources during emergencies. Enwin has previously assisted in Ottawa and other regions. The company noted that its own Windsor grid remained stable, allowing it to free up personnel.
Local officials in Woodstock thanked the Enwin crew. “We appreciate the quick response from Windsor,” said a Woodstock city councilor. “Every lineman counts when thousands are without power in the heat.”
Ongoing Restoration and Safety Warnings
Crews are prioritizing critical infrastructure like hospitals and water treatment plants. Residents are advised to stay away from downed lines and report hazards. Full restoration may take several days, depending on damage assessment.
The storms also caused flooding in parts of Ontario, with Canada Day record rainfall sending raw sewage into the Ottawa River. In Brantford, celebrations were cut short by the severe weather.
