The Westmeath Recreation Centre, the hub of Westmeath and area, is an Emergency Relief Centre designated by the Township of Whitewater Region. It had never been called into action – until the Ottawa River flooded.
On April 17, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) issued a flood warning. The next day sandbags were delivered to the Westmeath Municipal Garage and by April 19 (Good Friday), the site had volunteer firefighters from Whitewater Township and threatened homeowners filling sandbags until more than one-quarter of a million were eventually filled. They were complemented by firefighters from Pembroke and the Township of Laurentian Valley, as well as 40 personnel from the Ministry of Natural Resources. On April 25, a State of Emergency was declared.
Brenda Grady, President of the WDRA, was asked if she could have the Recreation Centre become a home and lifeline preparing provisions for those flooded and/or stranded and the personnel of other services who would be arriving to provide assistance and security for those in need.
Brenda believed that she could but called Leatrice and a few other people to confirm. With a few volunteers that evening, her leadership role began by serving 40 sandbaggers meals that Saturday evening.
The first delivery of food was from leftover church suppers early Sunday morning from both Beachburg and Haley’s. Everything was happening in a flash. Inquiries were came fast and furious with so much to be organized. Brenda, most familiar with the Hall functions, quickly became the focal point. It was a monumental task for her, especially the first week, but she held her ground and the process began to take form. Sunday there were 80 for lunch and the busy work began.
So many people wanted to volunteer in the kitchen and to serve meals. Beth Ethier, Secretary of the WDRA, began scheduling the volunteers into two shifts to balance the efforts, also taking messages to pass on. Leatrice, WDRA Kitchen Manager, as Brenda’s backup kept everything on queue.
Of course, emotions came into play with the many sad stories of flood issues that had to be told. However the bad news was more than remunerated for by so much eagerness to contribute by helping. Even those with homes affected by the waters, full of their resilience and inner-strength, came in to give a hand, often reaching dry land by a canoe or boat. They would say, “we want to be here as so many others are worse off than we are.”
The Canadian Armed Forces (RCR) arrived on April 28, coming in groups of 20 until there was a total of 120. The last meal was served for them at 10:30 pm, then they bedded down on the arena slab of cement on cots. Those cots were kept looking so neat and organized. They woke at 6 pm each morning, to carry out wellness checks of the distressed daily, often by boat. Troops were on call during the night in the event of fire and ambulance emergencies. After eight days, they were gradually replaced by a complement of 180 reservists from the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD).
The Dragoons, so appreciative of the meals, were willing to help out in the hall in any capacity. If one was needed, three or four would jump up to help. A few played piano music during lunchtimes and in between. One group played ball with the local kids on our ball diamond. Brenda said, “because of the way they interfaced with others, it was definitely a positive impact on us.”
There more than a dozen LAV’s were either parked in front of the Recreation Centre or on the roads, crossing the flooded ones to check on the stranded. Utility vehicles were on hand for faster transportation. A clean water filter unit was on standby.
The municipality was always available to provide information and updates regarding the flood situation. The mayor and fire chief were at the Hall or in the field every day and they too kept people informed. Councillors were often spotted in the kitchen washing or drying dishes. During this emergency, Coast Guards were transporting Renfrew County Paramedics to do health and wellness checks on the water-bound and delivering medications as required.
Neil Nicholson, wearing two hats, is the Vice President of the WDRA, as well as a recently elected councillor. After retirement from the armed forces, he continued his studies in Emergency & Disaster Relief Service. This was first opportunity to put his knowledge into practice. He was soon interfacing with all the groups involved including liaising with Brenda. He was in his ideal element with his expertise. With all his contacts, lists and maps were compiled for display and were most informative. His spot-on ability though, was keenly listening to all those people with their troubles, providing them direction and hope. “Listening was the key.” Neil could both speak and understand “army-lingo,” which enhanced communication all around.
Food kept arriving from volunteers and not one dinner was short, regardless of how many were seated (they had 220 for one meal). There were soups, prepared dishes, meat, desserts and more. As well at the Westmeath and La Passe areas, supplies were donated from Cobden, Foresters Falls, Pembroke, Renfrew and even Carleton Place, to name a few. There were cash donations from outside of the area as well. Clothing and household accessories were also donated in abundance and are now organized on the hall stage.
The Kindergarten class from OLG came one morning with cookies. They were given an orientation by Brenda, even a peek at the many cots in the arena. Later another class came over; this time directly to the windows to peer down at those cots below. Seems like that spectacle was the most interesting. That same school did sandbagging as well, accumulating a huge pile near the front door of the school.
There were many bundles prepared daily that were delivered. One stranded group, nicknamed “John’s Junket,” consisting of 12 meals was picked up each afternoon, taken by boat to one group gathered for dinner then on to another couple’s home that was totally surrounded by water. The overall response was, “we take what we get. We are very appreciative.”
One couple who had to cross water came into the Hall this week. They were offered sandwiches, reluctant to accept, then talked into a hot meal. It came out that another couple who were flooded out were staying with them. The kitchen packed up more food to take back.
There were radio and television interviews in the hall. Brenda talked to CBC radio followed by Mayor Moore who was amazed at the food being donated and said, “how wonderful it was to see the community come together.” A television interview was held with a few women in the kitchen, then focused on Leatrice, who with some emotion, emphasized how terrible it was for the flood victims and for the community itself.
All good deeds deserve recognition they say and so on a BBQ evening prepared by the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) before leaving, five officers presented Brenda with a Gold Medal for Excellence to express their thanks from all the volunteers.
If that wasn’t surprising enough, one officer who returned to Garrison Petawawa came back with plaque with the letters VRI (the ID for the RCR) – with the inscription “First to the Fight” and presented it to Brenda and the whole community for their valiant efforts.
As those nasty waters recede so do the number of reserves, now down to 18. The volunteers have thinned out too, grateful for a break. The worst is over – but there is still the clean-up!
The Canadian Red Cross is provides some immediate relief funding for those who qualify, to assist those with basic needs and living expenses. This fund is also only for those whose primary residence has been impacted. The Red Cross were at the Westmeath Recreation Centre to meet people and explain their services. They Red Cross staff will be returning to the Recreation Centre on May 23, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for others who would like to inquire about their eligibility for funding or to simply get more information.
The Renfrew & District County Health Unit had a desk set up in the Hall early on with plenty of brochures of information and staff available to answer questions. Their priorities are flood safety, safe shelter and safe drinking water. The health unit has helped to erect multiple wellness centres throughout the flooded areas. They’re offering free well water testing bottles but are asking residents to wait until the water has begun to recede before testing. Major areas of concern are the hazardous materials and outbound disease in the water and people are asked to take precautions. Use hand sanitizer and keep mold in mind for the recovery phase. The health unit will continue to provide public consult meetings.
Sgt. Nick Barbieri of the Dragoons was sent from Mississauga to help. He was pleased to be away from a big city and able to spend time in this quiet community. In fact, he said, “I could easily up here. I would miss out on the jostling traffic gridlock back home.” He said he hadn’t heard a harsh word since he arrived. He went on to point out how Melle DeHaan (the recreation centre’s maintenance person) was so helpful to them, teaching the military people the ropes and the nuances about their assigned space. He said Melle was there every day and never complained about anything he did for them. Sgt Barbieri sheepishly said, “We locked ourselves out late one night and had to phone Melle to come in open up for us. He did it without a murmur.”
Brenda Grady’s skills, with plenty of support, made the Westmeath Recreation Centre a viable Emergency Relief Centre in its very first challenge. She reminded others that “The volunteer’s prime purpose at this centre is to continue providing comfort for all those who need it during this time.”
Note: The Westmeath Recreation Relief Centre is still in need of donated food, clothing, medical supplies and toiletries. You can contact the centre by telephone, (613) 587-4559 or by email at [email protected].
