Remembering the Vaughan tornado: 10 years later

The most memorable part of this tragedy was the kindness, writes Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

Yorkregion.com
August 15, 2019
Opinion -- Mayor Bevilacqua

August 20, 2009, is a day Vaughan citizens will never forget. It was the day a tornado hit our city, reminding us of the humbling power of nature.

The storm damaged approximately 600 homes in Maple and West Woodbridge. Power lines were torn down, and gas leaks reported across the city. Tree trunks, branches and debris littered the streets and cars flipped over from strong winds.

The damage was remarkable yet, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Vaughan tornado, what I recall most vividly is the immediate and heartfelt response from our community.

That night, I attended the affected neighbourhoods, where I witnessed first-hand the human kindness that thrives in Vaughan. Neighbours were helping neighbours who were forced to evacuate their homes. Business owners gave their time and resources without even being asked to do so. First responders including Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, York Region EMS, York Regional Police and Red Cross worked around the clock to ensure the safety and security of people affected by the storm.

And, despite the city opening two emergency response shelters, not one resident had to stay overnight because neighbours, relatives and friends opened their doors and offered a place to sleep. Simply put, this reflects the compassion and spirit of generosity that is a defining trait of the City of Vaughan.

Emergencies can happen at any time. As one of the safest communities in Canada, Vaughan is committed to being prepared for any emergency because the safety of citizens is our No. 1 priority.

Our emergency management team is made up staff members who undergo regular training exercises to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully respond to an emergency. These efforts were in place ten years ago and continue to be enhanced and improved to ensure the latest and most innovative procedures, protocols and practices are in place.

Vaughan is blessed with a resilient spirit. We are fortunate to live in a community where people give of themselves to support others in need of a helping hand.

As we take a moment to pause and reflect on the events that occurred here one decade ago, let us remember our community’s generous and compassionate response, which demonstrates that by working together, we are all stronger.