Damage Heavy At Georgian Peaks Ski Club
MPP Jim Wilson Tours Region

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes crashed through southern Ontario on Thursday,August 20th. High temperatures, high humidity and an approaching cold front provided the perfect ingredients for severe weather.

The worst of the storms hit the small town of Durham, where one person died and damage to homes and businesses is extensive. Environment Canada has confirmed that at least one tornado touched down in the city of Vaughan on Thursday afternoon, where Mayor Linda Jackson declared a state of emergency. In Woodbridge, approximately 120 homes were destroyed in the storm.

While Collingwood escaped with only thunder, lightning and heavy rain, nearby Georgian Peaks Ski Club in Craigleith was hit with what Environment Canada has now confirmed to be a powerful F2 tornado. A clubhouse and maintenance building was heavily damaged, as were maintenance huts at the bottom of the ski runs. Homes in a subdivision at the base of the ski hills were badly damaged or destroyed. The storm crossed highway 26 taking down trees and hydro poles and lines with it before moving out over Georgian Bay.

James Hunter was in his chalet at the bottom of the ski runs when the storm hit. He said that realized the storm was severe, but didn't know of the extent of the damage just metres away from his chalet until he was contacted by friends who were concerned for his safety.

Hydro was cut off to thousands of residents in Craigleith and throughout the Town of The Blue Mountains at the height of the storm that hit around dinner time. Highway 26 in Craigleith was closed to traffic because of fallen hydro lines, trees and debris.

Apple orchards above the ski club on top of the Niagara Escarpment were also heavily damaged in Thursday's storm.

Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson and Town of The Blue Mountains Mayor Ellen Anderson toured the region to view the damage caused by Thursday's storm. "Our praryers go out to everyone who was affected by the storm" Wilson said. Wilson is encouraging anyone affected by the storm to contact his office. "My office and I are always available to help those in need of provincial government assistance" Wilson said.

Contact MPP Jim Wilson's office at 705-446-1090 or 1-800-268-7542..