Even as the onslaught of the region’s first heat wave gripped Durham (see below), parts of Clarington were without power for almost the entire day yesterday.
Utility provider Elexicon Energy also reported an outage due to an unknown cause in Cannington affecting Peace Street, which was restored.
Yesterday morning, Elexicon reported outages in Bowmanville, Orono and Newcastle due to unknown causes. Later, it said the outage was the result of a loss of Hydro One supply.
Municipal Facilities Closed
The Municipality of Clarington announced around 10 am yesterday the following facilities were without power and were closed until service was restored:
- Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre
- Clarington Library, Museums & Archives Newcastle Branch
- Clarington Library, Museums & Archives Orono Branch
It asked residents to check its website for updates. The page was not updated till at least 11pm yesterday.
Storm Impact?
A storm hit early morning and residents started reporting power outages from just before 6am, with some reporting intermittent restorations.
Almost all areas of Bowmanville were reported to have power outages.
First reports mentioned restoration by 10 am, then it was moved to 3 pm after which some areas got the power back.
An Elexicon update showed an estimated restoration at 8pm and then 9pm. “Outage due to loss of Hydro One supply… affecting Bowmanville. Estimated time of restoration is today at 9pm. Investigation is in progress.”
Outages affecting Newcastle and Orono were earlier restored, said Elexicon. Many parts of Bowmanville were restored too, but, some were not.
“Good luck folks! Going to sleep 😴 now. Hopefully, it will be restored by tomorrow,” reported a Bowmanville resident at 10:30pm last night.
Internet outages were also reported.
Heat Alert Still In Effect
Environment Canada has warned that the heat wave will be continuing through Friday for the entirety of the Durham Region and possibly into the weekend.
The hottest days are expected to be July 1st and and July 2nd, with maximum temperatures of 34°C to 37°C expected.
Minimum temperatures of 21°C to 25°C will provide little relief from the heat.
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.
Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
Slower Trains
Metrolinx, the operator of GO Transit yesterday warned of potential impacts to GO Train service resulting from the hot weather and heat patrols taking place across the GO rail network.
“A heat warning from Environment Canada is in effect today [Tuesday] for our service area. During prolonged periods of high heat, we are required to run trains at slower speeds. To ensure the safety of our customers and crew, slow orders are issued along the network,” it said.
As a result, some trips may be cancelled or delayed on your line arriving 10 to 15 minutes later than originally scheduled at their destination, it added.
How To Stay Cool
The municipality advised residents looking to cool off, charge devices, or access a safe, comfortable space during the outage to visit Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, Diane Hamre Recreation Complex or the Bowmanville Library.
It said other ways to stay cool included:
- Beat the heat at splash pads.
- Drop in for a refreshing swim during one of our scheduled public swims.
- Take advantage of the breeze by the waterfront.
- Find some shade at a local park.
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