Mr. Speaker, Environment Canada has just determined that what hit Niagara-on-the-Lake last Friday was a localized condition referred to as a downburst with winds of up to 180 kilometres an hour. Damage was extensive and public works as well as hydro crews are still on the job and continue to clean debris and make repairs.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake who have been truly remarkable throughout this ordeal. After cleaning their own property, many of them provided wonderful assistance to their neighbours. Hydro crews put forth a continuous and concerted 24 hour a day effort to restore power as soon as possible, working throughout the night.
I would like to thank the municipality of Niagara-on-the-Lake for its quick response to the crisis. I would like to recognize the neighbouring municipalities that came to our help immediately and without hesitation.