SVCA announces temporary closure of administrative office due to lightning strike

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has announced that its administrative office in Formosa has been closed due to a lightning strike that occurred Sunday (Oct. 6).

The building was vacant at the time of the lightning strike, and everyone is safe. There was no fire resulting from the strike; however, the building sustained electrical damage and is currently being assessed to determine the extent of the damage and the timeline for re-opening.

During this period, SVCA staff will work remotely to maintain continuity of services. Select staff will be able to begin working remotely as early as Oct. 8.

"We appreciate the understanding and patience of our community as we work through the challenges posed by this unexpected event,” said Erik Downing, general manager/secretary-treasurer. “Our thanks go out to South Bruce Fire Department and the Teeswater and Mildmay stations for their fast response, professionalism, and thoroughness. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our staff for their resilience and dedication during this challenging time.”

Service adjustments and contact information:
 

• Campers needing to process payments in person are advised to do so at the gatehouses
• All other payments can be processed via credit card over the phone, by cheque, or on-line
• For payment inquiries, contact payments@svca.on.ca
• General inquiries should be directed to publicinfo@svca.on.ca
• The primary contact number for SVCA during this period remains 519-364-1255
• For ongoing files, clients are encouraged to continue sending an E-mail to their SVCA contacts directly
• Questions regarding planning and permits can be directed to planning@svca.on.ca

Additional information:
 

• Select staff will begin working remotely as early as Oct. 8. Access to servers and files is being established to ensure that work continues efficiently.
• Updates will be posted to the website at www.saugeenconservation.ca

“We thank our community for the continued support and understanding as we work diligently to restore full operations and ensure the safety of our facilities,” said Downing.



Emergency services respond to a lightning strike at the SVCA administration office in Formosa, Sunday, Oct. 6; photo by the SVCA