Water leak forces evacuation of Bruce County affordable housing units in Mildmay

A water leak Friday, forced the evacuation of Bruce County’s affordable housing units on Adam Street in Mildmay.

County staff is working to get the residents back into their homes as early as possible, and is working closely with the Grey Bruce Health Unit to ensure that all safety requirements have been met before residents return to the building. 

Chief administrative officer Kelley Coulter said the health unit advised the county to leave the building vacant until a safety reassessment takes place early next week.

"The water that leaked into the building may have come in contact with suspected creosote," she said. "As a safety precaution, we want to be sure that the residents do not return to the units until we are advised it is safe to do so.”

Coulter said the county appreciates the patience and co-operation of the residents involved in this incident.

"An apology has been forwarded to the residents," she said. "We realize this has caused inconveniences for them. However, our main concern is the safety of our residents."

Some residents remain safely with families, while others were provided with alternative housing.