Cities assess storm damage as clean-up efforts continue

Local municipalities are still responding to the aftermath of Saturday's sudden, severe thunderstorm that swept across Ontario and Quebec — killing at least 10 people and resulting in several injuries.

The City of Kitchener said as of Tuesday morning, crews were still being dispatched to address city-wide damage with the most urgent calls taking priority. 

Once the city's urgent response to address tree damage is completed, the city will begin additional clean-up of storm debris on impacted streets. It's expected that will start the week of May 30.

Kitchener residents can put storm debris out at the curb or on their boulevard, although it must be separated from regular waste collection and can't block sidewalks or road access.

The city said it's too early to estimate clean-up costs associated with the storm. More details on the Kitchener's response can be found here.

The City of Cambridge is hoping to know later this week how long the storm clean-up will take, as city staff are still assessing damage as well.

Michael Hausser, the city's director of operations, noted some portions of parks and trails will remain closed because of fallen trees and branches, and grass cutting operations will slow down until staff can clear trees and branches from parks, boulevards, and cemeteries.

The City of Waterloo, meanwhile, said it received more than 100 calls relating to broken or fallen trees following Saturday's storm. 

According to the city's forestry team, there was damage reported across Waterloo and the initial focus was on removing hazards and making areas safe. 

Full clean-up operations are underway and expected to continue for the next several weeks.