NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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12:17 a.m. update
In regards to the earlier gas leak, the southbound lanes of County Road 27 in Cookstown have now been reopened. Northbound lanes will remain closed until approximately 3 a.m.
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9:56 p.m. update
Evacuation Order Lifted in Cookstown
An evacuation order has been lifted for an area of Cookstown (as of September 21, 2016 at 9:35 p.m.) meaning residents can now return home.
Earlier in the day, a construction crew accidently struck a natural gas line on the northeast corner of County Road #27 and Victoria Street and about 20 homes were evacuated as a result. Crews from Enbridge Gas worked for several hours to seal the leak and have now given the area the all clear.
“I sincerely thank residents who had to leave their homes for their patience and cooperation,” said Innisfil Mayor Gord Wauchope. “Our partners at South Simcoe Police, Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service, and Enbridge Gas did a fantastic job keeping the area safe.”
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7:50 update
Natural Gas Leak Evacuation Order Issued In Cookstown
On Wednesday, September 21 at approximately 3:40 p.m., a construction crew accidentally struck a natural gas line on the northeast corner of County Rd #27 and Victoria Street in the Village of Cookstown.
Emergency responders from South Simcoe Police, Innisfil Fire & Rescue and Enbridge Gas were called to the scene.
County Road # 27 is currently closed from Highway # 89 to Kidds Lane in the Village of Cookstown. Additionally, residents from 20 nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution while staff from Enbridge Gas work to stop the leak.
The road closure and temporary evacuation are expected to last into the early morning hours. Police are asking motorists, especially commercial motor vehicles to use alternate routes until County Road #27 is reopened.
Residents will likely be able to return to their homes tonight, though restoring gas to the area will take time.
A media release will be issued and information will be available on social media when the roadway has reopened and residents can return to their homes. Residents can follow the Town’s twitter account @townofinnisfil and monitor the town’s website: www.innisfil.ca.
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Original release 5:50 p.m.
Please be advised that County Road 27 is closed in the Town of Cookstown between Kidds Lane and Highway 89 due to a gas leak in the area. Crews are currently working on repairing the gas leak.
Drivers are asked to take alternative routes of Kidds Lane and Riley Street
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