Twenty-five years ago today was a day that many Ontarians will never forget.
Known as “Black Friday,” 13 separate twisters crossed Southern Ontario during the late afternoon and early evening, killing several people, injuring hundreds more and causing millions of dollars in damage.
One of the worst ones struck Barrie, causing a blackout, damaging homes and parts of Highway 400. The Red Cross assisted approximately 10,000 people through registration of evacuees, the provision of shelter and the delivery of meals.
Disaster Management volunteer Howard Courtney helped to provide assistance following the disaster. This is what he remembers:
“On the day of the tornado I was retrieving the names and address of those checking in at the first shelter and reception center that was set up at the St. John Vianey Church Hall. The devastation was incredible. Photos document the facts so vividly. But after the initial response concluded, what I most remember is the recovery stages. As the Mennonites and many others moved into the community to clean up the devastation, Red Cross launched the largest feeding operation in its Canadian history. Thousands of meals were prepared and delivered on site to workers who came to assist in the clean up. Doug Skelding, a Barrie resident, who served as our Red Cross Disaster Chair at the time led the way and coordinated several local service clubs, along with the local Georgian College Food services to make it happen.”
Check out some back-in-the-day pics from local newspapers.
Do you remember the tornadoes of 1985? If so, please your story in the comments section.
