Army of volunteers head to Arlington Woods tornado zone

Driven by a desire to help, and connected through social media, dozens of volunteers descended on the Ottawa neighbourhood of Arlington Woods Tuesday to help clean up following last week's devastating tornado.

Most of the damage in the community near West Hunt Club andGreenbankroads came from fallen trees that had crashed through houses.

Coun. KeithEgliestimated that more than 100 homes in the area havesignificant damage and will require months to repair.

Some residents,Egli said,may even have to tear down their houses.

"Many homes don't have roofs anymore. I've seen homes with the sides completely gone, like children's dollhouses you look into. I've seen examples of that on a number of streets," said Egli.

"Many are going to have knock down and start over again. Orit will take several months of restoration."

Volunteers take on cleanup of Arlington Woods

7 years ago

Duration 0:55

Volunteers with chainsaws and hot food descended on the neighbourhood of Arlington Woods on Tuesday, in an effort to clear tree branches and other debris after last week's tornado.

'Inundated' with help

The community has not had electricity since Friday.Hydro Ottawa said it hopes to have the lights back on by Wednesday afternoon, making Arlington Woods likely the last area in the city to have power restored.

It's with this backdrop that retirees, elementary school teachers and landscapersspontaneously gathered in the parking lot of the Arlington Woods Church to wait for their marching orders.

SeanDevine, the president of the Trend-Arlington Community Association, put out a call for assistanceon Twitter using the hashtag #ArlingtonWoodsrelief.

He said the community had been "happily inundated" with volunteers.

"It's a miracle that noone died, but what can't be replaced is the hundreds and hundreds of of white pines that we lost," he said.

"We're kind of all in shock ... but we are emanatingthe spirit of the white pine. We're strong and we're standing really tall right now."

The challenge now involves coordinating the effort, Devine said, since the hardest hit streets are considered unsafe.

The tornado cut off the tops of pine treesand downed hydro lines. The size of the trees means that heavy equipment must be used for the cleanup.

On Tuesday, Ottawa police blockedoff several roads to allow heavy machinery, including tractors and cranes,to go through.

Volunteers were prevented from entering the area, but there was still plenty of work to go around.Organizers sent someout to clear brush inparks, while others headed to a nearby senior's home to help throw outspoiled food.

Teachers, neighbours lend hand

Joanne Stynesand her10-year-old daughter Claire put on rubber boots and rain jackets and signed up for yard clearing duty.

They live in Arlington Woods but were lucky to not have much property damage.

"It's sad to see all our great white pines are down," said ClaireStynes. "At least we still have trees and everybody is not hurt.Homes can be rebuilt but people can't."

The elementary student attends Knoxdale Public School, which was still closed because of the tornado damage. That meant nearly all of Knoxdale'steachers decided to join the volunteer crews.

Kindergarten teacherMegan Skentelberysaid the mothers ofthe group brought food and water and helped take care of the children, while othersmoved trees andcleared lots to make it safer for children to return to school.

"We heard a cry for help and we came," said Grade 1 teacher Karl Herbert,who has severalstudents from Arlington Woods.

Some students stopped by with their parents Tuesdayto get snacksand to recharge their phones.

Herbert said he appreciated being able to check in on them.