Remembering the Goderich tornado one year later

A tornado hit Goderich on Sunday, August 21, 2011.

Nearly one year ago, an F3 tornado touched down in the town of Goderich, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. One person was killed, and another 37 injured.

On Saturday residents came together for an event that was both a memorial and a celebration of their  rebuilding efforts.

It included a touching tribute to Norman Laberge who was killed at the Sifto Canada salt mine. “I’m sad for my family, but I’m mostly sad for my son who’s missing his grandfather now,” said his daughter Jocelyn Laberge.

“The theme of this day is celebration and remembrance,” said organizer Matt Hoy. “We’ve come a long way in one year, but we have a long way to go.”

One of the hardest hit areas was Cambria Road. Ten homes on the street were destroyed. Some of those homeowners have just started rebuilding.

The Chamber of Commerce says 152 of the 170 damaged businesses have now reopened.

According to Property Claim Services Canada, which tracks insured losses from catastrophic events, thousands of claims were filed by residents and business owners. Those claims amounted to more than $110 million.

Damages to the town totaled nearly $130 million.