A weekend lightning strike has temporarily shuttered the headquarters of a local conservation authority.
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority has announced its administration office in Formosa will be closed until further notice after it was hit by lightning on Sunday.
The building, which was empty at the time, sustained electrical damage and there are also reports that some of its windows were blown out by the strike. An assessment now has to be conducted to determine the extent of the damage before employees will be allowed to return. In the meantime, conservation staff will be working remotely to maintain services.
"We appreciate the understanding and patience of our community as we work through the challenges posed by this unexpected event," Conservation Authority General Manager Erik Downing said in a statement. "Our thanks go out to South Bruce Fire Department and the Teeswater and Mildmay stations for their fast response, professionalism, and thoroughness. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our staff for their resilience and dedication during this challenging time.”
While the building remains closed, campers needing to make payments are asked to do so at gatehouses. All other payments can be made over the phone, by cheque or online.
The conservation authority will post updates about its reopening, once that timeline is known, on its website www.saugeenconservation.ca.