Highway 63 now open

North Bay City Police held a press conference on Thursday at 3:00 pm to update the situation regarding the closure and chemical spill crash on Highway 63 North, on the boundaries of North Bay near the turnoff to Silver Lady Lane.

Around 60 people have not been allowed back to their houses since the crash while officials assessed the situation, however, all residents will now be allowed to return home.

In doing so, most of the residents will be restricted in the water that they use around the home until more complete testing has proven the chemicals are not present in the water, soil or air.

All city residents can now use their drinking supply safety except for residents who live on Silver Lady Lane and are using a private drinking water source.

Restrictions still apply on the water source for uses such as drinking, cooking, showering, bathing, brushing teeth and washing produce.
Recreational use, such as swimming is allowed only for those who live on the east end, from 274 Silver Lady Lane.

The water has also been restricted for all pets and livestock.

Erring on the side of caution, no doubt most of the area will still be hesitant around the water source.

City officials informed the public through the press conference that Highway 63 is now reopened.

While the site of crash has now been cleaned up, testing will continue and be ongoing in surrounding soils, water courses and air quality.

Unusual traffic throughout the contaminated area would complicate cleanup far too greatly and it's asked that onlookers stay away while the situation is in recovery.

The North Bay and District Health Unit has begun testing local water and creek beds for contamination and residents of the area will be asked to submit well samples before using the water at their homes.

Mayor Al McDonald is politely asking all residents to have confidence in those who are assisting in the cleanup.

“They're the best in their fields” says McDonald, “and we're relying on their expertise and knowledge to give us the best possible information that we can give out.”