GODERICH, Ont. - People around southwestern Ontario are helping the residents of Goderich recover from the tornado that devastated the picturesque town on Lake Huron.
A steady stream of residents have signed up to help in the cleanup and many are bringing food and supplies to the town's relief centre.
The sounds of chainsaws and hammers were everywhere as people cut up trees and patch broken homes and businesses.
One man was killed and 37 people were injured when the F-3 twister hit town Sunday with winds pushing 300 kilometres an hour.
Disaster area officially declared
Goderich council has officially declared the tornado-ravaged town a disaster area, paving the way for $5 million in provincial aid.
Council met for 20 minutes Tuesday afternoon at an emergency shelter set up at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Goderich council is also asking the federal government for financial assistance.
The next step for the town is to establish a disaster relief committee.
The committee can't contain any members who are elected officials or work for the municipality.
Power slowly returning
Restoring electricity in Goderich has been a slow process since Sunday's devastating tornado.
Forty per cent of homes had their lights back on Monday, and 90 per cent of the community should be powered up again by the end of this week.
But those in the twister's immediate path may have to wait until next week before the lights are back on.
Meanwhile Union Gas hopes to restore gas late Tuesday to the south end of the town where damage is least extensive.
The utility reminds homeowners clearing downed trees from their property to contact the gas company to verify the location of gas lines before they do any digging.
