KITCHENER

Insurable damage from Goderich tornado $75 million

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, September 22, 2011 10:46AM EDT

Despite the damage to their home, Goderich residents Brenden Purser and Sarah Hessel appear to have retained their sense of humour. Here, other town residents mill about in the couple's driveway on Sunday, Aug. 28. 2011. (Saira Peesker / CTVNews.ca)

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GODERICH, Ont. - A preliminary estimate pegs insurable damage from last month's tornado in Goderich, Ont., at $75 million.

The estimate comes from Property Claims Services Canada, which says thousands of claims have been filed for homes, businesses and vehicles destroyed by the tornado and accompanying large hail.

Goderich Mayor Deb Shewfelt believes the number is on the low side.

Shewfelt says many claims have yet to be processed, adding there's also infrastructure damage and the loss of many trees in the core area to consider.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada expects the recovery process to take some time because of the widespread extent of the claims.

The availability of skilled tradespeople is also an issue.

The insurance bureau says insurers are working with owners of heritage homes and buildings to help preserve to community's history.