When a snowstorm and a serious accident halted highway traffic near Oakville on Friday, the small town quickly turned into a haven for many stranded drivers, transforming an emergency into a display of community kindness.
As the RCMP rerouted cars off Highway 1 at the intersection close to Oakville because of low visibility and a major crash, vehicles were directed into town with limited options for drivers to continue safely. That’s when the Oakville Community Club swiftly decided to open the doors of the Oakville Community Centre.
“It happened pretty quickly,” says Eric Delong, president of the Oakville Community Club.
Initially, only a few motorists came in, looking to regroup and figure out their next steps. But as weather conditions worsened and more highways closed, including Highway 2 and parts of Highway 331, it became obvious that many travelers would be stuck for quite some time.
“As the night went on and the conditions got worse, it just started filling up more and more, and we realized we were going to need to keep some people overnight,” he explains. A projector lights up the Oakville Community Centre as stranded travellers watch a movie at tables, offering a bit of comfort and distraction during a long night off the highway. Portage Online/Brittany Boschman
The response from the community was swift. Residents answered calls for help with bedding, air mattresses, food, drinks and other necessities, turning the hall into an overnight shelter.
“The town really stepped up. There were tons of donations of sleeping supplies, food, and drinks. It was pretty cool to see the community come together like that in a time of need.”
By night’s end, the community centre was full. Delong estimates that between 70 and 90 people used the space; however, keeping an exact count was tricky since some came and went while others stayed in their cars but entered occasionally for warmth or food or restrooms.
“It felt pretty full in there. Everyone had a little table for their stuff and a bed. People were sleeping in the hallway, in the boardroom, and even a family was sleeping in our storage room,” he notes.
Delong mentions this situation was unlike anything else faced by Oakville recently.
“Usually if the highway closes down people try to get to another major center. In this case police were forcing people off the highway; then everything else started closing down so it created just this unique situation.”
A number of community members helped organize efforts by spending much of their night at the centre. Once word got out about needs for supplies donations came in so fast that organizers soon found themselves with more than enough.
“As soon as we put out a call for supplies it was overwhelming. We actually had more than enough. That really says something about this community,” he adds.
While accommodations are limited in Oakville local businesses stayed open allowing stranded travelers access to groceries meals or fuel. In some cases residents even welcomed them into their homes.
Looking ahead Delong said he hopes nothing like this happens again but it’s comforting to know that they can respond if needed.
“Given our location on the highway closures do happen so it’s good to know this is an option if it ever comes up again.”
Most importantly Delong noted how this experience highlighted what many already believe about Oakville.
“It was nice to see everyone step up. The travellers were very appreciative; honestly I don’t know what other option they would have had that night. It ended up being such a positive experience for everyone involved.”
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