Gas cut off to 1,000 buildings

About 1,000 homes and businesses in the city have had their gas disconnected as a safety precaution because of flooding.

Union Gas said the company and the Hamilton Fire Department have disconnected service. Union Gas representatives are going door-to-door to repair and inspect natural gas meter and regulator sets where needed. There is no charge for inspection or repair.

The Red Hill Valley Parkway re-opened this morning after sections near the Queen Elizabeth Way were deluged by flood water yesterday.

The roadway was closed, along with several other major arteries yesterday, following a heavy thunderstorm that pummeled the city. City officials for a time feared the parkway might remain closed for two days.

Kelly Anderson of the public works department said crews were repairing damaged shoulders today, but all lanes were open.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said last night, "Without any other major rain event, we should be fine.

"But we certainly understand and know that there's been a considerable amount of flooding that's happened throughout the city, both on land and in basements, and we'll be dealing with that ... this evening ... and in the coming days."

The downpour caused extensive flooding across Hamilton, gushing water into more than 1,000 homes, including Eisenberger's.