"About 50 Holland Marsh farmers are suing the Townships of West Gwillimbury and King, claiming damage to crops in August because of flooding. The farmers served notice of their intentions through their lawyers last month, saying the two municipalities neglected to clean the Schomberg River, and that the pumps at a pumping station didn't work during the heavy rain of August 16. The petition signed by the farmers was sent to the councils by their lawyer Norman Borins of Toronto. It states that because of the failure of the pumphouse much of the land near or level with the river was covered with water. King Mayor Margaret Britnell said the township has no obligation to the farmers because the cleaning of the canal and pumping operations are under the jurisdiction of the Holland Marsh Drainage Commission. Council agreed to receive the letter and send it on to the commission. West Gwillimbury council has referred the matter to the township's insurance company, Frank Cowan Company Limited."
"Feeding refugees: Marsh refugees enjoy a hot meal in the Bradford town hall after their flight from the flooded Holland Marsh. Most spent the winter in an emergency trailer camp set up where the community centre stands today."
"Protecting the Holland Marsh from another Hurricane Hazel will cost at least $1.6-million, according to figures released by the South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority...." The Marsh fears its dykes will not hold off another flood if a big storm hits, 25 years after Hurricane Hazel.
Front page of the first Bradford Witness paper after the Holland Marsh flood due to Hurricane Hazel on October 15, 1954. See Related Descriptions below for individual stories of this edition.
