MP Had First Hand View of Oxford’s Sinkhole

The Member of Parliament for Cumberland Colchester visited the sinkhole in Oxford yesterday. Bill Casey wanted first hand information on the extent of the crisis.

The MP will share his findings with certain cabinet ministers. Perhaps he will convince his political colleagues of the looming crisis. 

Federal officials had earlier refused to provide the investigative equipment local officials requested, citing a clause that the government should not compete with local businesses who could serve the towns need for a fee.

That non-compete clause could be waived in an emergency, but Ottawa did not think the situation in Oxford was at that stage.

The town wanted sophisticated equipment that could map the underground area surrounding the sinkhole. Such information might guide local personnel in the management of the crisis.

Today’s rain is having a modest effect on the softening edges of the hole, but officials say there is no noticeable increase to the overall size of the sinkhole or cracks in the parking lot.

Meanwhile, earlier today, the town experienced several water service leaks in various locations in the downtown area.  Results from a preliminary investigation indicate there is no connection between the waterline breaks and the sinkhole.

Photo courtesy of the Town of Oxford