28 years later: How Brockville’s ice storm blackout shocked a city

Some areas remained without electricity for weeks afterwards

It's been 28 years since a devastating ice storm knocked out power across all of Leeds and Grenville. 

The storm began with freezing rain the Sunday before, and continued through Monday and Tuesday, before sunny skies returned on Wednesday.

Local radio icon Bruce Wylie recalled when the storm took a turn for the worse.

Wylie explained what he did when conditions got bad.

Twice daily, he provided updates alongside then-Mayor Ben Tekamp, Police Chief Barry King, and Fire Chief Harold Tulk.

He remembered a listener describing power lines “snapping like toothpicks” and said the storm, despite its dangers, brought families together.

He recalled power beginning to return in Brockville on Sunday morning.

Other areas, including North Augusta, remained without electricity for weeks. 

Wylie, retiring in April after an impressive 55-year radio career, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to the local community.

Story by: Evan Gibb

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