By Linda Scales
If you ask people at uOttawa where they were for the ice storm, you’ll be sure to get a story.
Of course, we’re talking about the 1998 Ice Storm, considered one of Canada’s largest natural disasters. Twenty years ago this month — from January 4 to 10, 1998 — Eastern Ontario and Southern Quebec endured a weather crisis that took lives, caused injuries, hurt livelihoods and temporarily displaced thousands.
The University and its people were part of this story. The campus was closed from Thursday, January 8 to Monday, January 12. Afterwards, a campaign was organized to help employees, students and their families whose lives were affected by the storm.
Although the storm was devastating, it also reminded uOttawa and all of its neighbours of the importance of helping hands in times of crisis.