As I drove through Greely yesterday afternoon, the devastation was impossible to miss. Metal roofing panels lay scattered across the property of Ottawa Valley Grain Products, twisted like discarded ribbons after what owners are calling the most destructive storm in their 95-year history.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Peter Scharf, whose family has operated this local institution since 1929. “The entire roof just peeled off like the lid of a sardine can.”
The powerful storm that swept through Ottawa’s southern communities on Tuesday afternoon left behind a trail of destruction that will cost the Scharf family hundreds of thousands in damages. Their grain processing facility, which produces specialty flours and mixes sold throughout Eastern Ontario, now sits exposed to the elements.
Environment Canada confirmed wind gusts reached speeds of 90 km/h during the severe thunderstorm. For businesses like Ottawa Valley Grain Products, those powerful gusts proved catastrophic.
“We were just finishing a production run when we heard what sounded like a freight train,” explained operations manager Susan Scharf. “Then the lights went out, and we heard this terrible ripping sound from above.”
The family-owned business employs 23 local residents, many of whom helped secure equipment and inventory after the storm passed. Community members quickly rallied around the Greely landmark, with neighboring businesses offering temporary storage space and assistance with cleanup efforts.
City councillor George Darouze visited the site Wednesday morning, pledging to help expedite permits needed for emergency repairs. “This business represents generations of hard work and is a vital part of our rural economy,” Darouze told me. “We’ll do everything possible to help them rebuild quickly.”
Insurance adjusters estimate repairs could take 6-8 weeks, potentially disrupting supply chains for several local bakeries and specialty food shops that rely on their products.
The Scharfs aren’t the only ones picking up the pieces. Ottawa Hydro reported approximately 3,200 customers lost power during Tuesday’s storm, though most connections were restored by Wednesday morning. Several residential properties in Greely, Metcalfe, and south Gloucester also reported damage to outbuildings and trees.
What makes this situation particularly challenging is the timing. “We’re entering our busiest season,” Peter explained, gesturing toward fields of grain ready for harvest. “Every week of downtime now has triple the impact on our annual operations.“
Despite the setback, the family remains characteristically resilient. Three generations of Scharfs gathered this morning to help with cleanup efforts, including 88-year-old Raymond Scharf, who ran the business from 1963 until 2001.
“Dad insisted on coming down to help,” Susan said with a smile. “He told us he’s seen worse and we’ll get through this too.”
The company hopes to have temporary repairs in place by next week, allowing limited production to resume while more extensive rebuilding takes place. Local contractors have already begun the process of securing the building and salvaging equipment.
For the rural Ottawa community, the storm’s impact extends beyond physical damage. Ottawa Valley Grain Products sponsors numerous community events and donates regularly to the Greely Food Bank.
“They’re more than just a business,” said longtime customer Marianne Wilson, who stopped by to offer help. “The Scharfs are part of what makes this community special.”
As our region moves into what meteorologists predict will be an active summer storm season, this incident serves as a reminder of our vulnerability to severe weather events. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, property damage from severe weather has increased dramatically across Ontario over the past decade.
The Scharf family, meanwhile, remains focused on rebuilding. “We’ve been here since 1929,” Peter told me as we walked through the damaged facility. “It’ll take more than one storm to change that.”
For updates on their reopening timeline or to offer assistance, community members can contact the family through the Greely Business Association.
