Dozens of families still homeless as crews clean up asbestos on properties

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It's an understatement to say that it's been a tough past few weeks for hundreds of Downsview area residents.

A massive propane blast, which rocked the close-knit neighbourhood on Aug. 10, has forced many of its residents to literally transplant their lives.

Spalding Road residents David and Linda Eastwood are among dozens who have called a local Holiday Inn home since the disaster.

"A hotel just isn't home," said Linda, adding that she misses the little things like pulling up a seat, munching on some microwave popcorn and enjoying a movie on their big-screen TV.

David said that he's quickly learned to appreciate the little things in life.

"The necessities become so important and the luxuries so unimportant," he said, adding that they fled their home during the explosions wearing just pajamas.

"We've had to buy everything literally from Aspirin to Q-tips."

The couple's two pit bulls have also had to spend the last few weeks in a kennel.

In an unexpected twist of fate, David, an aircraft maintenance engineer and technical writer, also learned that three of his contracts had come to an end because of slow times in the industry. He's picked up a part-time job, which starts Monday, but is now also actively seeking full-time employment.

The Eastwoods, whose one-storey bungalow luckily sustained just minor damage, have yet to return home; traces of asbestos from the Sunrise Propane plant's buildings have been found on their property, which is less than a kilometre from the facility. They're hoping to return to their home by this weekend.

Despite their situation, the Eastwoods underlined that some neighbours who live directly across from the site are much worse off. "We're not really as bad as some of the families here, especially those on Murray Street," David said. "Some neighbours have lost everything. We feel lucky to be just displaced."

More than two weeks after the blast, the couple still says they're affected by the surreal situation that unfolded that fateful Sunday morning.

"We still find ourselves ducking or flinching when we hear a loud sound like a garbage truck tailgate hitting a curb," David shared, adding he's noticed a lot of erratic behaviours from local residents trying to cope with the disaster the best way they can.

"Even a loud door slam is muffled just like the explosion," said Linda, who said she's experienced some sleep disruptions.

Admittedly, images of terrified children screaming and running down the street barefoot as the propane tanks thunderously exploded still haunt Linda.

"For me it's so vivid. It's right there," she said, pointing to her forehead.

David recounted his memories of shrapnel and debris blackening the sky following the blasts.

"It's still very close to our heart. We still get messed up about it," he said, adding that he hopes to one day write a book about his experiences.

"You can't describe or imagine the fear for your life."

The Eastwoods, who spent the first night following the explosions at York University, repeatedly expresses their thanks to countless people - from emergency crews, to the hotel's staff, to volunteers of all descriptions - for their selfless support and bravery during the community's time of need.