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On April 11, 2019 at 1914 hrs, Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue responded to a wildfire on Fisherman’s Lane near Arden. This is the first wildfire of 2019 for Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue.

On arrival, there was a small wild fire at a resident’s home. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire. Cause of the fire is from a resident burning leaves.

Fire Chief Greg Robinson would like to remind residents to take proper precautions when having a camp fire and make sure someone is attending the campfire at all times. Fire permits are required for campfires, incinerators and small piles of yard brush burning.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

North Frontenac Township is recruiting for it fire department.

“We have banners up in the municipality and hopefully we’ll get some response,” said Eric Korhonen, director of emergency services/fire chief.

While Korhonen has no idea how much response he will get, he would like to add about 10 new firefighters per station (Snow Road, Ompah and Plevna; the department also has a joint operation with Addington Highlands in Cloyne) or 30 overall. But, he recognizes that goal is more long-term.

“Realistically, we’ll probably add a handful at a time,” he said.

Prospective applicants are asked to send an email to the chief (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) expressing interest. From there, there will be an application interview, basic medical requirement and a driver’s abstract.

“Then you start training,” he said.

New firefighters receive a rural firefighters course, first aid, CPR and defibrillator training. Once every four months, there is a mandatory training session as well.

There is weekend involvement but Korhonen said “as a department, we try to be flexible, such as training on weekends so students can attend their classes during the week.”

Korhonen said there’s no cause for alarm at the moment but they do need some more people.

“Our roster is just not where it should be,” he said. “We have sufficient people to respond but people have other lives outside the department and we have to be able to cover for this.”

For Korhonen, the biggest reward of the job is “to protect your community and the people you’ve grown up with.

“When people need us, it’s at a time when they’re really down and really need us.”

There are other rewards as well, he said.

“We’re also teaching you a skill as a young person that you can easily transfer to the big city,” he said. “Plus firefighting is a brotherhood and the camaraderie is a big part of it.

“It’s a family and as you make a commitment to them and they’ll make a commitment to you.”

There’s also a lot of gratification when you help somebody that really needs it, he said.

“And let’s face it, lights and sirens are a rush.”

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC

“If we adhere (to these training requirements), I don’t see how we can continue to operate a fire department,” Addington Highlands Fire Chief Casey Cuddy told Council at its regular meeting Tuesday in Flinton.

Cuddy was responding to an Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) memo on proposed mandatory training requirements for volunteer firefighters being proposed by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

“I understand the value of training,” Cuddy said. “But to continue the level of service we provide, you’re looking at 25 to 37 days of training at the fire college without exams.

“We can’t possibly make the deadline (later this year).”

Cuddy said that while some firefighters can be grandfathered in the requirements, (about 75 per cent of the Kaladar members), very few of the younger recruits can. And, he said, a force needs younger recruits for their physical abilities and to continue on as older members retire.

“Many of the younger members also have young families and jobs that require their time,” he said. “They can’t just tell their employers that they need to take 30 days off to go to the fire college.

“And even if they could, the fire college is booked solid for most of the courses they’d required.

“There are about 40,000 volunteer firefighters in Ontario and the courses can only take 40 at a time.”

“This would jeopardize our ability to provide fire protection to our sparsely populated area that has lots of Crown Land in it,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

Cuddy said they try to do as much training as they can, and they use facilities in Napanee and Kingston when they can but that’s not always an option.

“It’s not like we have facilities where we can light a house on fire for training,” he said.

For example, he said, a fire department has to have pumper operators but just in order to take that course, other courses are required.

“The pumper course is five days but you can’t take that until you have firefighter 1 and firefighter 2,” he said. “Then you have to have the hazmat (hazardous materials) course and that’s another seven days.

“The fire college just can’t accommodate all that.”

“So, it’s not just timing, it’s content,” said Coun. Tony Fritsch.

AMO is asking rural municipalities to draft responses to the proposed changes. Those changes were developed by the Ministry, the Ontario Fire Marshall executive and staff, the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association, the Ontario Fire Chiefs Association, fire chiefs from full-time, composite and volunteer services, Toronto Fire Services with only an AMO staff member and one lower-tier CAO for the municipal perspective.

“This is just another urban vs. rural thing,” said Dep. Mayor Helen Yanch. “They keep throwing up these rules that have nothing to do with us.”

“I think it requires a change to lesser qualifications for smaller volunteer departments in rural municipalities,” said Fritsch.

Council passed a resolution, based on Cuddy’s recommendation, that he and North Frontenac Fire Chief Eric Korhonen draft a joint response.

Denbigh waste site

The application to re-open the Denbigh landfill is still very much on Coun. Bill Cox’s mind.

“Can we ask the Ministry when we can get an answer on this?” Cox asked Council. “It’s been 10 years, we’ve spent a lot of money and we’ve done everything they’ve asked.”

Dump cards?

The Township is still looking at a few more changes to its landfills, including new hours and possibly “dump cards.”

But the information won’t be on the newly-approved newsletter that’s set to go out with tax bills shortly.

“We’re researching dump cards and it will be provided in correspondence at the time any decision is made,” said CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed.

Current landfill hours are on the newsletter but changes such as requiring cards require Ministry permission and will be posted if approved.

Published in ADDINGTON HIGHLANDS
Wednesday, 07 February 2018 13:09

CF firefighters and Naloxone

Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue (CFFR) will soon be equipped with a potentially life-saving tool to deal with opioid overdoses.

CF FR fire trucks will be carrying naloxone for use by trained firefighters to treat patients.

"The administration of Naloxone by trained CFFR personnel will enhance the level ofservice CFFR provides to the public". Fire Chief Greg Robinson said.

Acknowledging the increase in opioid-related emergencies in Ontario, CFFR. in alignment with current Tiered Response protocols and with the suppon of Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington Public Health, will enhance service delivery through the administration of Naloxone.

CFFR Firefighters are currently receiving training to deliver Naloxone. The program will be implemented once all training is completed and the Naloxone kits are put on first response fire trucks, which is anticipated to be March l, 20l8.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Central Frontenac Council and staff met at the Oso Firehall Tuesday to have a second round of budget talks and while Treasurer Michael McGovern estimated they managed to cut about $10,000 out of the 2018 budget, it still looks like the Township plans to spend almost $348,000 more than it did in 2017, an increase of about 4.75 per cent.

On Tuesday, Council looked at the Fire, Public Works and Facilities budgets, with Corporate Services still to come.

There are still cuts likely to be made, for example, $7,500 for heat and $1,500 for electricity for the old library building in Mountain Grove.

In fact, Mayor Frances Smith told staff she wanted to see a report on all of the Township’s buildings within 60 days after Fire Chief Greg Robinson reported that the fire department has three buildings in Mountain Grove “one of which we use and two that we don’t.”

One of those buildings is used by the rec committee at the rink and Robinson said it could be used for fire equipment storage, which would make the old firehall in Parham surplus, meaning that property could be sold.

The former Hinchinbrooke Public School is expected to cost $8,000 but that could be considerably higher if the oil tank has to be removed.

In fact, several staff members suggested there were buildings and facilities that could be liquidated to reduce operating costs.

And there was some suggestion that even halls that are used are costing a lot. For example, Kennebec Hall brings in $3,000 in revenue but costs $20,000 to operate. Mountain Grove Hall costs $19,000 to operate while generating about $1,000 in revenue. Piccadilly Hall brings in $1,250 in revenue but only costs $8,500 to operate. Oso Hall (the busiest hall in the Township) is expected to cost $18,798 but brings in $5,500.

Coun. Phillip Smith cautioned that Council also has to look at ongoing commitments, using the proposed rink project in Sharbot Lake as an example.

“We’re worried about $5,000 for heating a hall but the ongoing costs for a refrigeration unit at a rink would be considerable,” Smith said.

Council instructed staff to go over the changes and recommendations already made and set Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m. at the Oso Firehall for its next budget deliberations.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 17 January 2018 11:15

Fire Chief Chesebrough Retires

When Council reconvened from a closed session for their regular meeting, CAO Orr announced that they had just accepted Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough’s resignation; after more than 14 years of service for the township, Chesebrough will be leaving at the end of this week.

Later, Orr said this did not come as a surprise; “It’s been in the works for some time now: he did the math, and realized he was eligible.”

On behalf of Council, Mayor Vandewal congratulated Chesebrough, wishing him “many years of health and happiness.”

Council then passed a motion to appoint Terry Gervais as acting fire chief.

Support for Seniors Active Living Centre
Following last week’s presentation by David Townsend of SFCSC, Council moved to allocate 20% of the net annual operating costs to support SFCSC’s proposed Seniors Active Living Centre funding application, to a maximum of $12,000 annually over the next three years in a combination of cash and in-kind services to be negotiated annually with the Township.”

It has been suggested that with the ongoing support of the township, the SFCSC Board may wish to consider inviting a member of Council to sit on their Board.

Tax Sale Policy
Council approved a revised tax sale policy which incorporates the legislative changes from Bill 68. Two related by-laws authorized the treasurer to enter into extension agreements and provided for an administration fee to be charged once the tax sale process is undertaken.

Details about the sale of properties in tax arrears and a flow chart describing the process are available on the Township website, or at the Township office.

Township Granted $80,882 for Commuter Cycling Program
The township’s application through the Public Works department for funding from the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program has been successful: it will be applied to one of two projects planned for this coming year: fully paved bike lanes between Harrowsmith and Sydenham, or a bike lane adjoining a pedestrian sidewalk along the south side Bedford Road between the end of George Street and Alton Road in Sydenham. Public Works Manager Segsworth also plans to fit in a bike lane on the north side of Bedford; Mayor Vandewal questioned whether this might narrow a busy stretch of road too much. Segsworth replied that because of the busyness of the road, it was also a very dangerous stretch for bicycles.

Storrington Centre Upgrades
Council directed staff to issue an RFP for improvements to the Storrington Centre, to include a new optic system, accessible washrooms and entrances, kitchen upgrades and a new folding wall. $333,000 has been approved in the 2018 capital budget, for this. Councillor Sleeth thanked the Township’s Public Works staff and the Storrington Recreation Committee for all their help in planning the project.

Back-up Generator for OPP Station
Council has approved purchase of a backup generator to provide overall backup power for the OPP building at Hartington. This had been held up when Councillor Revill questioned whether a second generator was needed. Further investigation showed that the existing generator on site at the OPP station only provides fire pump back-up power for the sprinkler system.

Briefly
On the recommendation of Corporate Services Committee, Council agreed to extend the contract with Frontenac Municipal Law Enforcement Inc. for a further two years from March 1, 2018 to Feb 28, 2020.

The 2018 members to serve on the Committee of Adjustment will be: Al Revill, Ross Sutherland, Brad Barbeau and Ron Sleeth.

There being no further questions for the planner, Council approved the zoning of a new waterfront lot on South Basin of Buck Lake, Loughborough district.

Council adopted the Corporate Services Committee’s recommendation to maintain the Township’s current investment strategy and to issue an RFP for investment advisory services.

A proposed by-law to amend speed limits on Rutledge Road was, on Councillor Revill’s recommendation, referred to the Public Works Committee for discussion.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC

About 52 per cent of the septic systems inspected during the 2017 program had no concerns, Eric Kohlsmith of Mississippi Rideau Septic System Office told North Frontenac Council at its regular meeting last Friday in Plevna. However, he said, only one system was recommended for replacement. The other 45 per cent only needed some remedial work including pump outs and replacing baffles.

“It should be noted that age was not a significant factor in the system deficiencies identified,” he said.

He said interaction with property owners was “very positive” and that 64 per cent of the property owners were present during the inspections.

He said 41 park land campsites were inspected in the 2017 program, all on Crotch Lake.

“Given the difficult access and rough terrain, the North Frontenac Park Lands group does a very good job in trying to place the privies in the ideal location — greater than 15 metres from the water and in soil with a depth of at least 60 centimetres,” he said. “The only systems found not to meet the 15-metre setback distance were on sites that did not have 15 metres to water — island sites.”

Kohlsmith recommended continuing with a re-inspection program with a mail-out by May 5, complete parklands inspections in the last week of August, the use of soil probes for locating new privy sites and the removal of “tables” in park lands sites near the shoreline to mitigate the washing of dishes and other grey-water sources.

The full report is available in the agenda package on the North Frontenac website

 

 

• • •

Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Services Eric Korhonen showed Council one of three packages (with four quilts each) that the Trinity Quilters of Verona have donated to the North Frontenac Fire Department and one package to the Kaladar/Barrie Fire Department.

“The Trinity Quilters have requested that the quilts be provided to individuals at emergency scenes who require warmth and comfort,” he said. “The quilts will be retained by the individuals who receive them.”

“They told us to let them know when we use one and they’ll replace it,” said CAO Cheryl Robson. “Any any local quilting groups are welcome to donate if they’re interested.”

 

• • •

Coun. Gerry Martin had quite a bit of feedback for Mayor Ron Higgins’ report on North Frontenac’s strategic plan, especially when it came to backing more boat launches instead of trails initiatives.

But Martin saved his best comments for the ‘values’ section where Higgins urged Council to be pleasant, accommodating, rational and show respect for all.

“I hope you’re not asking everybody to agree on everything — that’s not why we’re here,” Martin said.

“If we’re still around (after this year’s election), I’d still like to discuss this whole structure,” said Coun. John Inglis. “I didn’t know much about strategic plans four years ago and was skeptical about their usefulness.

“I’m a little better on them now.”

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC

District 2 (Olden) will be without its compliment of two councilors for the near future as Coun. Jamie Riddell resigned his seat at Tuesday evening’s regular Central Frontenac Council meeting in Sharbot Lake.

Riddell told Council he was resigning to become deputy fire chief of the Central Frontenac Fire Department.

He expressed some regrets on leaving Council.

“It’s been a great three years but fire is very near and dear to my heart,” he said, “and, I’m looking forward to replacing (Fire Chief) Greg (Robinson) when he retires.

Former fire chief Bill Young had been deputy chief after Robinson was hired as full-time chief but Young’s contract was up at the end of December and with the job description, hours and remuneration (reduced by an estimated $12,000) changing, Young opted not to apply for the reorganized position.

“Jamie was the preferred candidate,” Robinson said.

With Riddell stepping down, Council now has 60 days to find a replacement, said CAO Cathy MacMunn.

“If it had happened within 90 days of the election, we could have gone without a replacement,” she said.

Council has several options including a by-election but seemed to rule that out because the expense wouldn’t be justified, said Mayor Frances Smith.

“I think Council should think about candidates to be named to replace Jamie and we’ll discuss it at our next meeting,” she said.

There is some precedent however.

When Coun. Bill Snyder died in office four years ago (also an election year) Council turned to Phillip Smith who had come third in the previous election after Snyder and Heather Fox.

In the last election, Cory Thompson was third after Riddell and Heese (John Purdon and Justin Gray were fourth and fifth respectively).

However, Council isn’t tied to that option, but the Mayor expressed a desire to appoint someone from District 2.

Elm Tree road work underway

Public Works Manager Brad Thake told Council that the oft-postponed work on Elm Tree Road began Monday.

“We’re actually a bit ahead of schedule,” he said.

Interim Tax levy approved, paving the way for tax bills

Council passed bylaws for an interim tax levy (one-half of last year’s levy), borrowing to finance 2018 expenditures and to make Committee of Adjustment appointments

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Thursday, 26 October 2017 14:21

Firefighters battle Road blaze for 9 hours

Central Frontenac firefighters responded to a house fire on Road 38 near Ball Road last Thursday morning about 9 a.m. Upon arrival, the house was “heavily involved in fire,” said Fire Chief Greg Robinson.

“High winds contributed to the extent of the fire damage and made firefighting operations very difficult,” he said.

Luckily, the residents and pets escaped unharmed.

However, firefighters Brad Quinn and Chris Roberts were taken to Kingston General Hospital as a “precautionary” measure with minor burns.

Robinson said the firefighters were released and returned to the fire scene.

He said firefighters were on the scene for nine hours and both South Frontenac and Stone Mills Fire Departments provided mutual aid.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

“We thought a lot of (Central Frontenac Fire Department Chaplain) Shawn (Craven),” said District 4 Station Chief Bernie Quinn.

So it came as no surprise that when word came that Craven had been stricken with an illness that required a lot of expensive travel to hospital, the firefighters were only too willing to pitch in a help.
Last Saturday night, most of the District 4 detachment was busy making spaghetti for the more than 100 people who attended the fundraiser at the firehall on Wagarville Road.

“Shaun was the minister at Cole Lake Church,” Quinn said. “He took on a new ministry in New Brunswick which is right across the Bay of Fundy where his wife Michelle is originally from.”
Firefighter David Hole, one of the fundraiser organizers, said Craven’s medical condition requires treatment in Halifax and that meant a lot of travel expenses like staying in hotels in Halifax.
“We talked about this among the association members,” Hole said. “We’d done a spaghetti dinner in January so we had the machinery in place.

“Mike Dean’s (Grocery in Sharbot Lake) donated the buns, spaghetti and hamburger so all we had to get was some produce and we got community donations.”
Hole said Craven was there for the firefighters when they needed support in his 10 years as chaplain.

“He was chaplain for all of the Central Frontenac Fire Department,” Hole said. “He was there for anyone that had personal issues, medical issues, hospital visits, anything.
“Thankfully, he didn’t have any funerals to do.”

If you couldn’t make the fundraiser but would still like to contribute to the Shawn Craven fund, contact any District 4 firefighter, which includes Station 6 Piccadilly. (Or any Central Frontenac firefighter for that matter, they’ll point you in the right direction.)

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
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