Feature Article May 20, 2004
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Smoke detectors saved lives Addington Highlands Council - May 17, 2004
The fire in Flinton two weeks ago that killed one man might have claimed more lives if Addington Highlands Township had not been in compliance with all the requirements of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, said an inspector from the Fire Marshalls office on Monday. At the council meeting in Denbigh, Bob Branscombe presented Fire Chief Casey Cuddy with a Certificate of Compliance with the mandatory requirements of the Act.
Branscombe said that when he first inspected the townships programs, they were not in compliance, but they are now. He said that fire crews could hear smoke detectors going off during the Flinton
fire, and that had probably saved the lives of the other occupants of the building.
The Act requires that the township h with certificateave public education and smoke alarm programs for the community, including escape planning and risk assessment, and that it conduct inspections on request and in response to complaints.
The ATV bylaw was not debated, as the township has not heard back from its solicitor.
The Land o Lakes Lions Club has sent a letter to the township indicating that they are interested in raising funds for the repair and possible expansion of the fire hall in Northbrook so it could also house the ambulance service. Although the letter did not mention how the Lions proposed to raise the funds, Township Clerk Jack Pauhl wondered if the Lions were aware of that fact that legally, funds raised from bingos cannot be used to support a municipality.
Reeve Hook said that AH would have to decide what kind of program they want to apply for that the provincial and federal governments would supply 2/3 funding for a project, which could be a new fire hall.
Council will set up a meeting with the Lions, the County, and the joint Fire Board to explore the issue.
Economic Development Committee: Bill Brown reported the formation of a sub-committee: the Fam Tour Committee, whose job it is to conduct tours to familiarize prospective investors with the area. The committee has received $6-7,000 in funding from the county to jump start the tours, and will receive $3-4,000 more to cover all the costs.
Pilot projects to bring high speed internet access via satellite to North Frontenac and Addington Highlands will be set up in Plevna and Northbrook.
Subject to OSTAR approval, the township will be seeking one tender for the repair of two bridges together, instead of separate tenders for each. This will save money as the bridge contractor will only have to bring equipment up once.
The tar and chipping program has come in under budget: $124,915 as opposed to the $128,000 that was allocated. This includes the resurfacing of the Ashby Lake and Hartsmere Roads.
Calcium will be laid down after the long weekend.
In an amendment to the wrecking yard bylaw, everyone operating a wrecking yard or selling parts of vehicles will have to have a licence, even if they were not required to have one before. In the past, garages licenced by MTO were exempt, but Reeve hook said this was not fair to the neighbours and not good for economic development.
If the vehicles are visible from a road or street, a fence not made of slabwood will have to be constructed and kept in good repair.
The budget for 2004 is almost finalised. Information should be available within the week
