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It’s early on a Tuesday evening. The call comes in that there has been smoke spotted coming from the change rooms at the Frontenac Community Arena.

It’s a realistic scenario that South Frontenac Fire and rescue want to be ready for. And so, last Tuesday night, they were out in full force to practise just such an eventuality.

 “A fire alarm has been pulled, occupants have left the building and there’s smoke coming from the locker rooms,” said Capt. Shane Peters, who organized the scenario. “This is a search and rescue training goal.”

Peters said they were “lucky” that arena staff was down with the concept.

“We’ve never had the chance to do something like this before,” he said. “We had excellent communication with the arena board and staff to let us do this.”

Firefighters did do some pre-event planning a week before, visiting the facility and getting the layout.

But, they didn’t know there would still be some people still in the building. (The people still in the building were played by 10 new recruits from the recent class.)

“It’s as real as we can get it,” Peters said. “If we hit a bump along the road, we’ll react.

“The firefighters don’t know there are still people in there, some of whom are unconscious (played by dummies).”

One of the first ‘victims’ to be rescued is a young woman screaming “my baby, my baby.”

Inside, it’s dark. The lights are all out. There is smoke. Alarm bells are ringing.

Firefighters go room to room screaming “Fire Rescue, Call Out, Is Anyone in here.”

“In this scenario, we do a primary search,” Peters said. “We’re looking for where the fire is located.

“Once we find it, we try to control it and then we do a secondary search to get all the victims out.

“Then, we’ll do a full suppression of the fire.”

In all, five stations responded, Verona first, Hartington second, Sydenham third and then two more. About 25 firefighters were involved. This exercise was strictly a South Frontenac training exercise.

“The firefighters responded to pages on their phones,” Peters said. “They came here without lights and sirens but got here pretty quick once the page went out.”

There was also an area set aside to help victims and a “rehabilitation area” set up for firefighters who had been in the building to get their blood pressure, heart rate and other vitals checked before being cleared to go back into the building.

The benefits of conducting such an exercise are pretty self evident but there are a couple of other benefits that might not be quite as obvious, Peters said.

“We want our residents to see the kind of training we get,” he said. “And, it’s a good chance for new Asst. Fire Chief Alex Bennett to work with the staff.”

“We were here last week to do some pre-planning,” Bennett said. “All of this makes a big difference at 2am.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC

A final report from Terry Gervais and the Loomex Group on Fire Services in North Frontenac Township is scheduled to be presented to Council Nov. 1, Gervais told Council at its regular meeting last Friday in Plevna.

“I’m here today to give Council an idea of how we’re approaching this project,” Gervais said.

In 2018, Council accepted Fire Chief Eric Korhonen’s Fire Master Plan, which included an independent study and review of the Fire Emergency Services received by residents in Wards 1, 2 and 3.

Services in Wards 2 and 3 are delivered solely by the Township of North Frontenac. Ward 1 services are provided by both North Frontenac and the Township of Addington Highlands.

The review for Wards 2 and 3 are already complete, leaving Ward 1 for this section of the project.

“It’s similar to what we did in Wards 2 and 3,” Gervais said. “We’ve gathered the information and now we’re starting analysis.”

The information was gathered primarily through interviews with the heads of both North Frontenac and Addington Highlands Councils, Joint fire Committee members (including alternates), Fire Chief Eric Korhonen (North Frontenac), Fire Chief Casey Cuddy (Addington Highlands), treasurers for both townships and Kaladar/Barrie firefighters.

“Any additional information will be reviewed, including any service level agreements and bylaws in place in the different wards, as well as any other applicable information,” Gervais’ report said. “The comparison phase of the project will be to compare the level of service that is being provided in Ward 1 with Wards 2 and 3.

“This comparison would be to determine what similarity or differences there are within the different wards (and) there will be any recommendations for Council’s consideration of the fire services within the municipality.”

Coun. John Inglis noted that captains and chiefs will be interviewed and asked: “How can we be confident you won’t whitewash the information to protect individuals?”

“We will present just the facts,” Gervais said. “I don’t own property in either municipality so I have no stake in this.”

“I had to ask,” said Inglis.

Special meeting on Senior’s housing in November as well

Council decided to hold a special meeting to discuss seniors housing sometime in November, following a resolution at the previous Council meeting to defer discussing a plan for moving forward until this meeting.

CAO Cheryl Robson said that following her meetings with staff on the subject, her recommendation would be to “wait until 2020. Everybody (staff) is maxed out right now.”

“I don’t believe we’ve gotten past the public consultation stage anyway,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer. “I recommend open houses in each ward.”

“But you’d have to have some information to present to them,” said Mayor Ron Higgins.

“I think Coun. Hermer’s problem is he thinks people don’t want this project to proceed,” said Coun. Gerry Martin.

“Well, it is going through, we decided,” said Higgins.

“I don’t believe there’s a resolution on the books,” said Robson.

“We decided we can’t do the stay-at-home option and we are going forward with bricks and mortar,” said Higgins.

“I went back through resolutions and couldn’t find anything that said exactly that,” said Robson, who then suggested a special meeting of Council with a public meeting component.

“If you do that, you’ll have to make it clear it’s not about stay-at-home versus bricks and mortar,” said Inglis.

“I think we’re getting into a discussion we should have at that special meeting,” said Higgins.

Council agreed to continue the discussion at a future special meeting, whose date is yet to be determined.

Seeking shovel ready projects

Following a discussion on the Province’s Rural Economic Development Fund, Council agreed to direct the Township’s Economic Development Task Force to identify three or four shovel ready projects that could apply for funding.

When it was suggested that the building to house a donated telescope at the Dark Skies Observation pad might be one, Treasurer Kelly Watkins said she believed the Township had already applied for a Canadian Experiences Fund grant.

“I believe that grant was turned down,” said Coun. John Inglis.

“It might not be very labour intensive to change it to an RED application,” said Watkins.

“Is water access economic development?” asked Coun. Gerry Martin. “People are launching their canoes off the Ardoch Bridge.”

(Editors note – see “North Frontenac puts the brakes on county road plan” on page 8)

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC

North Frontenac would like to get a handle on how many residents might be interested in renting one of a potential five units, should they access County money and build an “affordable seniors apartment complex” similar to the ones in Frontenac Islands and Central Frontenac.

To that end, at Friday’s regular North Frontenac Council meeting in Plevna, Mayor Ron Higgins asked councilors to decide on one councilor for each ward to become part of a proposed task force that would canvas residents for interest with the hopes of creating an unofficial waiting list.

“Could we fill it, if we build it?” said Higgins.

Higgins said there wouldn’t be any financial commitment like a deposit required from residents, just that they’d like to get an idea of how many potential residents there might be.

A survey on seniors housing conducted in March of 2018 garnered 69 responses, only 27 per cent indicated their preference would be to move to a low-maintenance housing unit. The other choices were to stay in their existing home and access available services (44 per cent) or stay in their existing home as-is (32 per cent).

Coun. Gerry Martin, who also serves as the Township’s second member on County Council suggested earlier projections on the cost to build such a facility might be cheaper than originally thought.

“If we decide to do it, there is a set of plans available from the one on Wolfe Island,” he said. “That would save us a lot of money.”

“Coun. (Dennis) Doyle did tell us we could have them,” said Higgins.

“Yes, and then he added ‘for a price,’” said Martin.

Martin questioned who potential residents for such a facility might be.

“I think people who’ve been here a long time won’t be the ones we get,” he said.

“I thought just the opposite,” said Coun. John Inglis. “I thought it would be affordable housing for our residents.”

“I think there’s a lot of people who would like to rent to stay in the area but still keep the cottage for the kids,” said Martin.

“There’s no reason to rush this,” said Coun. Vernon Hermer.

“It’s a 2020 building project at best,” said Inglis.

“And there’s no deadline on the County money,” said Higgins.

 

• • •

At the request of Central Frontenac Township, North Frontenac has given its support for Via Rail’s High Frequency Train Service (a direct line from Toronto to Ottawa with a stop in Sharbot Lake).

However Coun. John Inglis questioned what benefits there might be to North.

“I’m trying to imagine a rail system increasing tourism in North Frontenac,” Inglis said. “You’d need car rental agencies or buses at the station in Sharbot Lake for that.”

“But it would make it easier to work in Ottawa and live in North Frontenac if they could take the train every day,” said Coun. Gerry Martin.

 

• • •

North Frontenac is looking to replace Tanker 521 from the Snow Road Station with one from the Kingston Fire and Rescue’s training facility.

Tanker 521 has been out of service since July 15, when it drove onto a soft shoulder to avoid oncoming traffic and ended up in the ditch.

Few other details about the incident are known and Mayor Ron Higgins restricted Council debate to the matter of replacing the tanker as there are investigations by the insurance company, the OPP and a North Frontenac internal investigation pending.

Fire Chief Eric Korhonen said Kingston has offered to sell North Frontenac a single axle, 1,500 gallon (half the capacity of 521) for $2,850, which is the value of the old vehicle at scrap rates.

 

• • •

North Frontenac is considering installing video equipment at its waste sites following six incidents since March.

“The last recorded incident was in 2012, now we have this many since March,” said Public Works Manager Darwyn Sproule. “I don’t have an explanation.”

Five of the incidents involved accessing the sites at Plevna (4) and Road 506 (1) after hours to remove recyclables (expired propane tanks, batteries and/or scrap metal. The other incident (at Kashwakamak) involved dumping a large amount of spent fireworks. It is believed that led to a fire to which the Kaladar Barrie Fire Department had to respond.

The estimated cost to repair damage to Township property is estimated at $171 for materials plus seven hours of staff time. The value of the stolen recyclables is unknown.

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 24 July 2019 20:31

OPP Report: Vehicle fire in Verona

On July 16, 2019 at approximately 10:50 p.m. Frontenac Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle fire that was parked in a driveway at a residence on Verona Sand Road in the Village of Verona, South Frontenac Township.

Upon police arrival, the South Frontenac Fire Department had extinguished a fully engulfed red pick-up truck parked in a driveway of a residence. No persons were inside the vehicle at the time of the fire and there was minor damage to the residence .

The OPP are continuing with this investigation and are seeking the assistance of the public. Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 10 July 2019 13:45

Trailer fire in Central Frontenac

On July 8, 2019 at 1305 hrs Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue responded to a camper trailer fire on Road 38 near the Forty Foot Road. On arrival the camper trailer was fully involved in fire.

The fire was extinguished in about 10 minutes after Fire Department arrival, however the trailer was a total loss. The relieve valve from a propane tank released causing a propane fire for a short period. The owner was able to unhook his truck from the trailer and move to safety. There were no injuries. Cause of fire is being investigated by Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue. Both lanes of Road 38 were closed for about one hour.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Prior to Tuesday’s regular Central Frontenac Council meeting at Oso Hall, the Township held an annual tradition — naming its Seniors of the Year, complete with an opening by Township Crier Paddy O’Connor and four tunes from the Arden Glee Club.

Mayor Frances Smith welcomed a rather large crowd by praising all the work that volunteers in the community do, and noting that seniors tend to be a big part of that.

“I read a story recently that said seniors who volunteer live longer — and we’re all proof of that,” she said.

Ward One’s award recipient this year is Gord Brown, who was introduced by Coun. Tom Dewey.

“It turns out that Gord and I grew up in the same area and both went to high school in Napanee,” Dewey said. “But Gord went on to Royal Military College and after being an engineer in the military, he worked for CHEO for 13 years.

“He’s been married to his wife Karen for 43 years and is active in the Kennebec Rec Committee, the Kennebec Lake Association and Friends of Arden.

“He’s been the driving force behind the Kennebec Trail and the Blue Jays farm team, aka The Arden Seniors.”

“I’m obviously more confident on the Kennebec Trails with a weed whacker than talking in front of a large crowd,” Brown said. “The Arden community is blessed with so many wonderful people that it’s humbling to be singled out among them.”

Ward Two’s recipient is Dave Willis, who was introduced by Coun. Elwin Burke.

“I’ve known Dave for 25 years,” Burke said. “I can’t remember ever meeting a better guy.”

“Sue and I have lived across the province from Eastern to Northwestern Ontario,” Willis said. “But this is home.

“I was a policeman here for the last 17 years of my career (and) I’m so proud of the youth in this area.

“There were one or two who caused some trouble but the vast majority of them were good kids and that says a lot about their parents.”

Ward Three’s recipient is Ken Fisher. He was introduced by Coun. Bill MacDonald.

“Ken’s a relatively new member of this community, so I had to call his wife to get some information on him,” MacDonald said. “Most of it, I can’t say here. But he grew up in Ottawa and graduated from Queen’s.

“He’s been very involved in the business community and I think he lives on the internet. He’s constantly reminding people of events coming up in their email.”

“I’ve been here 11 years,” Fisher said. “I’ve lived all over the world and this is the happiest period of my life.”

Ward Four’s recipient is Heather Fox. She was introduced by Coun. Nicki Gowdy.

“Heather grew up and still lives here,” Gowdy said. “She’s been instrumental in the Godfrey Women’s Institute and helped with the Lions Club and Fire Department, among other things.”

“She’s been such a presence on both sides of the Council table,” said Coun. Brent Cameron, alluding to the fact that served as clerk in Hinchinbrooke Township before becoming Central Frontenac’s first clerk. She later spent a term as councilor for District Four.

“I just got out of hospital so I can’t talk,” Fox said. “Thanks everybody.”

Fire stats?

After the presentations and some refreshments, the regular Council meeting got underway.

Coun. Brent Cameron asked Fire Chief Greg Robinson for an update on statistics given the problem the department has had with software recently.

“From my standpoint, I have to rely on data to make decisions,” Cameron said. “It may not be entered into a computer but we should have a record of calls and training.”

“Unfortunately that’s one of the most frustrating things I’ve had to deal with,” Robinson said. “I don’t have a clear answer.”

Robinson said he would endeavor to have some statistics for Council soon.

Coun Sherry Whan asked about recruitment.

“It’s not been as successful as we’d hoped,” Robinson said.

Direction needed for OP revision

Council got an update on its Official Plan revision from County planner Megan Reuckwald. Reuckwald said she needed some direction on things like settlement areas, community wells and septic systems, garden suites, trailers and backyard chickens.

She said they’re looking at July 17 to put revisions up on the Township website and they scheduled Open Houses for July 31 (waterfront lots), Aug. 7 (settlement areas), and Aug. 14 (rural areas in general).

The open houses are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oso Hall.

The current Central Frontenac Official Plan was approved 11 years ago, before there even was a County Official Plan and has to be updated to mesh with the County plan.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 19 June 2019 12:44

Canada Day in Central Frontenac

Once again it’s time to celebrate Canada Day, July 1st. Central Frontenac is pleased to sponsor activities and events held at the Oso Beach in Sharbot Lake.

Starting with a pancake breakfast from 7:00 am to 10:00am, at the Wagner Road Fire station. Sponsored by Central Frontenac Fire Department.

The annual Canada Day run is starting with registration at 9:30 offering a 2K and 5k runs. $10.00 per person or $20.00 per family.

The Lions Club will be marshalling the parade again this year. We would like to encourage organizations, businesses and individuals of all ages to come out and celebrate red and white on Canada Day. Starting at noon, enter a float, walk your dog, ride your bike, or even ride your horse but please join us in making the parade a great start to summer in Central Frontenac.

Opening ceremonies are at 1:00 pm with local dignitaries in attendance to join in singing O Canada.

Along with a lot of local musical talent at the band shell we have karaoke, open mic and a karate demonstration in the lineup. Rural Frontenac Community Services will be hosting kid’s games and crafts. Face painting will be back as well.

A vendor village will also be available as well as the Masons and Lions Club will have their canteen with extended hours until 8:00 pm. The 39ers will have the delicious strawberry social fundraiser in the canteen area as well.

Back this year by popular demand is the fun-filled duct boat races. Challenge your neighbour, the island next door or another group of rivals to see who is the best boat builder in town! Starting at 2:00pm with registration starting at 1:30 pm, all age groups are welcome and prizes will be awarded. Rules and requirements are available on our Facebook page, District #3 Rec Committee or at the Central Frontenac Township office.

The evening will end with the always spectacular fireworks held at dusk.

A tax receipt can be issued at the township office for anyone wishing to donate to help with the Canada Days expenses.

A complete listing for Canada Day activities in Sharbot Lake will be published in an upcoming paper.

Hoping that Mother Nature cooperates on July 1st and we can enjoy celebrating together once again the great country that we are so lucky to live in.

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

Fire extinguishers aren’t for putting out fires, per se, said Glenna Shanks of Perth Fire Protection.

“They’re for use upon exit and to get people to safety,” she said. “They’re not used to play the hero.”

Shanks was at the Ompah Fire Hall Saturday to certify extinguishers as well as inform the public. The fire department also had a demonstration set up where people could ‘use’ an extinguisher to ‘put out’ an electronic fire, to get the hang of using one.

“To use an extinguisher, it’s PASS,” she said. “You Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep the base of the fire.”

She estimated that about 95 per cent of homes have extinguishers.

“This is important in areas like this one because of all the cottages where your fire protection options aren’t as extensive as more urban areas.”

She said the reason they do these clinics is that many people keep their extinguishers in cupboards and don’t realize they have to be certified every six and 12 years.

“Every six years they have to be emptied and tested inside and every 12 years, the hydrostatics have to be tested,” she said. “The first year we did this, many people thought their extinguisher was fine but then we had them go out and test it on a real fire.

“A lot of them didn’t work — it does make a difference to keep them updated.”

Shanks should know, she’s been involved with fire extinguishers since she was three years old.

“It was dad’s (Reg) hobby,” she said. “Then he started the company and I bought him out eight years ago.”

She recommends a five-pound ABC extinguisher, all metal.

“They’re pretty much multi-use,” she said. “And the government won’t let us certify anything that’s plastic.

“In a five-pound, you have five to 10 seconds of powder at 585 psi.”

But they have to be kept in good working order, through certification.

“You’d be amazed what it does, when you need it,” she said.

Published in NORTH FRONTENAC
Wednesday, 17 April 2019 12:50

CF receives smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education has donated 50 carbon monoxide and 20 smoke alarms to the Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue to assist with the department’s ongoing public safety and awareness campaigns. Alarms will be distributed by fire crews to local individuals identified as requiring the safety devices, on an as-needed basis.

“I’m very pleased to provide these life-saving alarms to Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue and to support its department’s community safety programs,” said John Gignac, a veteran firefighter and Executive Director of the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education. “I applaud the department’s efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide (CO), and to highlight the preventative measures local residents can take to enhance their own safety.”

“When we find a home that requires a carbon monoxide alarm and it doesn’t have one, we make sure one is installed before we leave. This means we need a supply on hand at all times, and that is costly for small rural municipalities,” said Fire Chief, Greg Robinson. “We are very appreciative for this donation and recognition of our home safety initiative.”

Mr. Gignac founded the charitable foundation after his niece, Laurie Hawkins, an OPP officer from Woodstock, her husband, Richard, and their two children, Cassandra and Jordan, all died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2008. A blocked chimney vent from their gas fireplace forced the deadly gas back into their home. The family did not have a carbon monoxide alarm.

“It’s been 10 years since the accident. We can’t change the past and bring them back, but we can make sure that this never happens to another family,” Mr. Gignac said. “Please protect yourself and your family today. Have a licensed technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances annually, and install at least one CO alarm in your residence. Don’t wait for tragedy to strike.”

Carbon monoxide is called the “Silent Killer” because it is colourless, odorless and tasteless. The only safe way to detect the poisonous gas is with a working carbon monoxide alarm. Ontario law requires that at least one working carbon monoxide alarm be installed outside all sleeping areas in every home that has an attached garage, wood or gas fireplace, or any other gas or fuel-burning appliances. The law also calls for CO alarms to be replaced within the timeframe indicated by manufacturers (7 to 10 years).

For further information, contact: Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue (613-279-2935, www.centralfrontenac.com/en/living-here/carbon-monoxide.aspx )

Published in CENTRAL FRONTENAC

The Annual “Dump Report”
Stephanie Reeder, of Cambium Consulting and Engineering presented the annual update on the township’s waste disposal sites. Currently, South Frontenac has five active sites: Portland, Loughborough, Bradshaw, Salem and Green Bay. All were found to be operating in compliance with the Province’s environmental requirements. Due to operational improvements over the past five years, the overall estimated life (capacity) of the municipality’s active landfill sites has increased by six years over the estimate last year. It now sits at 26 years.. Four of the five closed sites are still being monitored for groundwater and surface water quality, erosion, seeps, litter and vermin, but none have shown problems.

Reeder indicated that although diversion of organics would certainly reduce waste volume, it would not make much difference to the problem of contaminants, for organics produce virtually no contaminants.

Mayor Vandewal asked whether a pollinator-friendly seed mix was being used when reseeding capped-over sections of the landfills.

Verona Cenotaph Improvements Proposed
Wayne Conway, Chair of the Verona Community Association, outlined community plans to make the Cenotaph more accessible and attractive by adding concrete walkways, more benches, a flowerbed and a 30’ flagpole - possibly a small roofed shelter or gazebo in the future. The cenotaph is located in McMullen Park beside road 38. McMullen Park belongs to the Township. The Verona community is supporting the project by fundraising; Council relaxed visibly when Conway said they were not asking for money - only permission to proceed with the work on Township property. Led by Councillors Morey and Leonard, full approval was granted for the project; “Keep up the good work,” said Vandewal.

Development Charges Presentation
The Township’s current Development Charges by-law expires this September, and as part of the by-law updating process, Claire Dodds, Director of Development Services, presented an overview of the issues and timeline. Development charges are levied to recover the capital costs associated with both residential and non-residential growth within a municipality, and are in addition to the costs that would normally be incurred by the developer as part of a subdivision/condominium, etc.

(However, some services cannot be included under this act, including arts, culture, museums and entertainment facilities, tourism facilities, hospitals, and parkland acquisition.) A consulting firm, Wilson and Associates, has been engaged to draft an updated by-law: their background study will be released by the end of May, an Information Open House is planned for June 19, and the public meeting for the revised Development Charges By-law will be held July 2.

“You’ve asked for detailed information reports,” Vandewal said to Council, “and now you’re getting them.”

Six-unit Rental Building Planned for Sydenham
Council agreed to pass a by-law to enter into a site plan agreement with RKR Landholdings Corp. (Rob Morgan) for his proposed six-unit residential building in the Valleyview Subdivision, which lies south of Rutledge Road in Sydenham. The property’s zoning permits a residential multiple dwelling unit, but requires a site plan control agreement which specifies the location of all buildings and structures, septic system, lighting, garbage areas, landscaped buffers, parking and entrances. Council’s only concern was the location of the garbage enclosure; it was agreed that if at all possible the garbage bin should be moved to the back of the building, not installed at the front. Vandewal questioned the need for a separate garbage bin for six units. Sutherland and Ruttan asked for the motion to be deferred to give the current residents time to comment on the site plan, but their amendment to defer was rejected.

Quarterly Report: Fire and Rescue
As requested by Council, Chief Darcy Knott presented a seven-page first-quarter 2019 Operational Review. In the first three months of 2019, the medical response level has remained high, and there has been a rise in the number of fires: nine in total, five of which have resulted in major property damage. Knott outlined a number of organizational accomplishments, chief of which has been a very successful media drive to recruit volunteer firefighters. From the initial 100 attendees at the information sessions, there were 78 applicants: the final 25 will be selected and begin their in-depth training on May 8, which will continue until the end of October.

Council complimented Knott on the breadth and quality of his report, and on his management of the department.

“Touch a Truck”
Watch for more information on this Public Education Event which will be held at Keeley Road on May 9, in the evening, from 5:00-8:00.

Published in SOUTH FRONTENAC
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