LoW Township to buy new fire equipment

Ruth Brett
Contributor

The Lake of the Woods Township Council met in Bergland on Oct. 4 with Mayor Pizey, Councillors C. Fadden, B. Lundgren, T. Sepers, J. Moen, Clerk-Treasurer P. Giles, Fire Chief C. Pollard, visitors D. Larsen, K. Saunders, J. Fisher, and S. Loshaw.
Kelli Saunders, Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, presented the background, the development and purpose of the organization, which began on July, 2004. She stated the main concern of the Foundation is water quality issues, which includes increased algae, degraded fish habitat, beach closures (due to bacteria) and the accidental introduction of exotic species into the waterways. The plan of the Foundation is to expand the steering committee to represent a wide range of stakeholders around the lake; to consult with the government on water quality issues; to involve both Canadian and American stakeholders and strengthen working relationships and collaboration among these same stakeholders. Ms. Saunders said the Foundation needs input and the involvement of as many people and groups as possible to help work toward the development of a Water Susutainability Plan for the Lake of the Woods Basin. She may be reached at 807-548-8002 or ksaunders@kenora.com.
OPP Officer Steve Loshaw updated Council on OPP activities. He stated that the OPP are establishing a canine unit in Fort Frances, which will be dealing with search, rescue, drugs...... Officer Loshaw accepted Council’s questions and their concerns over the numerous cabin break-ins during the late fall and winter.
Fire Chief Pollard gave an update on the fire department and training progress, the need for testing of air packs,and his concern over the state of the fire fighting vehicles. The Bergland pumper did not meet the requirements for pumping water. The Morson trucks were not tested yet. Chief Pollard suggested the Twp. buy a first response / rescue unit with pump and 200 gallon tank; a better pumper truck for Bergland and newer tankers.
Road Supt. E. Pearson had attended, with Clerk Giles, a Workplace Health and Safety training in Fort Frances. Council was advised that some changes in operations are necessary. All hazardous materials, cleaning supplies, oils, and such must be secured in metal cupboards. Clerk Giles said that recommendations will be made regarding the changes. Council has asked for a report on the condition of the rink from E. Pearson.
S. Gate has reported that the heat at the Bergland hall was checked out and the annual fire alarms inspection has been done.
Bills for the month of Sept. in the total amount of $53,524.18 were approved for payment.
The Municipal office will be closed from Oct. 17 to 28 while Clerk Giles is on vacation. From Nov. 7 to 18, the office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Councillor Sepers reported that the Recreation Committee held a Turkey Shoot on Oct. 1 and 3 events are planned, a Hunter’s supper on Nov 5; a craft sale on Nov. 19, and a Lutefisk supper on Dec.3. Future plans include a dart club, movie night and senior’s group.
Council reviewed several locations for towers for highspeed internet including one in the Bergland area.
Winter dump hours are effective starting Oct 15. Morson - Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bergland - Wednesdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The by-law to dissolve the ward system was defeated.
The by-law to adopt the Parkland Tax Policy was enacted.
Council has authorized Fire Chief Pollard to buy a 1992 first response/rescue unit at a cost of $28,000.00 and to investigate the purchase of a used tanker and pumper. The funding for the vehicles will come from a provincial grant and from allocated reserves in the current municipal budget. Council will support the proposal to fund the Northern Ontario Medical School Bursary by way of a $0.055 per capita levy.
Council will support the resolution of Sudbury requesting the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to review the criteria and procedures as they relate to farm tax credit and allowances.
Council reaffirms it’s request to be included in the Hunting Regulation - Schedule 2 - to prohibit hunting from road allowances during deer hunting season.
Council has instructed Clerk Giles to send a letter to the Town of Fort Frances to advise that in order to keep the fire paging service local, LoW municipality would be willing to consider paying more money toward that service. At present, the municipality pays $500.00 per year for the service.
The Rainy River District Municipal Association annual meeting will be held in Bergland in January, 2006. Councillor Moen will look into ideas for souveniers.
Next meeting will be on Nov.1 in Bergland.