Letters_11-09
Back to HomeLetters - March 3, 2011Letters: March 3
Re: OUCH! That was a slap in the face! Leo Ladouceur
Re: Ompah Firehall, Brent Dunstan
AH & NF Energy Survey, Helen Forsey
Re: Ompah Fire Hall, Brian Moffitt
Polar Bear Plunge, Art Holloway
Re: Ompah Firehall, Leta Kirkwood
Re: Ompah Firehall, Jim Beam
Re: Ompah Firehall, Jim Holton
Re: OUCH! That was a slap in the face!
Thanks Jenn – we share your outrage
This letter, along with Jenn Dunham’s “OUCH! That was slap in the face!” published 24 Feb, is a reply to the comments of Councilors Wayne Good and Fred Perry.
By writing letters or making open and frank comments such as these volunteers risk a probable written reprimand and possible dismissal from the Ompah Fire Department. But then again a Councilor is free to say whatever he/she wants, be it true or not, no matter what the forum. Jenn – your public reprimand of Councilors Good and Perry was well written by you and well earned by them.
After Jeff Green’s published clarification of what was said, nothing has changed. If they said it they probably meant it. Jennifer’s letter is spot on – the statements they made were hurtful, demeaning and unwarranted and I can say some were also simply untrue.
Councilor Perry was quoted as saying of Volunteer Firefighters that “we don’t actually save that many buildings. We mostly contain fires from spreading”. Councilor Perry represents Ward 1 (Barrie). How many buildings have been saved in Kaladar, Northbrook, Cloyne and Denbigh? Don’t they have some fire halls and two ambulance bases? Does Mr. Perry intend to save money by trying to close some of them because they don’t save many buildings?
Don’t be fooled. Behind the facade of ignorance shown by Messers Perry and Good they understand that volunteer firefighters do more than stop fires from spreading. They know exactly what we do and the constant 24/7 service and protection we give to our community. Most importantly, they know that since our volunteers are paid a pittance or less, our taxpayers are getting the best possible value compared to any other service the township offers.
But don’t you see? – This issue is simply a parochial one. Although elected to serve in the best interest of the whole township, the fact is that Councilors Perry and Good represent a Ward that is already served by three fire stations and two ambulance bases. To them the process is simple -- closing the Ompah Station saves the taxpayer a bundle, solves budget problems; the deputy mayor looks good; and who cares about Ompah?
In several meetings with the mayor and his council our members have jointly stated that our only priority is to serve the community. New fire hall or not we will continue to serve.
The reaction of volunteer firefighters and the Ompah community is universal – thank you sirs for your expression of appreciation for what the emergency team does! Your attempt to diminish the importance of their role and service to the community illustrates how first responders and the people they serve can count on your support at the council table.
If you can’t or won’t build us a fire hall so be it -- but stop putting us down and don’t shut us down.
Leo L. Ladouceur
Re: Ompah Firehall
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding statements made by councilors at their last meeting on the issue of the Ompah Fire Station (Cost Sharing Elusive over Ompah fire station, The Frontenac News, Feb 17/11). My wife and I recently acquired a piece of property in the area served by the Ompah station, and are in the process of building a small cottage. Reading that one councilor minimizes the importance of volunteer fire services and that another councilor would even consider a reduction in such an essential service makes me reconsider our investment. Such off the cuff statements suggesting the closure of an active fire station demonstrate to me: a) a lack of experience in the role of councilor, not knowing what to say or not say in a public forum such as a council meeting; b) a lack of understanding of the short and long term impact of a station closure; or c) a disregard of residents and property owners directly affected by such a decision.
An immediate result of a station closure in Ompah would be a significant increase in insurance costs for everyone in the area. When we obtained insurance, our cost was based on fire coverage from Plevna. When I informed the broker that there was a fire hall in Ompah, our price dropped by over 20% because of its location and the quality of vehicles and equipment. Take away that fire hall, and costs will rise for everyone and protection will be reduced, as the insurance company obviously believes response times from Plevna would significantly increase risk. Apparently there are members of council willing to take actions that increase my costs of owning property in this township, as well as reduce the quality of emergency services. The suggestion of the possible closure of the fire hall indicates a lack of consideration of the long-term impact. Market-savvy and informed property seekers will leap-frog this township, perceiving the regressive community leadership that is indicated by something as obvious as an abandoned fire hall.
The Ompah station is the most centrally located in the township. If the firefighters’ calendar is an indication, it also has the most volunteers. I marvel at the fact that not only do these people respond to fire and medical emergencies, they actively and aggressively fundraise for their fire hall and equipment. What puzzles me is this. Why would anyone want to shut that down? Coming from Alberta, knowing how regions that rely on volunteer fire services struggle just to get enough volunteers, such things are not to be taken for granted. It seems to me that members of your township council may be doing just that. Whether or not a new fire hall is built is one matter. But what possibly can be accomplished by closing an existing, fully equipped, functional station, manned entirely by volunteers?
The closure of a fire hall may appear at first as a simple matter, but it has far-reaching impact. A closure would clearly be a step backward, and indicates poorly thought out public policy, and a strategy for providing fire and emergency services that lacks long-term vision. It would be in all residents’ and property owners’ best interests to hold their councilors accountable in this matter.
Brent Dunstan
Re: Energy Survey
I have just filled out the survey from Ottawa University about energy use, described in your February 17 issue (“Addington Highlands and North Frontenac energy survey”). I'm glad of the nudge to do some more thinking about these issues, especially in the context of the growing need to "go local" in more and more aspects of our lives.
Individuals and agencies in our northern communities have already taken some excellent initiatives in regard to organizing collective transportation, mobilizing to retain local schools and library branches, and providing mobile social services. There is much more to do to build on this base. We need to do far less driving, and cut way down on non-essential use of fossil fuels. In order to move in this direction, we could creatively apply some of the same educational and financial tools to rationalizing energy use as we have begun to apply to waste issues (through our municipalities' programs of recycling, composting, etc.)
I noted that the Ottawa U. survey did not mention energy conservation (including such things as increasing home insulation and weather stripping, reducing vehicle use, turning off lights and appliances, minimizing air conditioning, etc.) Yet conservation is the simplest, least expensive and probably most effective of all approaches to the energy conundrum. We need the rest as well, but conservation is something we can all do in numerous ways, right now.
Further research/discussion should include an assessment of a whole range of energy uses, from laundry to lawn-mowing, from Sea-doos to freezers, as well as obvious ones like home heating and transportation. We need to frankly examine the degree of actual need for each, and the potential alternatives.
With storms interfering with our hydro and gas prices making driving less affordable, the timing is right for exploring our options. There are all sorts of simple appropriate technologies and communal systems that we could take real advantage of here. We should be teaching and encouraging the building and use of things like solar ovens and hot water heating systems, and inviting more proposals of all kinds.
Our schools, the internet, and community newspapers like the News all have a role to play in this ongoing dialogue. I appreciate your involvement and look forward to more.
Helen Forsey
Re: Ompah Firehall
Township parochialism?
Have we not learned how unproductive and divisive parochial politics can be? To see this strategy at its finest all we need do is look toward our federal and provincial governments.
I am saddened to read the comments of some of our councillors and see the damage that petty posturing can do. The damage does not stop with just our Ompah Volunteer Fire Department, but affects all those who have dedicated much of their time, and risked their safety to help others in a time of need. When called on the volunteer firefighters and First Response teams do not stop to decide whether the disaster is on this or that side of the ward line. Their concern is what is best for the citizens of the township and how they can help and/or assist other teams.
For some of our councillors it seems it is more important to make points in the media and block any progress others try to make, than to provide good government and leadership. Take a lead from all your volunteer firefighters and First Response teams. Think about the township as a whole. Work together as the firefighters do for the common good and betterment of the township, not just your ward.
Let’s see a council that works as a cohesive group, and get on with doing the job they said they would do in the recent election. We want our community moving forward, not sniping at the past.
For councillors to pit volunteer against volunteer, ward against ward, and citizen against citizen seems not only counterproductive, but immoral.
It is time for some soul searching. Then get to work and do the job we elected you to do!
Brian Moffitt
The Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge on Sunday morning at the marina was a great success! Not only in terms of overachieving the fundraising goal, but for overall organization and crowd turnout as well. As a plunger I would like to thank the members of the fire department for being in the water waiting to help me if I needed it.
I was blessed with great sponsors. I would especially like to thank the Treasure Trunk for their generous donations of time, effort and cash (and a t-shirt!). The members of the Sharbot Lake Curling club were very generous with their donations and were I believe most grateful that I plunged and took the pressure off the rest of them having to do it.
Many other individuals in the community also sponsored myself and the others who plunged.
I believe a new Heritage Festival tradition has begun. I stand ready to plunge again next year!
Art Holloway
Re: Ompah Firehall
Ompah Volunteer Firefighters Do Serve the Community!!
On Sunday 20 February when some in our community were in the midst of a 36-hour power outage, Ompah Station volunteers were out making courtesy visits to the homes of sick or elderly residents. Their purpose was to ensure there were no health emergencies or other concerns due to the lack of power. They came equipped to assist medically, to haul wood for wood stoves, start generators, boost fridges and freezers and help with any tasks required to help their clients cope with this black out situation. On the side of their truck is the slogan “Serving our community”. That is what they do without being asked or told.
If they lived in Ompah and were over 70, I wonder if Councilors Good and Perry would be recommending the closing of Ompah Station.
Leta Kirkwood
Re: Ompah Firehall
It never ceases to amaze me!
I read your article about the Ompah Fire hall/Ambulance Project (Cost Sharing Elusive over Ompah fire station, The Frontenac News, Feb 17/11).. Councilors Good and Perry refuse to accept the fact that a new fire hall is needed in Ompah. The attitude of Mr. Perry about downsizing even further and Mr. Good’s statement that a new fire hall is not needed in Ompah only reflect their narrow, divisive attitude. Former Mayor Maguire stated on several occasions that the new fire hall in Ompah was “This council’s first priority”. Yet Councilor Good comes out and says that it may be council’s first priority but it is not his! It seems that Councilor Good does not understand the process of establishing priorities and that once a decision has been made, the need to support it.
For years Councilor Perry has said that the Ompah volunteers should be raising money for the new fire hall like the volunteers did for the Clar-Mill Fire Hall. He must be aware of the ATV runs held each spring and fall. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for the Ompah Fire Hall. Through other fundraising activities, additional funds have also been raised to acquire equipment needed by the Ompah volunteer firefighters.
The county should not escape criticism in this matter. It is this group that have been driving up the cost of the project by insisting that a project manager be hired and that the building meet LEED standards, even though there is no requirement for this in the building code. It is this group that never wanted the ambulance base in Ompah and it seems that they have been doing everything they can to drive the cost up to the point where it becomes unaffordable. In the end, they may build the base where they wanted it in the first place, in Central Frontenac, somewhere along Ardoch Road or Road 509.
Warden Davison has been heard many times over the last four years saying that the residents of South Frontenac should not financially support such items as rural transportation or the Pine Meadow Nursing Home, that don’t benefit the residents of South Frontenac. Warden, the county collects funds from all four townships and it is out of these funds that the Sydenham ambulance base was constructed. All the residents of the county pay taxes and deserve to receive services!
Mayor Clayton says that we should, “get off our butts and get on with it.” Perhaps he should tell his council members that as well!
Jim Beam
Re: Ompah Firehall
I am writing this letter on behalf of the Canonto Lake Property Owners’ Association in response to the North Frontenac Council’s failure to approve the building of a new fire hall at Ompah (Cost Sharing Elusive over Ompah fire station, The Frontenac News, Feb 17/11). Over the years the citizens of North Frontenac have been well served by the dedicated group of volunteers in our fire department both in their role as fire fighters and as first responders. Many people in the community have contributed countless volunteer hours fund raising to purchase equipment for the Ompah volunteer fire fighters. In the past I can remember working hours cooking hamburgers at the stomp, along with many other volunteers of all ages from both the local and the lake communities, to raise funds for the volunteer fire department. The Ompah Fire Station was built, manned and completely funded for many years by members of this community without funding from the council. It was the first fire station in our area. We have come a long way from the days when we purchased a used fire truck and were glad to receive used firefighting equipment and clothing from the Ottawa Fire Department. A great disservice is being done to this group of dedicated volunteers, and the community they serve, by not getting on with the construction of this essential community building.
It is particularly upsetting to have someone suggest that we don’t need a fire hall in Ompah. Did that person consider what the loss of the Ompah fire hall might do to the home insurance rates of the local residents? The residents of Ompah and the surrounding area rely on the service provided by our volunteers from the Ompah station. In fact in the late 1980’s during a very dry summer a fire started on Canonto Lake and was fought and contained to one cottage lot because of the quick response from the Ompah Fire team. Fighting fires is only one of their responsibilities. Acting as first responders is another vital role they provide. Often time of response is critical in medical emergencies, and it is a comfort when it is one of your friends/neighbours who arrives to help and comfort you in this situation. It would be grossly unfair not to provide Ompah area residents with the same level of service provided in other areas in the township. The CLPOA has a membership of 45 landowners who always ask the question “what do I get for my tax dollar?” The answer is fire and emergency services first and roads second. Council’s reluctance to put money into a new hall makes us wonder what we are getting for our tax dollar. The Canonto Lake community, on whose behalf I write this letter, and the Ompah community rely on this service. I believe that I speak for all in stating we wish to see an end to these interminable discussions and that we hope this unfortunate situation can be resolved in a timely and positive manner, and the Ompah fire hall completed.
Jim Holton, President Canonto Lake Property Owners’ Association
