Letters: Apr 18/13

Apr 18, 2013

More Don Quixote than Crusader:

(Re: John McEwen: Basement Crusader, March 14, 2013)

South Frontenac’s Chief Building Official Brian Gass’s comment that "in accordance with 9.13.2 a Building Official is to look in the excavation for evidence of a high water table or hydrostatic conditions; if none are observed then dampproofing of basement foundation walls is permitted" is utter and complete nonsense. There is no mention of ''water tables" or any mention of having to "observe" them in the statute. It appears that even the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s manager, Mr. Gryffyn (long in denial), has finally accepted this fact.

There is only: ''9.13.1.1. (I) Required Waterproofing: Where hydrostatic

conditions occur, floors on ground and exterior surfaces of walls below ground level shall be waterproofed". Floors are cast on clean stone (no dust, just air space) and are thus excused as would be the walls IF they were backfilled with clean stone. I admit that it's cheaper to backfill with the indigenous material (clay/sand), but inevitably (unless God stops rain) that material will become saturated and create "hydrostatic pressure".

As the mayor stated: "if you dig a hole anywhere in South Frontenac, you're

basically inventing a swimming pool". If you dig a hole and it fills up with water then

"hydrostatic conditions occur"; and if hydrostatic conditions occur the foundation walls "shall be waterproofed". This is why my book. published by the CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation), states: "Part 9 of the National Building Code would apparently require walls and floors in contact with the ground to be waterproofed."

And yet our CBO Brian Gass cites required waterproofing as an "illegal municipal standard", and continues to order that every foundation will leak to please builders; literally at our expense.

John McEwen

Clarendon Central Public School 50th Anniversary

The Clarendon Central Public School 50th Anniversary Celebration, which we attended on April 13 in Plevna, can be deemed nothing less than an overwhelming success. A resounding hurrah goes to organizers Brenda Martin and Heather White who created not only a treasure for posterity, but a living testimony to communal ties that bind. Their flawlessly run open house was steeped in the very principles that have characterized the Ompah, Plevna and Ardoch region for generations: hard work, tradition, pride and a sense of communal ownership and partnership in a culture that is profoundly their own. As Erin Ibey, guest speaker and graduate of ’88, so aptly put it, “The wonder that is Clarendon Central is in effect a reflection of the community.” And one might add that the wonder that is the Ompah, Ardoch, and Plevna region is a reflection of the school. Happy anniversary, CCPS, and long may you prosper!

Brian and Sandy Robertson