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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-04-07, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011.ESTC remains on budget despite weather delays Smiling soup disher Janice Henry dishes out some soup at a soup and sandwich luncheon held on March 31 at the Blyth Legion. (Denny Scott photo) The new building for the Emergency Services Training Centre (ESTC) in Blyth has recently begun to resemble its final form with walls, windows and doors up, but the project is still facing delays due to the weather. North Huron Fire Chief John Black explained to The Citizen that, due to unexpected weather and bad winter weather, the project is still eight weeks behind. Most recently the inner walls were erected and electrical and plumbing work were about to commence. The project is an estimated eight weeks behind schedule but is still on budget. “There haven’t been any hiccups that way,” Black said. “We’re still on track financially.” Black said an estimated completion date was yet to be set, but he expects the project to be complete sometime between mid- May and mid-June. The new building expands on the learning facilities of the ESTC, which used to run educational programs out of a small building on the site. With classrooms, offices and amenities, the new addition to the centre will make the site usable year- round. Prior to this, the centre was closed during colder months. One part of the building is dedicated to the offices and education purposes while the other will house hardware and vehicles for the Blyth division of the North Huron Fire Department. The building will contain bays for fire trucks as well as room for equipment and, in the tower of the building, room for a drying rack for the hoses. “The fire fighters used to dry the hoses on racks throughout the fire hall after a call,” he said. “This will allow them to dry their hoses inside and not have them in the way.”In the spring of 2010, Blackexplained that while the newdevelopment is great for the firefighters of North Huron and the firefighters that come for training, it is also great news for Blyth and the surrounding communities. “The big news for this is the spinoffs in the community,” Black explained. “When firefighters come down, they don’t stay at the ESTC, they stay at local campgrounds and hotels, and eat at local restaurants. They bring their families with them, and are active at events throughout the community.”The ESTC was originally openedby members of the Blyth FireDepartment prior to the amalgamation of the Wingham and Blyth’s fire forces. It provides training for basic firefighting training and courses and specialized training for rural emergency situations like vehicle fires and alternative fuel blazes. The build was made possible through funds from The Township of North Huron and grants from the upper-tier governments and the centre has continued to grow and expand ever since. THE EDITOR, Most often letters are used to express dissatisfaction with people or policies in our community. This is a letter to compliment people in our area. As a coach in this season’s Brussels Minor Hockey system it is my opinion that we have the best parents around. During this past season they have shown their gratitude in many different ways too numerous to mention. I compliment the parents on the job they are doing because without great hockey parents we would not have great children who become winners on and off the ice regardless of what it says on the scoreboard. Seeing these young children learn, improve and smile is the greatest trophy of all. Parents, keep up the good work. Jerry Zwep. ct e -e-eelec t Re elec t - oterehsimaetyM evaheW!pleh ,notnilCn .n gnitovecn ,dn22lirp lirpAyadn ehtgnirud adanaCs liR 1llacseaelp -855-244-5 .yelpiR ecnastssia .2265 REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. ALL ARE IN COLOUR 4x6 - $4.00 5x7 - $5.00 8x10 - $8.00 Phone to order ~ 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 ESTC upgrade update Blyth’s Emergency Services Training Centre new building is beginning to look more and more like the fire hall and education centre it will become. The project is currently eight weeks behind schedule due to weather delays, however it is still within budget. (Denny Scott photo) By Denny Scott The Citizen Letter to the Editor Hockey coach thanks parents for their support