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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-09-15, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011. PAGE 19. Donation Nicole Noble, right, of the Brussels Agricultural Society accepted a $500 donation to the society from TD Canada Trust in Wingham. Noble completed 40 hours of volunteer work there and received the donation from branch manager Cheryl Ryan, left. (Photo submitted) Training Centre celebrates grand opening The expansion of the Emergency Services Training Centre is complete with the new technology building being officially opened on Sept. 9. The building, which will house apparatus, classrooms and washrooms and showers, and can double as a command centre for emergency situations, welcomed visitors and dignitaries for a “hose uncoupling” ceremony to mark the completion of the project. Huron-Bruce Member of Parliament Ben Lobb commented that the building, which was constructed with funds made available through the Community Adjustment Fund, a part of the Federal Economic Action Plan, was truly a great investment for Blyth and North Huron. He stated that recent emergency situations showed how important the work of emergency workers, volunteer or otherwise, is. “[The tornado that recently touched down in] Goderich proves fire departments from all over the county will contribute when there is an emergency,” Lobb said. “Every single fire department in HuronCounty worked well togetherbecause of training locations like this. These dollars are being invested wisely.” Reeve Neil Vincent brought congratulations both from North Huron Council and Huron County as Warden. He stated that the project isn’t just a North Huron or Huron County project, but one that will be used by many firefighters and emergency service workers from southwestern Ontario and beyond. “This centre is adaptable to all kinds of emergency services training,” Vincent said. “We were missing this kind of training opportunity before and this will greatly advance us.” Vincent also stated he would encourage the township to do a better job of publicizing the centre. Fire Protection Officer Thom Evered from the Ontario office of the Fire Marshal, said that, two years ago, he was impressed with what the centre had to offer, and said this evolution is one he is happy to be able to celebrate. Fire Department of North Huron Chief John Black said it was great tohave so many people on hand for thecelebration, and said that the centre would encourage to strive for excellence to equip emergency services worker with the best training available. Black gave a history of the centre, explaining that seven years ago it was started because an instructor at the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst, of which the ESTC is now a satellite campus, suggested firefighters from Blyth set up their own training grounds. “In seven years, we’ve gone from a few small props to what we have now,” Black said. He also thanked those who had made the centre possible, singling out former Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling for his work in bringing the centre into being and the Sparling family for the donation of the land on which the centre sits as well as for being active members of the fire department. Black said that the building will greatly enhance the ability of the centre to train by allowing year- round courses, and, with 40 fully accredited courses on the schedule, the first year with the new technology building is going to be a big one. The year will also be a big one for the community, according to Black, who said that Blyth and area will see great returns from having the centre located close by. “The people taking the course here will stay at the hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts around here,” he said. “They will eat at our restaurants and return with their family to camp or see a play.” Rev. Gary Clark of the Blyth United Church, who was recently named the chaplain of the Fire Department of North Huron,commenced the opening ceremonywith a prayer conveying his sincerest hopes that the people who received training and worked in the buildingwould go on to serve theircommunity and also concluded the ceremony. By Denny ScottThe Citizen No ribbons here Instead of cutting a ribbon, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Huron County Warden Neil Vincent uncoupled a fire hose to officially open the new technology building at the Emergency Services Training Centre. The uncoupling ceremony took place on Friday, Sept. 9. (Denny Scott photo) Brussels Library to be renovated, expanded Continued from page 1 main street is not.” MacLellan continued, saying that in the long run, the renovation and expansion option may cost Huron East slightly more money, but he said it was worth it. MacLellan said there were five different proposals considered at the Aug. 24 meeting, but the accepted concept was to put an addition on the back of the existing library. That option, MacLellan said, would make the library accessible without need for a lift, an elevator or an excessive ramp. To proceed, MacLellan said a committee would be appointed to deal with Rutledge when the library reached the planning stage. “We should talk to John, tell him what we hope to have when we’re done,” MacLellan said. “We’ll give him some instructions on what we want and what we want to see coming back.” Brussels Councillor Frank Stretton, who had been sworn in mere hours earlier, said he would like to see Huron County Librarian Meighan Wark attend some of the planning sessions as well. Because the renovation will have to last for some time, Stretton said, it would be helpful to know the inside of the library is being redesigned to code and that it won’t need further redesign one or two years down the road. After the discussion, council took a vote to renovate and expand the existing Brussels Library and the motion was officially passed.