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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2007-06-21, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007. Of the 36 municipalities ordered recently by the Province of Ontario to test for lead in their water distribution systems, St. Marys was the only one in Huron and Perth Counties. Results were encouraging, however, particularly for the two school boards in the district. In extra tests taken at the four schools in the town, lead levels were significantly below acceptable health standards. The province remains concerned about lead contamination, however. At a meeting of the Avon Maitland District School Board on Tuesday, June 12, trustees learned that all schools must now heighten their water testing regimes in response to new Ontario regulations. “The Town of St. Marys decided to go beyond what the MOE (Ministry of the Environment) orders required and included all schools in the water sampling,” explained a report delivered by business superintendent Janet Baird-Jackson. The provincial health standard is 10 micrograms of lead per litre of water. Results from the Avon Maitland board’s three St. Marys schools were as follows: 1.04 micrograms per litre at Arthur Meighen elementary school; 0.49 micrograms per litre at St. Marys Central elementary school; and 0.45 micrograms per litre at St. Marys DCVI. “Given the fact that St. Marys was the only community in the jurisdiction of the board to be required to have testing completed, and that the results of the tests in our schools were well within allowable limits, the risk of elevated lead level in water at other schools in the board is considered to be very low,” advised the report. The initial response of Avon Maitland administration was to inquire about the cost of testing all schools for lead contamination, then await further direction from theMOE. That direction came, however,on June 7 with the release of memo “2007: B7 New provincial standards for flushing of school water systems.” According to Baird-Jackson, the new regulation requires that fountains and drinking water taps at all schools be turned on and run until the temperature stabilizes (usually between 10-30 minutes) prior to the beginning of each school day. Previously, this was required only at the beginning of each week, although Baird-Jackson noted Avon Maitland custodians had already been “flushing” the systems daily. The new regulation also requires that lead-specific testing be carried out at every school between June 15 and Aug. 15 annually, with two samples taken at an interval of between 30-35 minutes. That inspired Avon Maitland administration to go back to the engineering consultants they had contacted about testing, and sign them on for the board’s 16 schools using well water. Baird-Jackson noted the initial estimate for the work – $25,000 – will not be accurate, since that estimate didn’t include the required second sampling. “It won’t be significantly higher,” she told reporters, when asked how the increased requirement will affect the cost. “Going forward, I’d really hope to be able to train our own employees to do some of this,” she added. The business superintendent agreed, however, that the cost to school boards of meeting provincial water testing requirements have mounted since the E. coli tragedy in Walkerton in 2000. In some cases – such as the installation of ultraviolet treatment systems in schools served by wells – the costs have been covered by the provincial government. But in others – like the most recent lead-testing requirements – they have not. Boards find watertests encouraging Walk on Saturday’s Habitat for Humanity Huron County third annual Walk for Hope raised over $10,000. Participants enjoyed a perfect day of weather in picturesque MacNaughton Park in Exeter and helped a worthy cause. (Photo submitted) Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener is celebrating its 50th anniversary and Canada’s birthday on Sunday, July 1 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. As a special gift to the community, Doon Heritage Crossroads extends free admission and a special anniversary cookie to everyone on July 1, while supplies last. In 1914, Canada was only 48 years old and patriotism was alive and well. Doon Heritage Crossroads recaptures that spirit on July 1 with a birthday party that will have all the traditional fun and entertainment from the turn of the century. Musical entertainment, an afternoon concert by the Grand River Brass Band, turn-of-the- century games, and a free draw for a picnic basket are all part of the living history museum’s Dominion Day Picnic. Bring your own picnic basket or purchase lunch from the barbecue that will be offered that day. Doon Heritage Crossroads opened in 1957 and is the oldest living history village museum in Ontario. Twenty-five historic buildings, two farms, rare breed farm animals and costumed interpreters recreate life in a rural Waterloo County village in 1914. Doon Heritage Crossroads – where history is fun! Heritage Crossroads celebrates 50 years with July 1 party On Saturday at MacNaughton Park in Exeter, Habitat for Humanity Huron County held its third annual Walk for Hope. Ideal weather conditions and enthusiastic support combined to make the event successful. This year’s event raised over $10,000, all of which will go to support the work of Habitat in Huron County. Walkathon chair Chuck Mallette stated, “The support we have received from the public has been terrific. We depend on the generosity of volunteers and supporters for both our build projects, our committees and our fund raising. A big thank you goes out to the overwhelming support we have been so fortunate to receive.” The local Habitat affiliate currently has its third house under construction in Hensall. The foundation is in and framing of the floor and walls will begin soon. The 2008 build is scheduled for Goderich and planning for that build is undwerway as well. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, independent housing program made up of local affiliates that are locally managed. Habitat for Humanity Huron County is operated by volunteers. Habitat provides a “hand up, not a hand out” by selling homes to qualified families through “sweat equity” and non-interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity Huron County can be contacted at www.habitathuroncounty.ca, or at P.O. Box 68, Hensall, ON N0M 1X0, or a message can be left at their office 519-262-5222. 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