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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-07-25, Page 28Continued from page 1 trimmings, alleging that they have been laying on the ground or simply sitting in open-top garbage barrels. The central complaint, however, was the smell of cannabis. Residents complained about massive fans billowing fumes into the community at all hours of the day. They said they can no longer sit out on their porches or hang their laundry to dry. One woman even said that when children return from a day at the Vanastra Daycare that they smell of marijuana. They also offered up pictures and videos, but as both council and Lobb stated, due to privacy concerns through Health Canada, there is very little intervention that can happen on behalf of the government or the residents. Councillor Ray Chartrand, however, said that the location’s licence is up for renewal next month and perhaps that would be an opportunity for residents and politicians to air their grievances with the federal government and see if they can help Vanastra residents. Lobb commended council for taking the steps they have, but acknowledged that since the issue is federal and that privacy concerns are high for Health Canada, hands are tied in most cases when it comes to existing facilities. One resident asked about the potential expansion of the current facility, acknowledging that the passing of the bylaw won’t affect it. However, Van Amersfoort said that the way she interprets the bylaw, it should limit any expansion of current facilities, as well as the establishment of any new facilities in the municipality. Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight also revisited a suggestion he had made at a past meeting. While cannabis is now a legal crop to grow in Canada, he said, if residents have concerns that things aren’t being done properly at the Vanastra site, an appeal to the Normal Farm Practices Board may be in order. Council passed the bylaw limiting future cannabis growing operations in the municipality. Nine Huron County firefighters participated at the recent FireFit competition held in Port Elgin with Chris Gibson of the Huron East Fire Department (HEFD) bringing home a first-place finish. Gibson ran the competition, which tests firefighters on several activities associated with navigating buildings and suppressing fires, in a time of 1:37.20, earning him a 22nd place finish in the men’s category and a first place in the volunteer category. Alain Dery of the Fire Department of North Huron (FDNH) finished with a time of 2:31.56, earning him 27th place in the volunteer category and 83rd in the men’s competition. Dan Ryan, also of the FDNH, earned a 30th place finish in the volunteer category and 87th in the men’s division with a time of 2:46.19. HEFD’s James Yates placed 92nd overall in the men’s category and 33rd in the volunteer run with a time of 3:09.11. Finishing just behind yates in the volunteer category was Amanda Bekkers of the FDNH. She finished 15th in the women’s category with a time of 4:29.16. Rounding out the local participants is Stephanie Schummer, also of the FDNH, who didn’t complete the competition. In the Mixed Relay, sponsored by Bruce Power, the FDNH team ran two relays, earning finishes of 1:52.89 and 2:01.02. Gibson and Yates ran the X3 Relay competition, placing fourth with a time of 1:43.90, earning a chance to compete at the national championships in Oshawa this September. The competitors will next have a chance to compete in Sarnia on Sept. 7-8. The FireFit Championships are based on tasks commonly performed by firefighters in emergency situations. The competitions include many different levels of competitors, from seasoned veterans to rookies. The organization’s website says that training for the competitions is imperative and that a participant’s first competition can be a real eye- opener. For more information on FireFit, visit firefit.com. PAGE 28. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019. Brussels firefighter tops Port Elgin FireFit comp. Bylaw to limit cannabis production in Huron East those in attendance honouring Mitch Blake, who died last year. Blake was an avid dirtbike rider and one of his favourite t-shirts was from the Walton TransCan from 1994. The Blake families made replicas of the vintage shirt, complete with Mitch’s name on the back, and presented them to those at the camp. (Photo submitted) Keep up with the latest agri-businesses and the best of rural living! THE MAGAZINE OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE ... $2.50 PM 40037593 TheRural Voice Owner of trout hatchery feels like a “rock star” raising trout to eat and stock ponds July 2019 TheRural Voice FISH FARM HEAVEN Family business puts new life into old tractors with salvaged parts TRACTOR TRANSPLANTS Harvesting marijuana to support medical needs a developing area for individual growers GROWTH POTENTIALGROWTH POTENTIAL The magazine of Agricultural Life $20 for 12 issues $35 for 24 issues Please make cheques payable to North Huron Publishing Inc. Subscribe Today www.ruralvoice.ca The Rural Voice 405 Queen St., P.O. Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 The Citizen We carry a variety of books perfect for all ages Stop in and check them out today Local Coverage Where You Work, Play & Live 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 www.huroncitizen.ca Catch up on sports, shopping deals, restaurants, events, new businesses, politics, job openings, homes for sale, cars for sale and more with your local newspaper! Subscribe Today! In Print & Online The Citizen By Denny Scott The Citizen Honouring Mitch Members of the Blake and McCutcheon families were at the Walton Raceway and Edge of Walton Challenge Course last Thursday to make a special presentation to those participating in the course’s annual sports camp for young people. The families presented over 70 shirts to