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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-10-12, Page 7Ambulance sta 60% of all seniors in Canada have a hearing loss. I'm one of them. The Hearing Foundation of Canada funds the only nationally coordinated medical research program to find the cause and cure of hearing loss. To learn more about our programs and how you can help, call 1-866 HEAR YOU, toll free or visit our web site, www.hearingfoundation.ca Don Harron THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2006. PAGE 7. County council briefs Friends want bridge judged on historic and tourist value THE EDITOR, Some time ago, in the 1980s, a decision was made to defer the dismantling of the structure of Ball's Bridge because it was considered redundant at that time. This is no longer the case. The bridge has served well for the last 20 years as a vital link in the local road network for farms, residents and visitors, and continues to do so. Closing the roadway recently has created a real hardship. Friends of Ball's Bridge recognize the county's difficulty in dealing with this — issue. The roads department is not in the business of restoring historic structures. Surely, decisions about such structures in the county should not be left in the hands of those mandated to solely maintain a viable road network. The future of Ball's Bridge involves more than just operating funds for the road network. In our opinion, the future of the structure should be judged by its historic and tourist value to the county and only after a thorough detailed bridge inspection and load- carrying assessment by structural specialists familiar with these kinds of bridges. Any remedial work should be estimated and planned in keeping with its historic nature. Advice to us from many quarters suggests that the bridge could be restored at much lesser cost than that presented to the county thus far, and that numerous funding options exist that could be accessed by the county. To dismiss such a By Keith Roulson Citizen publisher After watching response times spike because of staff vacation times this summer, Huron County ambulance service will hire part-time employees to fill in the gaps. - David Lew, manager of the ambulance service, told councillors at their Oct. 5 meeting, that stationing ambulances in Brussels and Ashfield had reduced over all response times in April, May and June. But July brought an increase in response times because with so many paramedics on vacation, there wasn't enough staff to maintain the ambulances in the two locations.' Lew recommended the hiring of six casual employees to help fill in for Vacation time, statutory holidays and sick time. This is a reversal of the 2004 policy which had seen the hiring of eight additional full-time staff because because of the unreliability of part-time staff who were often unavailable because they were also working for other ambulance services. distinctive structure without these considerations is not sensible and is poor stewardship of our heritage. In the past couple of weeks we have been approached by other organizations to help in the preservation of this historical bridge. A civil engineer group has approached the Friends of Ball's Bridge stating in their own words that Ball's Bridge is a beautiful example of fundamental structural engineering; functional; elegant, simple and demonstrating very economical use of materials and distribution of stresses. These kinds of understanding are not being adequately taught in universities today. A properly thought-out plan could be developed to use Ball's Bridge to teach the fundamentals of structural engineering to today's students. Some civil engineers have expressed interest in preserving this unique example and contributing money to do so. They have also suggested that such a structure could be a money generator for the area. Two engineering students, Steve Empey and Michael Bean, have approached the Friends of Ball's Bridge to use Ball's Bridge for their third- year project with Conestoga College to analyze Ball's Bridge and to determine what needs will have to be met to keep it functioning as a light traffic bridge. A detailed inspection will be conducted with the participation and advice of mentors who include both civil and structural engineers and That move was an attempt to control costs and, Lew said, it did work, but the new situation requires a move back to part-time help. It would help reduce the amount of overtime being paid, he said. By hiring six people, Lew said, "they should be kept fairly busy." He said casual staffers would also be picked on their willingness to give the Huron service priority. Lew estimated the cost of the additional staff at $82,000 experts in historic bridge construction and maintenance. It is anticipated that the resulting report will contribute great insight into what is necessary to preserve this bridge as a functional bridge, and also recommendations for long term maintenance. The FCC AgriSpirit Fund has approached Friends of Ball Bridge for funding. Die- hard rural spirit makes up the core of the FCC AgriSpirit Fund - woos() in capital funding this year for community improvement projects. The FCC AgriSpirit Fund is about making life better for people in rural communities. The Architectural Conservancy Friends of Ontario has also approached our group. Ball's Bridge will supply structural engineers to come give a presentation on the history of Ball's Bridge, and do an analysis of the structure for the benefit of keeping this bridge as a functioning bridge. Their cost is $250 plus out of pocket expenses. Ball's Bridge is one of Huron County's unique and irreplaceable historic structures. The Friends of Ball's Bridge is a group of citizens who have come together because of our concern over the future and fate of the bridge. Our concerns are over the preservation of an important historical and cultural landmark as well as practical issues that impact our daily lives and quality of life. As a result, our request to a year. Meanwhile sick time continues to be an issue, Lew admitted under questioning from councillors. "Sick time is always going to be an issue." Since paramedics work a 24-hour shift, one day's lost work to illness is the -equivalent of three days for a regular worker. Lew said he was looking at all options to reduce the sick- time losses. "We're working our way through the process." the County of Huron is to: Get approval from the owner of the bridge to allow them to examine the bridge. Cover the expense of getting the second opinion for this significant bridge. Ball's Bridge is a beautiful example of fundamental structural engineering; functional, elegant, simple ,and demonstrating very economical use of materials and distribution of stresses. Its historic and tourist value are undisputed, and many individuals, organizations, businesses and groups have expressed support for the bridge. But who should be responsible for maintaining and preserving this unique cultural resource? Your consideration of these comments would be greatly appreciated. The Friends of Ball's Bridge is hosting a Public Candidates' Meeting on Monday, October 23rd at 7 p.m. at the Livery, 35 South St., Goderich. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public about the campaign to maintain and preserve Ball's Bridge, and to hear where each candidate stands on the preservation, maintenance and stewardship of our heritage. There will be key-note speakers, after which candidates will be introduced and have an opportunity to address the audience, after which a question and answer period will be held. We hope to see everyone there. Yours truly, Daryl Ball Friends of Ball's Bridge. ing has gaps • New 'Citizen' reporter New Citizen reporter, Shawn Loughlin says the transition from urban to rural has been easier than he thought. The Humber College grad is looking forward to a new career in community journalism out in Huron County. (Bonnie Gropp photo) New reporter at 'Citizen' Citizen publisher, Keith Roulston welcomes Shawn Loughlin, as the new reporter. Loughlin, is new to the area, moving to Goderich from Pickering, a city just east of Toronto. Loughlin completed the print journalism program at Etobicoke's Humber College and is ready to put his skills to use out here. After deciding it was time for a change for various reasons, Loughlin moved to Huron County. A city boy all his life, Loughlin is tooking forward to life in the country, saying that the change from urban to rural is a welcome one at this stage in his life and the transition has been easier than he thought. Look for Loughlin to be out and about in the area, with or without the sunglasses. At South EaSthope Mutual the policyholders are the owners. Our strength has always been you, that's why we've been here for 135 years. Meeting the needs of you and your neighbours, today and tomorrow. Call Us Today.' South Easthope Mutual Insurance 1-800-263-9987 www.seins.on.ca Farm & Urban Property • Auto Insurance Working Together For Insurance That Works.