The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2009-10-21, Page 10Page 10 The Huron Expositor • October 21, 2009 • News County introduces mandatory septic inspection Cheryl Huth Huron County is ready to lead the way. In a nearly unanimous vote at Huron County's Oct. 14 committee - of -the -whole session, councillors agreed to support a Water Protec- tion Steering Committee proposal that will see a mandatory septic - inspection program wing its way to the region. The decision came after some de- bate following a presentation by county planner Susanna Reid that revealed a significant portion of county residents are eager to see such a program roll out. In reporting on a September sew- age meeting in Holmesville that drew 40 participants, Reid said the common consensus is it doesn't make sense to wait for the province to lead the way, which is anticipat- ed through its soon-to-be revamped Ontario Building Code. While one councillor noted, "here we go again," others proved to be supportive of the project. Coun. Bernie MacLellan (Huron East) said while he supports the idea, he wondered how the county will deal with residents that are un- able to upgrade their septic systems due to financial restrictions. Meanwhile, Coun. Bill Siemon (Huron East) questioned whether there is enough staff at the Huron County Health Unit to tackle the task. "You can run it through the Clean Water Program," said Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich), who noted cur- rent stats reveal only one hardship case and, he said, that kind of prob- lem is not enough to hold up a full- scale effort. Further, he noted, the health unit's Don' mlfr Glveawa 41 4' `,.:. celebrating fah Open Monday - F 9am - 5:30pm, Saturday 9am-Spm 1. •t •. .t ._ .. . 162 The Square, GODERICH .. 519.524.7232 .. , ... i. 9 t, •..'. [, 9.9.9i9.9.9.9.9.9.9.t.11. 1.i.T.r.V 1':T'.l.Tai.f.r. r..r.r*t••.vaT.T.14l.16AXf!1rys. support would only be necessary in cases where landowners won't allow inspectors onto their property. "Huron County is earning a vast reputation through this program," he said in reference to the county's successful voluntary septic -inspec- tion program. And, said Shewfelt, it is time to move forward with a mandatory one. Coun. Bert Dykstra (Central Hu- ron), who chairs the steering com- mittee, reported Bruce County's Township of Huron -Kinloss has managed to operate a successful mandatory program at a cost of $55 per household. "It didn't start with a manda- tory one," he said, noting there are 14,000 septic systems in operation in Huron County. "That's going to create some human -resources . is- sues to get through it all but maybe we can start on a smaller scale." Coun. John Bezaire (Central Hu- ron) said embarking on the program will earn kudos for the county. "We've always taken the lead," he said. "I don't see how we can wait any longer when the rivers and lakes are our greatest assets." Coun. Ben Van Diepenbeek (ACW) also supported a . mandatory pro- gram. "The voluntary program worked well for a couple of years but it's time we moved on," he said. "We need to move forward and figure out how we can make it work. I think we need to go ahead." Coun. John Grace (Goderich) en- dorsed the motion, too. "We don't need to be led by the province on this. We need to lead by our own merit," he said. Coun. James Fergusson • (Bluewa- ter) joined the chorus of those fa- vouring the plan. "We have an opportunity here to be creative," he said. At the committee's request, coun- ty staff has been directed to report back to county council on how best to introduce a mandatory septic -in- spection program in Huron County. Kindergarten Registration 2010-201 1 • November 2009 at Your Community Public School Dates and Locations Ater Clinton & Seaforth Area Schools • Thursday, NOVSn1ber S Hoimesville Public School -Call 519-482-7751 Tuesday, November 10 Clinton Public School Cali 519-482-9424 Thursday, November 12 Huliet PS Call 519-524-4201 Huron Centennial PS Call 519-233-3330. Monday, November. 16 Blyth PS - Call 519-523-9201 Thursday, November 19 Seaforth Public ool Call 51975 7-0790 faaNDA von aW1Maiti "'PP and Junior Kindergarten Children 3 years old by Dec 31, 2009, are eligible for junior kinderPrten In Sep 2010. Chuck Reid Director, of jducotion WW •!ri w oAu, r, sc h o o The Avon Maitland District School Board and its community public elementary schools are proud to offer a quality learning opportunity for our young citizens entering school in fall 2010. During the month of November we celebrate the registration, with special activities at many schools, such as crafts, story time, music and refreshments. Parents can learn more about their child's development, Iea.rn about local programs and services, and get tips on how to prepare their child for school. For further information call your school or 1-800-592-5437. Senior Kindergarten Children 4 years old by Dec 31, 2009, are eligible for senior kindergarten In Sep 2010. s.ccs Jenny versteeg Choir . . ..'i a . . .i • .i .'. ... ►..it: .: o.. L'/.1C ..*-• r 4•• so. 1