Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2011-11-23, Page 9Enhanced site gives an aerial view 4)) County and Sarnia-Lambton unveil project For the Lakeshore Advance The County of Lambton and the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership are announcing new enhancements to Lambton's Geographic Information System (GIS) that will serve both residents and businesses well in their on-line mapping needs. Among the enhancements are new aerial pho- tography of Lambton County, a "parcel identifica- tion" tool that provides public MPAC information for each land parcel in the county, access to digital municipal zoning layers (where available), and built-in Statistics Canada data, which can be tai- lored to provide demographic information around user-specified mapping points. The site, located at www.lambton.gis.ca/sitese- lector, continues to allow users to find addresses, businesses, schools, libraries and many other points of interest across the county. It also allows industrial site selectors the opportunity to view Ai This is the next generation of GIS mapping, and an incredible tool for both economic development and the general public — Lambton County Warden Steve Arnold mapping and information on Sarnia-Lambton's industrial business parks. "This is the next generation of GIS mapping, and an incredible tool for both economic development and the general public," said Lambton County Warden Steve Arnold. "The launch of this new site is a great way to celebrate World GIS Day, which is this Wednesday." The County of Lambton Information Technol- ogy Department, led by project leader Jason Hannigan and GIS specialist Greg Spiridonov, managed the project. County eyes `Rapid Response' units CONTINUED FROM > PAGE 8 funding available for facilities seeking to introduce or change programs. Among other highlights of McDonagh's report are statistics that show 41 per cent of the families with children in daycare receive some sort of subsidy. More Time EMS Chief Dave I,ew says more time will be needed before how his department can gauge the success of the Rapid Response units that were introduced to the county's „Obulance fleet 111 order to irrAter meet new response rules being meted out by the prov- ince. The units, introduced in July, are designed to be imme- diately dispatched to any emer- gency call as a tool in better meeting the province's new eight -minute emergency response time. While Coun. Bernie MacLel- lan (Huron East) wondered whether the program, which involved removing two ambu- lances from the fleet, is proving successful, Coun. Neil Rantoul (Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh) says his primary concern is ensuring the safety of citizens and not cutting costs. Rantoul further argued the units should not be called "Rapid Response" since their drivers are not allowed to drive at a faster pace than ordinary ambulances. Further, say Rintoul, if the ambulances were stationed where the Rapid Response units are, their response times would be just as good. The EMS Chief says while Rintoul's arguments ring true, putting ambulances in the Rapid Response locations would require "a lot more money" since the Rapid Response units feature only one paramedic. "Not everything is about money when it comes to saving a life," says Rintoul. "I have a big concern." After some discussion, coun- cillors agreed to review all of the pertinent data related to the Rapid Response Units once a minimum of 12 months has passed. "I don't know why we keep beating at this ... it needs more time," says Coun. Bill Siemon (Huron East). *7.30/day Homes Administrator Barb Springall reports it is getting tougher to make ends meet for the department's per person food budget. With the rising cost of food, particularly with dairy and meat, the $7.50 per day allot- ment from the province is "a challenge." During an exchange with councillors about buying local produce and meat where possi- ble, Springall notes a past Request for Proposal drew only two local bidders, one of which was the winning bidder, Metzger Meats. Coun. lames Ginn (Central Huron) reports it is welcome news to hear Ontario lamb is being served since New Zealand lamb was once served at the county's homes. Meanwhile, County CAO Larry Adams noted that while buying local is preferable where possible, there is a process that must be adhered to when purchases are made. Exemplary Service One of Huron County's own is being honoured for exemplary service. During a special presenta- tion, County EMS Chief Dave Lew presented Liz Brown, a primary care paramedic, with an Exemplary Award in acknowledgement of her will- ingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. "Liz is well -deserving of this award," says Lew, who notes she has more than 20 years of serv- ice on the job, 10 of which have been with Huron County. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 9 NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE Detailed Design and Class Environmental Assessment Highway 21 Rehabilitation G.W.P. 3952-01-00 THE PROJECT Dillon Consulting Limited has been retained by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to complete the Detailed Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation of Highway 21 from Grand Bend north limits northerly 7.5 km to 0.1 km north of Hendrick Road. The proposed rehabilitation includes the replacement/rehabilitation of culverts and the resurfacing of the highway. Other improvements include the replacement of partial illumination at Highway 21 and Huron Road 83 and entrance modifications/removals within the project limits in accordance with MTO access management principles. The project may also involve a temporary closure of Highway 21 for the replacement of culverts. Details on the rehabilitation are available on the project website at www.Highway211mprovements.ca. The website will be updated throughout the life of the project. / PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE (PIC) Public consultation is an important part of the environmental assessment process. We encourage everyone who has an interest in this project to provide input. A PIC to obtain public and agency input on the design options identified and evaluated by Dillon and the MTO for the proposed rehabilitation will be held on: TLsaday, November 29, 2011 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (informal drop -In session) Dashwood Memorial Community Centre 158 Centre Street, Dashwood, Ontario Representatives from the MTO and the project's consultant team will be available to answer questions and discuss the next steps in this study. A brief presentation will be made at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to provide an overview of the project and the proposed construction staging and traffic management plan. THE PROCESS This study will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) (MTO's Class EA) as a Group '8' project. The MTO's Class EA allows a Group 'B' project to be "stepped -down" to a Group 'C' project, if there are no significant environmental or property issues, no need to provide formal documentation of environmental issues and limited likelihood of a "Part II Order" request ("bump up"). Following the PIC, the project may be stepped -down to a Group 'C' project if the environmental screening process indicates that there will be no significant detrimental environmental effects. If the project is stepped - down, a Transportation Environmental Study Report will not be prepared. However, a notice of step-down will be issued and a 30 -day public review period provided. COMMENTS The MTO is interested in receiving any comments or concerns you may have regarding this project by December 15, 2011. If you wish to provide comments or have any questions regarding the project, please contact: Christine Costa, P.Eng., Project Engineer Ministry of Transportation West Region, Planning and Design Section 659 Exeter Road, London, ON N8E 1L3 tel: 519-873-4574 fax: 519-873-4600 toll free: 1-800-265-6072 e -mall: Ch►istlne.Costaeontario.ca Loft Hiroo h'ENORCX ROAD MUNICIPALITY OF ILUEWATER COUNTY OF HURON MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTH HURON Kevin Welker, P.Eng., Project Manager Dillon Consulting Limited Box 426, London, ON NSA 4W7 tel: 519-438-6192 toll free: 1-888-345-5668 ext. 1283 fax: 519-672-8209 e-mail: kw lkeredilion.ca Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. EPOntario