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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-02-22, Page 22 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, February 22, 2006 Tween ringette Nicole Van Oss, left, leads the attack for the Exeter Tween B team Saturday in Stephen against London. London won the game 5-4. (photo/Scott Nixon) Seconds can save a life, OPP say By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HURON — Huron OPP have a strong message to pass on to motorists any- where — seconds can save a life in an emer- gency. Huron OPP Const. Jeff Walraven says the biggest problem for emergency vehicles when dispatched to a scene is motorists who don't make way of the police, fire and ambu- lance vehicles. "It's a problem every- where. A continuous problem," says Wairaven. It is also law to get out of the way when a driver sees or hears an emer- gency vehicle approach- ing from either direction. Not complying with the law can lead to fines, loss of demerit points or pos- sibly jail time, according to Walraven. A $90 fine will be given to any motorist failing to react to an emergency vehicle or a $125 fine in a community safety zone. The driver will also lose three demerit points. If emergency vehicles are stopped and the motorist does not follow proper guidelines safely, for instance not slowing down, the fine can vary between $400 to $2,000, plus three demerit points. Any subsequent offense within five years could lead to a $1,000 to ABCA passes budget at annual meeting Continued from front page Several reports were presented to the ABCA board members includ- ing an extensive update on the St. Joseph Drain Assessment. Healthy watersheds specialist Mari Veliz explained the water quality issues surrounding the Lake Huron shoreline which have been a problem for several years. Veliz says from the water quality results, the St. Joseph's Drain indi- cates that this particular water- course usually has bacterial con- centrations at or above the recom- mended public health recreational standard. Landowners within the Zurich Drain watershed are already com- mitted to assisting with environ- mental improvements in the drain. The next step is attempting to improve the drain water quality by assessing the water connections in the Zurich water network and helping landowners with actions which will reduce the risk of conta- mination. The cost of this project will vary depending on the number and types of projects employed by the landowners. Other ABCA news: • The Spring Awareness Program for students is running this week. The program at the ABCA will focus on teaching stu- dents the dangers of thin ice and fast -flowing flooded watercourses The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) held its annual meeting Feb. 16. From left are newly elected chairperson Bill Weber and vice -chairperson Lawrence McLachlan. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) which occur during the spring thaw. • An update was presented on the Old Ausable Channel Project. The Old Ausable Channel (OAC) is an isolated area of the Ausable River near Grand Bend. It is a significant area, providing unique fish habitat including the endangered pugnose shiner, threatened lake chubsucker and the grass pickerel which is a special concern. A long-term management plan with several phases is being planned to help preserve these par- ticular fish. • The Friends of South Huron Trail are in the midst of forming a trail patrol. About 20 local volun- teers are interested in participat- ing. • The Pinery Park outside of Grand Bend is requesting a Trillium Foundation Application and is asking the ABCA to support the request. The Pinery would like to replace their displays in the visi- tor's section. County approves Taylor subdivision Continued from front page (including the municipality's $20,000 trade-in). South Huron had budgeted $280,000 for the grader. Deputy Mayor Dave Urlin noted later in the meeting that the signifi- cant savings on the new grader could see the projected 2006 munic- ipal tax levy increase of five per cent decreased to four per cent. Taylor approval Planner Claire Dodds reported at the meeting that Huron County council has given draft approval to the Taylor subdivision, which will see an 80 dwelling subdivision developed between Pryde and Rivers boulevards and Huron Street East. The development will see 26 single lots created for single detached homes and 14 lots each containing three or four -unit town- houses. Public meetings at town hall had been well attended due to concerns from some neighbours about flood control. Dodds said the last day to file an appeal on the subdivision's approval is March 1. $4,000 fine with the pos- sibility of jail time up to six months and the sus- pension of the driver's license of up to two years. It is also illegal to follow a fire or ambulance vehi- cle responding to a call, within 150 metres in any lane going in the same direction. Drivers on a multi -lane highway or two-lane road must slow down, signal and move to the right hand side of the road. On the multi -lane high- way if possible OPP want motorists to pull as close- ly as possible to the right side of the roadway and stop when it is safe. OPP do not want the driver to move onto the shoulder. Motorists on a two-lane road should pull as close- ly as possible to the right edge of the road and clear any intersection. On a one-way street motorists must pull to either the left or right hand side of the street, clear of any intersections and stop. At intersections drivers must yield to an emer- gency vehicle until it passes through the inter- section. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind, the driver should proceed through the intersection then pull to the right and stop. "People believe slowing down until the vehicle goes by is good but they must pull over to the right," says Walraven. By following these guidelines it will help pro- tect the emergency vehi- cle personal, the motorists and anyone else involved, adds Walraven. The OPP also remind motorists that some vol- unteer firefighters use a flashing green light when using their own vehicles to respond to a fire. It is not required by law but Wairaven says courteous drivers yield the right of way. REGIONAL WRAP UP • G.D.C.I. donate hair GODERICH — Several Goderich District Collegiate Institute (G.D.C.I.) stu- dents donated their hair to the Canadian Cancer Society recently. Grade 11 stu- dent Tori Zerbrigg, who began the fundraiser, had her head shaved in front of the entire student popula- tion, explaining first to the stu- dents that, "Your dona- tions will help the 38 per cent of Canadian women diag- nosed with can- cer." Her friend Katie Costello had her locks cut and donat- ed to the Wigs for Kids pro- gram, accord- ing to the Goderich Signal -Star. Zerbrigg expects the fundraiser to raise about $1,000. Separation strategy AILSA CRAIG — The next step in Ailsa Craig's separation from the Municipality of North Middlesex is promoting a provincewide common front to lobby at Queen's Park, according to The Parkhill Gazette. Ailsa Craig Restructuring Committee sec- retary Marilyn Barbe says, "We're going to host the Ontario De -amalgama- tion Network in Ailsa Craig March 25." The meeting will focus on de - amalgamation proponents from across Ontario. "We're fight- ing for democ- racy," says Barbe. 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