Loading...
The Citizen, 2003-06-25, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2003. County considers options for ambulance station By Janice Becker Citizen staff With the provincial downloading of ambulance services more than three years ago, Huron County council had to make adjustments to its coverage. Now after the construction of three new stations, a fourth may be in the works for north Huron, the lone area where previous facilities are still in use. Members of the county administration, and politicians from North Huron, Howick and Morris- Turnberry met at Huronlea in Brussels last Thursday to begin looking at options for the Wingham station. The station remained in Wingham and District Hospital after re­ alignment. However, David Lew, manager of land ambulance operations for the county, told those in attendance that the lease expires in 2005 and other accommodations are being sought. “We are looking for something that better suits the needs of the municipalities and the staff,” he said. There are several problems with the current site which could be rectified at another location. With the ambulance service going to 24 hours, there is no crew room, the ventilation is poor and access to washroom facilities is restrictive, particularly with the current SARS guidelines for admittance to the hospital. The bay doors also no longer meet size standards for new ambulances, making leaving and re­ entry difficult. Howick reeve Norm Fairies said the Wingham station was left as it was during the downloading process as it was adequate and meant one less station to deal with at the time. The ambulance stations were also to be located at the centre of the most densely-populated areas. However, Lew said he believes Howick and parts of Grey are not being adequately served. People in Howick know it will take 15 to 20 minutes for an ambulance, said Fairies, so they go by car if it is not serious. The councillors questioned whether the low usage numbers in the northeastern area were due to low need or few calls because people knew of the longer response times. Many Howick residents are also using the Listowel or Palmerston services, Fairies added, as they are closer and would prefer to go that way. This then brings in the issue of cross-border usage, something from which the counties have been trying to move away. Wingham mayor Doug Layton said any consideration for moving the Wingham station must take into account the frequency of visits by that service to the Lucknow and Teeswater areas. Doctors from both communities also work out of Wingham hospital. Layton also pointed out the concentration of industry in the Wingham area and the need for the ambulance. “There are 1,000 at Wescast and 250 to 350 at Royal Homes alone,” he said. Agreeing that the likely scenario would be another location in or around Wingham, Lew added that there may be future consideration given to a satellite station at the north end of the county to provide better coverage. This station would not be 24 hours, but would be staffed at times shown to be the most active in call studies. Talk then turned to potential sites for a new building or the renovation of an existing structure. Lew said they would be looking for a facility which would house a 24-hour crew, provide training space, ample storage space for bulk buying, men’s and women's washrooms and two to three bays. The county may look at a joint venture with other emergency services, particularly since the Wingham police force is in need of improved accommodations as well. This could save money on fixed costs such as heating, air conditioning and parking lots. Morris-Turn berry mayor Keith Johnston said his council appeared to prefer the shared option if possible and offered two sites owned by the municipality. Layton' also pointed out several sites within North Huron, including land between Tim Horton’s and the North Huron Wescast Community Complex which could be investigated. While there was considerable discussion about easier access if located on either County Rd. 86 or Hwy. 4, Wingham councillor Archie McGowan noted there had been no problems with access from the hospital site which has been in use for several decades. Most agreed a site with access to municipal services would also be preferred because of problems which had to be overcome at the new Seaforth/Clinton station. Based on the cost of the other new stations in the county, a new Wingham facility could cost approximately $440,000. Following the meeting where Lew agreed to pull together a preliminary report on call volumes and numbers, he and county clerk-administrator Larry Adams travelled to Wingham to become acquainted with some of the suggested sites. The next meeting will be held July 10 in the Wingham council chambers. Representatives from Huron East and Ashfield-Colbome- Wawanosh will be invited to attend. Local girl begins new venture with re-opening By Sarah Mann Citizen staff Elisha Courtney opened the doors of Seasons in Blyth on Monday offering a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. It began when she was told by a local lady that they wanted to rent the restaurant out. “Then, my mom told me about it and the main idea was to keep it open so people would have a place to go out and eat and to get soft ice cream.” Next they talked to Grant Sparling, owner of the building, “and he was surprised to hear that we wanted it. He said we’re a nice She’s ready Elisha Courtney sets a table for two as she opened up the doors to Seasons in Blyth on Monday. (Sarah Mann photo) AMD SB employees look to retirement Several retiring educators from local schools were honoured for their dedication to the profession at the Avon Maitland District School board’s employee night, June 17. Among the public school teachers were Rosemarie Weise of Hullett Central, Nancy Folkard from East Wawanosh and Michael Park at Grey Central. In the secondary school ranks, Listowel District Secondary School principal Doug Pratley along with LDSS teachers James Boyes, Myrna Hagarty, Gregory Poole and John Bruder have retired. Also honoured were teacher Keith Crawford from Central Huron Secondary School and Jerry McDonnell from F. E. Madill family and that we could do it. He told us what he wanted and we told him what we were willing to put in to here.” Elisha and her mother, Chris, had talked about applying for grants to help with the cost but didn’t want to wait until they received the money so they went ahead and are paying for everything out of their own pockets. Elisha’s first customers were from Scotland and just happened to be passing through town when they decided to stop for coffee and tea. “Most of the people we’ve had in today [Monday] were from other countries and not Blyth. . . we also had people from England come in.” Secondary School. Goderich District Collegiate Institute’s custodian Dave Parks has retired as well. Can 1-866-734-9425 or visit www.medicalert.ca Medic Alert Lets You Live Life. Seasons offers a variety of sandwiches like roast beef, turkey, ham, egg salad, western, and grilled cheese as well as at least one homemade soup a day. Garlic bread with cheese, garden and caesar salads are also available. Even though the menu says “bagel with cream cheese”, Elisha stressed that they are very flexible when it comes to substitutions. “If a customer would rather have jam or honey, they should just ask and we’ll do it for them if we can.” All of Seasons desserts are homemade and they offer vanilla, chocolate, or swirl soft ice cream along with sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and banana splits. Seasons will accept cash only and gift certificates are also available. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. A'^Central Huron REMINDER TO THE RATEPAYERS OF CENTRAL HURON Interim Tax Bill Second Installment Due Monday, June 30, 2003 If you wish to use the monthly pre-authorized payment plan, please contact the Municipal Office prior to December 31st, 2003 for the 2004 taxation year.