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The Citizen, 2003-07-16, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2003. Talks continue for ambulance station By Janice Becker Citizen staff With representation from the county, as well as Ashfield- Colbome-Wawanosh council and the Wingham and District Hospital board. members of local governments met for a second time to discuss options for upgrading or replacing the Wingham ambulance station. There are just over two years left ‘ on a lease with the hospital and the station is faced with serious ventilation and space problems. David Lew, manager of land ambulance operations for the county, reviewed points made at the earlier meeting for those in attendance last Thursday. By looking at the call volume rather than population density, the committee could better determine an appropriate location for the station. “There is a necessity to meet all needs and we are currently not servicing some areas well, such as the northeast and northwest of the county,” said Lew. There has been a tremendous increase in the number of calls coming from Howick and Turnberry between 2001 and 2002, though Lew was unable to explain this increase. Some of this may have been due to the standbys located in these areas to cover for other services. While Wingham remained stable with just over 300 calls per year (includes all calls for ambulance service), Tumberry jumped from 13 to 112 and Howick went from 63 to 134. East Wawanosh rose from six to 39 and Grey from 50 to 78, while Morris dropped from 55 to 33 and Hullett fell to 38 from 52. West Wawanosh, Teeswater, Lucknow, Brussels and Ashfield remained relatively level. Blyth saw a spike in calls in recent years, but Lew believes this too is from standby stationing 'out of the Wingham site to help cover Seaforth/Clinton calls. Huron County warden and South Huron mayor Dave Urlin told the committee that representatives from regional ambulance services would be meeting soon to discuss cross- border services and it is hoped a partnership for shared coverage could be developed. Cross- border calls impact the Wingham station TV. Huron council Aloha signs guarantee with reluctance By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor With reluctance North Huron agreed to sign the guarantee requested by CIBC in order to withdraw a portion of their shareholder’s note from Westario Power. Director of finance/treasurer Donna White, said that while neither administration nor council are particularly “comfortable” about the request it is non-negotiable. “It basically comes to if we don’t sign we can’t withdraw.” The money will be put towards the debt for the North Huron Wescast Community Complex. Councillor Jeff Howson wondered if this stipulation was part of the original shareholder agreement with Westario. White explained that it is not because of calls into Bruce County. Ash field-Colborne-Wawanosh ■ deputy-reeve Neil Rintoul said crossing borders occurs in Ashfield as the ambulances cannot meet the response time requirement. “Bruce covers it.” Lew said this problem is being worked out as dispatch was sending the closest Huron County ambulance rather than the closest ambulance, which could be out of Kincardine. A meeting is planned with Lambton and Perth Counties as well to discuss cross-border issues, said Lew. Howick reeve Norm Fairies suggested Wellington representatives should be included in discussions as the Palmerston service often comes into his township. Lew said it is hoped the GPS (global positioning systems) with which the ambulances are equipped, may soon be utilized by dispatch out of London through an AVL (automatic vehicle locator) so they can see, on-screen, which vehicle is the closest. GPS also helps the drivers find the quickest route to the call. In recognizing the underserviced areas in Huron. Lew said there could be a possibility of a seasonal ambulance in Brussels and/or Lucknow, depending on what the numbers show. This is currently the case in regions along the lakeshore which realize an increased need during the summer months. Lew showed numerous photos of locations previously discussed which are in and around the Wingham area. These included lots between Tim Hortons and the recreation complex along Kerr Drive, a vacant property on Josephine Street, the Morris- Turnberry works yard north of Wingham, lots in Wingham’s industrial park, the MTO yards south of town on Hwy 4 and a lot near the hospital where a vacant clinic sits. Consideration will also be given to renovating the armories where the Wingham police force is now housed. Asked the cost of the various sites, Lew said the industrial park lots range from $18,000 to $35,000 and most of them are flat and are serviced. The Josephine Street lot is in the range of $65,000 while the Westario which has put this in place, but the bank. “Westario didn’t know it was going to happen.” Howson, however, said he was somewhat surprised that Westario is not accountable at all. “I guess I’m wondering why they didn’t pick up on this in the banking agreement initially.” The need for the guarantee comes, White said, because the electrical companies are new entities. “We’re not happy about it, but it boils down to we sign the guarantee or forego the funds.” She also noted that should a guarantee no longer be required in the future, North Huron’s would be cancelled. Council also passed a motion requesting a withdrawal next year of another $240,000, the maximum that can be paid on the complex loan annually. Kerr Drive lots are still being appraised, but are expected to bring between $30,000 to $50,000, said North Huron clerk-administrator John Stewart. Those lots also require fill, a process which is ongoing. Urlin questioned whether there were benefits to a highway location rather than a back lot. Citing the long history of the Wingham station at the in-town hospital location and the need to respond to calls in all directions, it was felt the advantage of one site over another, for response reasons, would be minimal. Because of difficulties which arose at the Tuckersmith site, Lew said he would prefer a site with municipal services. Though there were concerns about pressure and salt content in the water at the MTO site, Morris-Turnberry mayor Keith Johnston did not believe this should be a problem as he has a well within two to three Eight-year-old Eliza Dodds (third from left) had a Hawaiian-themed birthday party on Saturday. The party-goers danced and giggled down the sidewalks and brightened up an otherwise gloomy Saturday in Brussels. From left: Heather Bone, Tori Kellington, Dodds, Tilynn Ducharme, Meagan Dolmage, and Jennifer Ford. (Sarah Mann photo) miles, at a depth less than 150 feet and with sufficient volume. Lew told the gathering that the area of the other three new ambulance stations was 3,500 square feet and the ambulance service would be looking at a similarly-sized facility. Depending on land costs and other construction requirements, the estimated cost of a new station would be approximately $400,000. The committee is also looking at the option of building a new facility for both the ambulance and police services as the police force is in desperate need of new accommodations in order to meet provincial standards. As well as sharing facilities such as parking, kitchen, training and common rooms, Lew said each service would have its own storage space and separate areas. The committee felt it best to discuss options with the hospital board prior to any further meetings, to see if something could be worked out for the present site. Wingham. mayor Doug Layton also wondered how much a $250,000 renovation at the hospital site could accomplish rather then spending $500,000 on a new building. Wingham and District Hospital CEO Margret Comack said the board would like the opportunity to discuss standards as well as look at the issues that will impact the hospital. She noted there are currently problems with fumes and room for a common area. Fairies added that the doors are no longer large enough for the new ambulances to manoeuvre easily. Agreeing that more information and discussion are needed, the next group meeting was scheduled for Aug. 14, at the Wingham town hall.