SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 50 ISSUE 22
DRAYTON, ONTARIO
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FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017
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Council agrees to local ban on release of flying lanterns By Patrick Raftis
Rural romping - Madison Fillion, left, of Drayton gets a lesson on how to feed an apple to a horse from Pam Ellis of Ell-Crest Farms north of Moorefield during the Spring Rural Romp on May 27. The romp offers selfguided tours of local farms each spring in northern Wellington County through the Taste Real program. Photo by Caroline Sealey
MAPLETON – Flying lanterns are now banned in the township. Mapleton council passed a bylaw implementing the ban on May 23, after receiving a report recommending the move from Fire Chief Rick Richardson. Flying lanterns are small hot air balloons made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small flame is suspended. “They are also known as a ‘sky lantern’. When released, the hot air produced by the fuel source can lift the lantern to extreme heights and allows it to drift for long distances until the fuel is depleted,� the report states.
The lanterns, often released in large numbers to generate an impressive visual effect, “can land on trees, building rooftops, or other combustible properties, while still ignited, and potentially cause a fire,� the report adds. Councillor Marlene Ottens asked if the proposal was sparked by a specific incident or part of a general province-wide movement to ban the incendiary party favours. “The answer is yes and yes,� replied Richardson, noting concerns were first raised several years ago and “there have been some fires when people let them go at weddings and parties� at some locations in Ontario.
Richardson said there have been some cases of the lanterns being released at Conestogo Lake. “It has come to our attention that down by the lake there are some people doing these lanterns fairly often and someone brought a concern to me,� he said. Mayor Neil Driscoll wondered if neighbouring Minto and Wellington North were considering a ban. He noted it would seem pointless to ban in Mapleton residents from using the lanterns when they could drift into the township across municipal borders. “They were looking at it,� said Richardson. A resolution to implement the ban was passed without opposition.
Mapleton firefighters will upgrade to leather footwear By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Firefighters here will be getting some new, and better, boots. On May 23 Mapleton council approved the purchase of 40 pairs of leather Globe firefighter footwear at a cost of $490 per pair from Dependable Fire Equipment. The company’s bid was the lowest of three submitted in response to a request for quotations.
“Leather boots supply a level of comfort not found in the economy rubber footwear,� notes a report from Fire Chief Rick Richardson. “Full-time firefighters have progressed to leather models and find that the longevity of this type of boot far outlasts the other types supplied. The economy of remaining with the current lowest cost boot available would be outweighed by the durability of the newer mod-
els. In most cases this leather style boot would outlast the volunteer firefighters career and would also serve as a station wear safety boot that we currently provide in addition to the rubber model.� Richardson told council some local firefighters have paid the difference between leather and rubber boots out of their own pockets in order to upgrade. “Staff believe that we owe our volunteer firefighters a
quality pair of footwear in serving their community at emergency scenes such as fire calls, motor vehicle collisions, medical assistance, etc.,� the report states. Richardson said he has been raising the issue for a few years “that our footwear is getting beat up pretty bad.� He noted the rubber boots are “leaky� and pointed out “for some people dealing with orthotics they are not a good mix either.�
Richardson said the higher quality boots “make a major difference on longer calls.� “I don’t recall this being in our budget talks,� said councillor Lori Woodham, who suggested “if there isn’t an urgency� the matter be deferred to 2018. Richardson’s report recommended the funds be drawn from “other capital� in the 2016 budget. He also pointed out revenue gener-
ated by the fire department for attending accidents and other calls was over budget this year. “Some of our officers suggested maybe some of it could be put towards firefighters to update their equipment,â€? said Richardson. Councillor Michael Martin pointed out, “You want to be careful with that conversation,â€? as despite the additional revenue in 2016, SEE COUNCIL Âť 3
Gala - The Kentucky Derby arrived in Drayton for the 17th annual Starlight Gala benefitting the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation with this year’s theme “A Run for the Roses.� Organizers say the event raised $210,000 toward new cardiac monitors for the hospital. LEFT: From left Kristine Farrish with Buddy the horse and gala co-chairs Jacqui Cressman and Kathy Statia. ABOVE: The gala leadership team, back row from left: ticket chair Yvonne Schieck, food chair Tracy Hill, nurses’ special feature Shirley Ann Litt and Barb Huntley, silent auction solicitation co-chairs Lynn and Ron Hodgins and entertainment chair Ron Ellis. Middle: development officer Dale Franklin, decorating team lead Amy Habermehl, nurses’ special feature Nancy McIsaac, decorating team lead Josie McLaughlin, gala leadership team co-chair and live auction chair Kathy Statia and gala leadership team co-chair and database chair Jacqui Cressman. Front: honorary co-chair Dr. Christine Peterkin. Photos by Olivia Rutt
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