By Connie Tabbert
Editor
COBDEN — There are currently only two fire wardens in Whitewater Region Township.
The current wardens are Vincent Gervais and Councillor Daryl McLaughlin. The former wardens were former members of council.
Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons questioned council at last Wednesday’s council meeting if three other council members would be added as wardens.
Councillor McLaughlin said the former wardens should be re-instated since they are familiar with the system.
Councillor Charlene Jackson suggested stores be allowed to issue permits.
“This would bring business to them,” she said.
Stores that currently sell garbage bags and dog licences receive a fee, and she suggested there be a fee if they do
Fire chief Wayne Heubner had concerns, noting there is a great responsibility that goes with issuing a fire permit. Each permit is good for seven days, he noted.
He agreed with Coun. McLaughlin, saying the current system is working and he would not be against former councillors remaining as wardens.
Coun. McLaughlin said there is a learning curve regarding the permits, noting when fires are permissible and what number to call to find out if there is a fire ban in effect.
Councillor Cathy Regier suggested Mr. Gervais cover the areas of La Passe and Westmeath and the current council members could cover the rest of the township.
Coun. Jackson said it is council’s responsibility to ensure there are rules and regulations to be followed, but it is the person’s responsibility who is getting the permit to follow them.
As for store employees, she feels if they are responsible enough to handle cash and such, they should be responsible enough to issue permits.
Coun. Jackson said in Laurentian Valley fire permits can only be issued at the office. It is under review if they will be made available online.
“It’s all about convenience,” she said.
Fire permits can be downloaded from Whitewater’s web site, but they still have to be officially signed to be issued.
Chief Heubner said he and Deputy-Chief Mike Moore used to get a lot of phone calls regarding the permits, however, he noted, the last two years, the system has worked well.
Mayor Hal Johnson suggested the fire wardens discussion be tabled and brought back to a fire protection services committee meeting. While it’s great to consider store employees be allowed to issue fire permits, the owners have to be asked if they want that responsibility, he said. The former council members should also be asked if they want to remain as wardens, he added.
Councillor Chris Olmstead questioned who is responsible for the permit — those issuing or those using it.
Coun. Jackson said, “The person applying is saying they are going to comply and be responsible. The person issuing it is just signing it saying they issued it.”
Mayor Johnson said for now, those who want a fire permit can contact the office, Mr. Gervais or Coun. McLaughlin.
