Duane Hicks
The town’s drinking water system got an almost perfect mark during its most recent compliance testing.
The Ministry of Environment conducted an inspection of the town’s drinking water system on Dec. 15-16, Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft, chair of the Operations and Facilities executive committee, noted at last night’s regular council meeting.
He added the announced and focused inspection was conducted in detail, and the town ended up getting an inspection rating of 98.59 percent, “which is an excellent rating.”
“The only reason that we didn’t receive a rating of 100 percent is that we failed to submit a minor completing letter concerning our lead testing, said Coun. Wiedenhoeft.
“So it has nothing to do with our water, it was just a minor report we failed to submit,” he explained.
“Overall, the taxpayers and residents of Fort Frances can be assured that once again, we produce top-quality water for the citizens of Fort Frances,” Coun. Wiedenhoeft later added.
“And the workers at the water treatment plant should be thanked and recognized.”
Though not directly associated with the compliance testing, Coun. Wiedenhoeft said the MoE made three recommendations, including:
•that the chemical contact chamber be included in the plant’s permit before it is issued;
•the operations manual should be reviewed and sections that are out of date updated; and
•the town is strongly encouraged to install water meters at all service connections, including residences.
The MoE noted that “metering all sources and uses of treated water allows the system to account for the water from production to the end user.”
The ministry added that accurate and timely water use measurement is the primary means used by water utilities to:
•create equitable charge-out rates for customers;
•reduce water use wastage;
•promote water efficiency;
•measure low and peak flow rates;
•minimize environmental impacts;
•minimize loads on wastewater facilities;
•measure use of water resources;
•generate revenue; and
•ensure future capital costs for the system are apportioned to users.
New fire chief
Also last night, council passed a bylaw to approve an employment agreement with Frank Sheppard, who is the new fire chief and emergency management co-ordinator for the Town of Fort Frances.
Sheppard, who has been on the force for 25 years, had been interim fire chief since Gerry Armstrong retired at the end of 2010.
Also at yesterday evening’s meeting, council:
•received requests from the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Inc. for financial and in-kind services, and to meet with council to discuss the future of the FFCBC;
•proclaimed April, 2011 as “Daffodil Month” in the Town of Fort Frances;
•referred a request from Fort Frances High School’s “chem-free” grad committee re: waiving of rental fees for the arena and auditorium for this year’s party to the Community Services executive committee for its recommendation;
•passed a bylaw to approve an agreement with Kenora Central Ambulance Communications Centre and Ministry of Health for the operation by Kenora Central Ambulance Communications Centre of a communications service for the District Fire Service; and
•passed a bylaw to authorize the entering into a contract with Nicholson’s Janitorial Services with respect to the provision of janitorial services at the Civic Centre (including the OPP and FFPC offices) commencing April 1.
