Hospital headlines

Fire broke out in the upstairs half of an Iroquois home last Thursday morning, May 3rd.

According to South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough, “after speaking with the owner it was determined, although not confirmed, that the cause was a clothes dryer on the second floor.”

The owner of the Ridge Road home, according to McDonough, “was at work in Ottawa” at the time the fire broke out.

McDonough reported that all three South Dundas fire stations responded to the call, which came in around 9:15 a.m.

“Upon arrival, there was heavy smoke coming from the soffits and eaves.”

“On the initial attack, it was determined that the second floor and attic area were fully involved and no access could be gained from the interior stairs.”

“Fire fighters had a difficult time ventilating due to the steel roofing and the angle of the roof,” he continued.

“We had two fire fighters suffer minor injuries. One was transported to the hospital for treatment and was released.”

As for the house, McDonough reported that it could not be saved.

He estimated the damage to be in the vicinity of $180,000.

[…]

The 30 mega-watt, 10 turbine South Branch Wind Project that will bring 10, 500’ tall industrial wind turbines to the Brinston area was approved, July 11, by the Ministry of the Environment.

Proponents of the project, EDP Renewables Canada already had a public construction meeting scheduled for July 17, at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners.

Those opposing the project are disappointed to say the least.

The South Branch Wind Opposition Group had just recently met with council for information purposes and presented them with over 100 signatures of those in the Brinston area who support the idea of South Dundas declaring themselves ‘not a willing host’.

SBWOG had asked South Dundas council to vote on a resolution declaring that position, however, South Dundas council put off the motion until EDP was given the opportunity to make a similar presentation.

EDP was scheduled to make that presentation at this week’s council meeting.

In the meantime, the project was approved, making the resolution basically pointless, with respect to this project.

“I’m disappointed, but there is nothing I can do,” said Leslie Disheau, president of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group.

There is a 15 day appeal period to take the decision to Environmental Review Tribunal, but Disheau says the SBWOG will not file an appeal, as they do not have the resources to bring people in to testify on their behalf. 

“If this council truly values the residents of Brinston, they will put in the bylaws to protect them,” said Disheau. 

Disheau has suggested that nuisance bylaws for such things as noise and shadow-flicker be implemented and enforced by the Municipality of South Dundas, to protect area residents.

“The fight is just beginning,” said Disheau.

[…]

Ontario Power Generation’s Ottawa/St. Lawrence Plant Group advises users of the St. Lawrence River, including recreational boaters and anglers, that the gates raised for the passage of recreational boat traffic through the Iroquois Control Dam, will be lowered from September 24 to October 26, 2012 inclusive.  

This is for the installation of new marine navigation beacons, warning signs, and safety lighting, and is a public safety initiative related to the passage of small boats through these gates.  

Boaters are advised that they must use the Iroquois Lock for passage during this period.

This notification is in accordance with the operating regulations of the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control.

Ontario Power Generation would like to remind all users of the river to take every precaution around its dams and generating stations across Ontario and to practice safety on Ontario’s waterways.

[…]