Stirling council makes decision on pool upgrades

By Ron Riemann
Westwind Weekly News

Stirling Council’s March 1 meeting began with the Stirling pool capital upgrade, more specifically, the outdoor area.

Chief Administrative Officer Mike Selk said the ‘Pals of the Pool’ want back to the supplier to decide on one of four options to improve the outdoor area around the pool from their grant of $21,000.

The group chose a rough cut – a synthetic, higher cut grass that is durable through normal wear and tear.

Selk said rough cut provided a better price with a net cost of $1,900. The shortfall would be collected through fundraising events at the pool. He noted previous fundraising efforts exceeded $3,000.

He said even though capital money would not be used, operational money is another option to cover the difference.  Council agreed with the choice and informed Selk and the swimming group to proceed with the rough cut purchase.

With the municipal election set for this fall, council discussed the possibility of opening the ballot stations earlier on Election Day. Selk informed council the elections bylaw has voting commencing at 10:00 a.m.

Council wanted to move it to 8:00 a.m. to accommodate Stirling residents and their working schedules. Council approved second and third reading unanimously.

Coun. Trevor Lewington told council on the many challenges the Stirling Fire Department have with training. He said they either have to use the space around the Fire Hall or in an available public space.

Lewington said this training uses hoses and hydrants. However, with live exercises that require burning, their only option has been private property that has been made available.

Lewington said the downside to this is the insurance aspect. The request from the department and Fire Chief Thomas Hodder is a small chunk of public land to be used for fire prevention training, including live exercises.

Lewington said one is the Public Works yard, near the transfer station and cemetery. One concern from Public Works involved visitors to the cemetery during training. During that time, the environment might present a lot of smoke. Another concern involved structures and equipment.

Hodder said they would take full responsibility on any land made available for training. He added the department would like to build a structure with a roof so they can cut it as part of their roof training.

Selk asked if there was a common place in the County of Warner for this type of training, but Hodder said he did not know. Selk further asked why Stirling would be investing in a training space and not the region.

Council and Administration agreed that a proposal should be created with a regional approach in mind.

“I think that if we are proactive with the County, a willing participant in emergency services and fire rescue, that could go a long way for us,” said Selk. Council agreed more discussions are needed and thanked Hodder for his input.  Coun. Mike Maynes was absent from the meeting.

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