November 2019 Town of Pelham Newsletter

Remembrance Day Services 2019

Sunday, November 3, 2019
A light lunch to follow at Legion Branch 141 Hwy 20 E Fonthill

                          
Monday, November 11, 2019Lunch to follow at Legion Branch 141 Hwy.20 E. Fonthill

The gypsy moth infestation that the Town and residents battled in 2019 was mitigated through an aerial spray program that yielded desired results: trees were saved.

However, despite the program’s success, there is an appetite for staff and Council to gain public input on how future year’s programs should be conducted, at what cost, and how that cost will be shared, if at all. 

“We were under a biological deadline and we did not have the $100k [to cover the cost] in 2019,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “Yes, there’s some more money now and going forward I hope we don’t’ do this again.” 

Jason Marr, director of public works, gave a presentation on the origins and biology of the gypsy moth as well as the process that unfolded in 2019, outlining the spray program itself, where spray blocks were situated, timelines, costs, and ultimately, six alternatives for consideration moving forward. 

The room also heard how climate change plays a role in invasive species and their intrusion to the municipality. The global spread of harmful forest pest species, like the gypsy moth, is a direct consequence of change, permitting the invasive species opportunity to expand their boundaries. The risk of damage caused by the Gypsy Moth to Canada’s deciduous forests is estimated to grow from the current 15 per cent to more than 75 per cent by 2050.

Click the image to enlarge the alternatives

“Most likely we will have some type of spray program next year,” said Marr, alluding to the fact that the infestation survey has not been undertaken to date. “We did receive approval from Council to retain a forestry consultant to complete an infestation survey.”

Without the study, early, rough estimates indicate that a similar spray program to 2019 would be in the ballpark of $100,000.

When residents shared their stories, comments, and feelings on all things gypsy moth, many ideas spanning from using volunteers to creating a committee to using home prevention methods came to the forefront. However, Council and staff would like as much feedback as possible in determining what program will be most effective in mitigating the gypsy moth infestation and is amenable to residents. Though all comments were recorded by staff, there is further opportunity for residents to submit feedback on the gypsy moth spray program in general as well as ideas and endorsements for how to proceed moving forward. To do this, residents can email gypsymoth@pelham.ca.

Paul Robertson of Trees Unlimited was on hand to answer questions from Council and residents, responding to inquiries on costs, mapping, surveying and more. 

For more information on the gypsy moth aerial spray program in 2019 and more, visit: www.pelham.ca/gypsy-moth

Enbridge Gas Inc. helps Pelham FD Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths through Project Zero

Enbridge Gas Inc. and Pelham Fire Department announced they are working to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero. 

Pelham Fire Department received 126 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero – a public education campaign that will provide more than 9,100 alarms to residents in 40 municipalities across Ontario. 

This year, Enbridge Gas Inc. invested $275,000 in Project Zero, and over the past 11 years, the program has provided more than 44,356 alarms to Ontario fire departments. 

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. 

“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning,” says Grant Kilpatrick, Manager, Southeast Region Operations, Enbridge Gas Inc. 

“The objective of Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who need them the most,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management. “It’s a program that municipal fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage.” 

“The Pelham Fire Department is very grateful to receive the combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to help reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths in Pelham,” said Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner. “These alarms will be distributed by all three fire halls in Pelham to high risk individuals.” 

“I can’t say enough about the generosity of Enbridge in their donation of these smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “We want our residents to be safe 

and to practice home safety, but not everyone has the means or knowledge to do so. We hope they’re never needed, but the alarms from Project Zero are going to save lives, and for 126 homes in Pelham, a crucial second line of defence will add safety and comfort.” 

About the Fire Department 

Pelham Fire Services has 91 active volunteer firefighters who are trained in CPR and first aid, defibrillation, suppression services, vehicle extrication, fire prevention and public safety. Volunteers from stations in Fonthill, Fenwick and North Pelham protect more than 17,000 residents and nearly 7,000 properties. 

About Enbridge Gas Inc. 

Enbridge Gas Inc., formed on January 1, 2019 from the amalgamation of Union Gas Limited and Enbridge Gas Distribution, is Canada's largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with a more than 170-year history of providing safe and reliable service to customers. The distribution business serves about 3.7 million customers, heating over 75 per cent of Ontario homes. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest integrated underground storage facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Enbridge Gas Inc. is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. 

For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGas.

Ready, Set, Snow!

Pelham, it’s time to prepare for those grueling winter months. Incorporating small changes into your everyday lives can make a sizeable impact on your bills, carbon footprint and the environment. Here are things you can do to prepare for winter while being eco-conscious:

1. Consider planting trees before the frost;

2. Plug draft leaks in windows and doors;

3. Choose a safe, non-toxic de-icer;

4. Buy seasonal produce (produce out of season must be shipped longer distances, burning more fuel);

5. Carpool if possible to reduce your carbon footprint.

Everything we do had an impact on the planet. Living a green lifestyle year round will help both the planet and the people living on it. 

Every little bit counts – it all starts with you!