Centre Wellington officials continue to look for the best way to battle termites in this municipality.
The issue came up as part of council’s committee of the whole meeting last week.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj pointed out “we’ve had this on the list for an entire year now, which means we have been monthly following any updates, or anything within our ability to change.”
She said councillor Kirk McElwain had been taking some interesting calls in regard to this issue.
“But I think we have worked to our max as to what we can do,” said Ross-Zuj. She noted chief building official Bob Foster is at council to provide information on any steps which can be taken.
She added council is working with Dr. Tim Myles, termite control officer with the City of Guelph, and has also met with provincial officials to discuss the issue.
“We are not burying this in any way,” the mayor stressed.
“But we are hitting some brick walls here we know we have to find different ways around. We’ve also put money in our budget to continue this struggle and we will continue with this struggle.”
In his update to council, Foster said one of the main issues is that Myles is not reporting the same success as he had over the past few years in Guelph.
Attempts were made to ask the federal government to allow changes to the mix of chemicals used in order to achieve better results. However, Foster suggested that until there is clearance, and to determine how that works, there is little point asking Myles to initiate the program in Centre Wellington.
Foster said council also needs to establish a formal relationship as to how Myles would work with the municipality.
The other concern was that to undertake the monitoring program, there are roughly 1,000 properties involved.
Foster asked whether council wished to provide a fair opportunity for all those interested to be involved “if we could afford to do it.”
He noted, “It is going to be a massive challenge for staff to send the notices and field the calls as this moves forward.”
Councillor Fred Morris asked if there was to be anything done beyond the monitoring.
Foster clarified the monitoring program would be part of a block-by-block attempt to eradicate termites.
“But it is experimental and there is no guarantee of success.” Foster said. He added that given the chemicals currently available for use, “it is worth a shot.”
“We seem to be one of the few municipalities trying to pay attention to this and donated money towards developing the program.”
Ross-Zuj said Centre Wellington needs assistance from the upper levels of government as well.
“We are trying to make a difference in the community, but it is really a tough topic in trying to get any assistance.”
She said termites will continue to be a huge burden to property owners.
Foster said it is a growing issue and one that is not going away.
“It continues to expand throughout the municipality,” he added.
