Discussion defuses concerns over anti-fortification bylaw
Mayor David Anderson believes that a recent meeting of municipal and police representatives has defused some local concerns about a proposed county anti-fortification bylaw.
Anderson and Minto Chief Building Official Terry Kuipers were at that meeting in late June. Anderson said there was considerable discussion on what is being proposed.
He said a lot of CBOs around the county believed the bylaw was proactive but they had some concerns with how such a bylaw would be enforced.
Anderson said the bylaw originated because of concerns about biker gangs and the fortification of operational bases to protect against other gangs and the police.
But, he said, there is potential liability issues for the municipality if emergency personal such as fire, ambulance, or police are unable to enter a building.
He suggested in downtown areas there is the potential of losing entire business blocks if firefighters could not get into buildings.
Anderson said indicators at the meeting were that it would not cost the municipality much money and that it would be done through a working agreement with the OPP.
But, he said, the OPP cannot enforce issues around the Building Code.
The understanding, Anderson said, is that the police would be the first responder, and CBOs would be brought in at a later point to ensure that the building meet the new regulations.
