Pool fencing material still under review
by Michelle Minnoch

Staff is looking into the different types of materials acceptable as pool fence enclosures, as requests have recently been made to include rod iron fencing in the by-law.

"It is permitted in other municipalities," said Councilor Paul Wardlaw. "In my opinion it's safer."

Rob McAuley, Director of Planning and development, said staff was currently looking into a re-draft of the bylaw.

He said the issue was the spacing between the rod iron polls and safety concerns regarding the fact children may be able to squeeze into a fence if the spaces between the rods are too large. They are looking into the guidelines as stated by the Ontario Building Code and may look into performance tests not only on the rod iron fencing, but on other types of fencing.

The chain link fence is permitted in the by-law and he said for the time being, those interested in other types of fencing could rent a temporary chain link fence until the by-law is revised.

Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope noted that it is a lot easier for a child to climb a chain link fence then the rod iron and chain link fencing is "no where near as safe." Mayor Brain Jackson said it is the spacing between the rods that is what needs to be looked into.

With two deputations at the beginning of the evening regarding residents who wanted to install such fencing, Councilor Wardlaw requested it the staff could just look into rod iron fencing to speed up the process.

McAuley said there are requests in to look into tempered glass and veneered fencing. He said they are making every effort to get the issue back to the table by the July 23rd or August 8th meeting.