Council gives ok for steel pool fencing
by Michelle Minnoch

Council passed a by-law Wednesday night that should be pleasing to pool owners; steel (rod iron) or wood panel fences are allowed to be erected around pools, providing there is a 100 mm maximum spacing between the pickets/wood panels.

"I have to compliment Mr. McAuley and his staff for moving this along quickly," said Councilor Paul Wardlaw.

A few pool owners made comments during the open forum session at the beginning of the month, stating they were ready for installing their pools, but needed clearance on their options regarding the type of fencing around a pool.

At that time, the by-law only allowed chain link, steel panels, wood or masonry fencing.

According to Staff Report PDS-099-07, staff reviewed other fence by-laws across Simcoe County and the Province. They found bylaws regarding the issue are inconsistent. The Town decided on the 100 mm spacing as it is specified in the Guard requirements of the Ontario Building Code (OBC).

Staff has also had requests for vinyl and tempered glass as pool fence materials, and as testing for the products becomes available, the by-law would not be compromised.

The factors for considering fencing material around pools include height (min. 1.2 metres in height), rigidity (must be rigid and secure, able to resist lateral forces for its height similar to the requirements for guards in OBC 9.8.8.2), openings (no openings/gaps larger than 100 mm), non-climbable (must not contain horizontal components and must not have components that can facilitate climbing).