BIA APPROVES REVISED BANNERS PAGE
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LINCS AWARDS BANQUET PAGE Thursday, May 14, 2026
St. Marys Independent
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St. Marys Independent 36 Water St. S., St. Marys ON | 519.284.0041 | info@stmarysindependent.com | www.granthaven.com
Issue #1313
Thursday, May 14, 2026
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St. Marys firefighters take part in mandatory survival training WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
On Saturday, the St. Marys Fire Department took part in annual survival training. Captain Greg St. Clair designed the obstacles based on the International Association of Firefighters survival program outline. The exercise is to simulate what firefighters would experience when faced with being inside a structure during a collapse. This could include breaching through walls, squeezing through tight spaces smaller than 16 inches by inches, and dealing with wire entanglements. The firefighters wear full gear along with their self-contained breathing apparatus, adding an additional 80 pounds to their bodyweight. To keep the training as authentic as possible, the firefighters go through the course blindfolded so they have no idea what they will encounter. In a real situation, being able to see is very unlikely, so they practice it this way in hopes the other senses will kick in to carry them through. (WENDY LAMOND PHOTO) Staying calm to conserve their air is one of GEARING UP FOR SURVIVAL TRAINING Firefighter Mackenzie Forman tackled the survival-training course on Saturday as part of his train- the most crucial aspects of the training as they ing. Captain Greg St. Clair put on Forman’s blindfold right before he took on the challenge. See more persevere through the difficult spaces. When photos on page 9. they get near the end, instructors will turn off the firefighters’ air supply, forcing them to finish the last 10 feet both blind and out of air. Not to worry though, as they have spent earlier training nights practicing for this situation. The firefighters finish times are noted, as well as how much reserve air they have left in their GALEN SIMMONS cision-making, rural planning and municipal cylinders. This gives them a benchmark to work from, year after year. flexibility. Regional Editor “The popularity of lightweight construction in At its May 7 meeting, county director of Perth County council has endorsed plan- planning Andrea Hächler presented a report new home building is posing a significant risk to ning staff’s comments on the province’s lat- outlining staff comments on Bill 98, the firefighters,” St. Clair said. “We are arriving on est round of proposed planning and devel- Building Homes and Improving Transpor- scene and entering structures just as the collapse opment legislation, raising concerns about tation Infrastructure Act, before the May 14 window is opening. We need to be prepared the impact Bill 98 could have on local deCONTINUED TO PAGE 2 CONTINUED TO PAGE 9
Perth County to submit concerns over province’s Bill 98 planning changes
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