Advocating for sprinklers in new builds
Clearview council is supporting the township’s fire chief in his desire to promote the inclusion of sprinkler systems in new home construction.
Fire Chief Colin Shewell sought council’s support Monday for an education campaign to encourage developers and builders of new construction homes to voluntarily install residential sprinklers in all new homes in Clearview and to make information available to perspective home buyers regarding their benefit.
The fire department has staged a demonstration to show how a fire in a home with modern day combustibles can become untenable in as little as three to four minutes, potentially longer than it takes for a volunteer fire department to respond.
“Residential fire sprinklers in single family dwellings should be viewed as a reasonable evolution in community infrastructure and part of a long term strategic plan to building safe and sustainable communities,” reported Shewell.
Councillor Connie Leishman took it one step further asking, “Why not make it mandatory for all new builds? I don’t know if council has the appetite to drop the hammer, but I do.”
Councillor Kevin Elwood spoke in favour of making it a voluntary decision. He said he had a fire and his sprinkler system prevented a fire that could have potentially resulted in a total loss.
Shewell said he has no desire to make it mandatory, as sprinklers are not a legislated requirement at this time.
He reported that municipalities that have a large inventory of sprinklers are allowed a more moderate expansion of fire departments as growth occurs. Other benefits may include a reduction in home insurance.
