Council members in the Town of Minto made this newspaper proud last week when they opted to preserve a way of life in rural Ontario.
Council supported a resolution from the Municipality of Central Huron objecting to a direction from the Fire Marshal’s office restricting the use of farm buildings.
The Fire Marshal’s office is concerned about potential safety hazards when farm buildings are used for something other than their intended purpose. These uses could include family get-togethers, wedding receptions, parties, anniversary events, etc. In other words, many of the events we in rural Ontario host, attend and love.
We don’t criticize the Fire Marshal’s office for wanting to keep folks safe. That is, of course, one of its primary mandates.
What we object to is the further micro-managing and cautious-to-a-fault mindset seemingly taking over many agencies as a whole these days.
Central Huron’s resolution stated that:
a) Shed parties, barn parties and family functions held in farm buildings are an important part of rural culture.
b) Private buildings or private property should be the responsibility of the owners and as such, the owners are responsible for their actions and properties.
c) The province is infringing on property rights.
d) That the Municipality of Central Huron strongly objects to the direction from the Fire Marshal’s office restricting said use, and that this resolution be circulated to the Fire Marshal’s office and all municipalities in Ontario.
Amen.
There are many legitimate reasons why property owners would choose to hold a gathering on their own property, as opposed to using a public facility. At home, they may be better able to supervise their children and visiting children. It’s more economical to host friends and family, as opposed to renting a hall. Those who don’t take part in the bar scene may feel more comfortable attending an event, such as a buck and doe, on more familiar territory. There are already regulations in place, including insurance requirements, liquor licences and such, to help ensure these events are safe and legal.
At what point does someone else get to determine how many people we can host in our own home? On our own property?
Coun. Dave Turton voiced his agreement, saying the issue could easily snowball.
The restrictions could someday apply to “anyone who puts a tent up,” he said.
“I think we should take a stand.”
Council, rightly so, asked Minto Fire Department Chief Chris Harrow for his opinion on the subject. Harrow told council he doesn’t believe it to be an issue to begin with. There are too many questions and not enough information regarding the restriction, he said, and agreed with council’s move to support the resolution.
In the end, all members of council were on the same page.
We must all be cautious and vigilant in preventing accidents and tragedies on our property and everywhere else we venture. But we don’t believe controlling property owners’ actions to this extent will fulfill that objective.
-S.B.