The issue: Four-sided fencing
Our last interaction between the city, health unit and chapter was regarding the four-sided fencing issue. This type of fencing is often referred to as four-sided fencing or isolation fencing. Its proponents contend the ‘passive’ nature of the protection is best way to prevent unauthorized or unsupervised access to backyard pools.
The chapter’s position on this issue is clear: four-sided fencing is not the ultimate solution. It is only one of many layers of protection, not a cure-all solution. The key to pool and spa safety, in our opinion, is adult supervision.
As many in the industry are already aware, this issue is a growing concern in the pool and spa industry. In fact, when this topic was broached at a seminar during last year’s Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo, a rather heated debate ensued. While all parties want the same ultimate goal—improved safety for pool users—many builders feel they have been unfairly excluded from discussions regarding these fence-mandating bylaws. The PHTCC has worked hard to make sure the voice of the industry is heard and that local authorities have all the facts before coming to a conclusion.
The London Middlesex Health Unit was proposing a change in the current city of London bylaws mandating that all pools in the city be fenced on all four sides, a move that the Southwestern Ontario chapter learned about only when it appeared on the front page of the London Free Press. The new bylaw had been proposed in response to research provided and conducted by a national children’s safety organization. While the council did not necessarily question this organization’s motives, we did feel the issue warranted further discussion and, particularly, input from local pool builders.
The solution: Working together
The same day the newspaper article was published, chapter representatives set up a meeting with the health unit to share the industry’s views and concerns. When the meeting had to be postponed due to inclement weather and rescheduled for the following month, we took the time to gather important information from the Toronto chapter, which had dealt with a similar issue in its jurisdiction. Using this data, we were able to put together a presentation that outlined the benefits of a multiple-layer approach to pool safety, as opposed to what the chapter considered the weaker, one-layer approach proposed by proponents of the four-sided fencing bylaw.
In January 2009, the chapter met with the health unit, prior to its monthly meeting, providing them with alternatives to the four-sided fencing approach. Following that meeting, the chapter was invited to the health unit’s monthly council meeting, where the chapter was given time to present the it’s position on four-sided fencing specifically and pool safety in general. The health unit also had two employees who gave a presentation on four-sided fencing, which acknowledged the importance of layers of protection while still insisting fencing was the only sure solution. After both parties spoke, the health unit’s council discussed the issue and board members reached a compromise, deciding to ‘recommend,’ but not ‘mandate’ four-sided fencing.
The city had a special meeting with the health unit and chapter representatives in April 2009 regarding four-sided fencing. The city determined the bylaws already in place were safe and well enforced; no change to the bylaw was required. Since then, the chapter has had several meetings with the health unit, continuing to strengthen its relationship with local authorities. The groups have collaborated on a safety brochure and are looking forward to continued partnership on various safety projects for the 2011 swimming season.
Our latest interaction with the city has been with the Pollution Control Operations Department. We’ve had one meeting so far at their office with regards to “discharging your pool the right way,” which refers to proper requirements for maintenance and seasonal closures of chlorinated and salt water pools. We look forward to working together as a chapter in the fall and winter, along with the City of London, in regards to this latest issue.
The lesson: Be vocal, be proactive
It is important for all pool and spa professionals to maintain existing relationships with local councils and authorities and create as many new ones as possible. This is the best way to ensure we will be able to participate in any issues pertaining to our business.
Markus Brunner is president of Forest City Pool & Patio, a residential and commercial pool builder and service company located in London, Ont. He can be reached via e-mail at markus@forestcitypools.com.
