Council, public get heads-up on community hall safety

Rural communities are under siege by many forces, including the increasing costs of doing business for organizations.

West Hants municipal council received what many could consider a heads-up when building and fire inspector Tim Leslie submitted a Fire Safety Plan draft on small-assembly buildings such as community halls and their need to adhere to National Fire Safety Regulations.

Though not covered in the document, he went on to note that something as mundane as range hoods over stoves used to prepare fried foods are of high importance.

Stopping here, we know that many community halls are converted schoolhouses and other facilities were built in the early to mid-20th century. They weren’t constructed for the uses they now accommodate. Think of C@P sites as well as food services.

To the public’s benefit, fire prevention and suppression regulations have advanced in recent years. Liability, for example, is a serious issue if anyone were injured because of any laxity on the part of an organization.

In recent years as well, community groups and Legions have been under the gun on matters of food preparation. One bad batch that causes food poisoning can bring the wrath of officialdom as well as public opinion down on a group and its facility.

As well, there are things such as building maintenance and snow and ice removal. One Valley Legion branch relatively near Hants County had been inundated by lawsuits within the past decade, as much because people wanted to hold someone accountable for an accident or mishap as for any real culpability. The same branch also had a food poisoning issue that was dealt with quickly and in a constructive manner.

The public impression that’s left in the aftermath of such situations can be worse sometimes than the actual financial costs of any such settlement, and insurance issues add to that. As well, individual liability of organization officers could be an issue.

These things all impact the volunteer base. In fact, they hit at the very heart of rural communities. So when a warning as sharp as that by Leslie is issued, groups will do well to take immediate action.

Coun. Tom Brown is correct in noting, “this is a mighty big request,” and Coun. Gary Cochrane is right on target when he says, “once the doors close on a hall, they close forever.”

The communities should not be alone in bearing the initial costs of range hoods – which, some say, could be up to $15,000 to install – or whatever else is needed for fire and food safety.

For its part, West Hants council has discussed anteing up by possibly increasing community hall grants by $500 or $1,000. For social and cultural reasons, perhaps it’s time East Hants MLA John Macdonell, Hants West MLA Chuck Porter and Kings-Hants MP Scott Brison bring some resources to the affected communities.

Community halls, the work they do and the events they hold are the very soul of rural Hants County, Nova Scotia and Canada, and they warrant support. Period.