At last Monday’s (Feb. 2) meeting, city council unanimously approved the recommendations dealing with the Ryan Davies Project.
Specifically, the installation of lifesaving stations and associated safety signage at Lake Margaret, Pinafore Lake, and Waterworks Park, and the installation of commemorative signage recognizing Ryan Davies, in recognition of Ryan Davies, who drowned in Lake Margaret on Labour Day, 2024.
When asked to comment on the recommendations, St. Thomas Fire Chief Dave Gregory observed, “Everything in this report, the Ryan Davies Project is very reflective on the messaging that we need to be out there.
“Having been there that day (at Lake Margaret) for that episode is something you’ll always remember.”
As for the locations of the life-saving stations at the three parks, Gregory stressed, “Those spots are great, as are the recommendations of what to have at those with the reach pole and the buoy.
The unanimous vote to adopt the recommendations was in contrast to last May, when a recommendation was presented to council to not develop a Personal Floatation Device Bylaw or install ring buoys at Lake Margaret.
A motion was defeated 5-3, with councillors Jim Herbert, Jeff Kohler and Rose Gibson opposed to proceeding with any bylaw.
Mayor Joe Preston was absent from the meeting.
At Monday’s session, Coun. Gibson confessed, “When this first came about in May, I did vote against it, because I wasn’t too sure exactly what was being asked.
“I certainly appreciate the updated information on here, and I’m in favour of what’s being done.”
As to when all 10 life-saving stations will be in operation, Adrienne Lacey Griffin, Director of Parks and Recreation, advised, “It’s our intention to put everything in this spring so that everything is complete.”
Written by Ian McCallum
