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Drone’s on for Southgate
December 9, 2020 By M.T. Fernandes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Dundalk Herald
After some debate, Southgate, ON, council authorized the purchase of a drone with an infrared camera for $15,000. The money will come from building department fees.
It will allow inspections from the air, and there is at least one, and perhaps two four-storey structures on the horizon, said Chief Building Official Bev Fisher.
The drone could also be used to track down problems in municipal drains, said CAO Dave Milliner.
The fire department recently paid a bill of about $1,000 for use of similar equipment belonging to Grey Highlands, to check for any hot spots while fighting a grass fire.
Dep.-Mayor Milne inquired about associated costs, and was told that the training for an operator’s licence is $500 per person.
Coun. Jason Rice asked about the use of the drone and Mr. Fisher said it would not be to go looking for infractions, but only in response to complaints because that is Southgate’s model of bylaw enforcement.
The purchase was authorized, with Deputy-Mayor Milne and Coun. Rice voting in opposition.
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