Porter wants to supply hydrants in Huron-Kinloss
By Liz Dadson
 

Feature

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John Shurr (L) of CLOW Canada, and Steve Porter of J.A. Porter Holdings in Lucknow stand with their Brigadier hydrant

Steve Porter of J.A. Porter Holdings in Lucknow wants to be top dog in the hydrant business in his hometown.

Speaking to Huron-Kinloss council Monday night (June 15), he said it’s frustrating that he can’t competitively bid on a contract in the township even though he is a resident and a taxpayer here. All he needs is council’s approval of the Brigadier hydrant distributed through Porters.
 

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17/06/2009 11:14 PM

With Porter was John Shurr, sales representative for CLOW Canada, wholesaler of the Brigadier. They brought a hydrant to show council and said this model meets all the specifications and requirements outlined in contracts for the township, and the company offers a package deal for street reconstruction.

"The hydrant operates efficiently up to 250 psi (pounds per square inch) maximum," said Shurr. "It’s a sturdy hydrant, made to last more than 50 years if properly maintained. The valves are made to standard and are rated to 250 psi."

He said the company has been selling hydrants to the Municipality of Bluewater, Municipality of Kincardine and Town of Minto. During the Walkerton water crisis in 2000, CLOW donated hydrants and valves to the town to help in rebuilding its water system.

"We provide certified training for volunteer firefighters, at no cost to the municipality," said Shurr. "Replacement parts for the hydrants are available at Porters and the hydrants come with a five-year warranty from the date of installation."

Mayor Mitch Twolan said council would not be granting approval that night because further discussion is required. He pointed out a letter from the public works director, stating that he is happy with the product now used by the township.

He suggested Porter contact the contractors who are bidding on the projects.

Porter said he has discussed the issue with the township engineer, B.M. Ross and Associates, and the water operator, Veolia, and with local contractors, and they have no problem with another hydrant supplier. The problem is that the public works director has a personal preference which "should not have anything to do with it," said Porter. "I’m a taxpayer here in the municipality and I can’t bid on a job here?"

He said he already has two hydrants installed on Clyde Street in Lucknow – those were done through the contractor, not the municipality.

Shurr said the problem is that the current specifications for hydrants have been established through the current supplier out of Port Elgin.
"We’re getting black-balled by a guy in Port Elgin who doesn’t live here and is not a taxpayer," said Porter.