This ran in the Kw Record..November 2008.. your comments invited below

Kevin Swayze
RECORD STAFF

CAMBRIDGE

Seniors are worried about their safety at the David Durward and Allen Reuter recreation centres, Coun. Linda Whetham says.

She wants an independent safety review of the buildings in Galt and Preston, despite assurances from city staff.

“They’re very afraid,” Whetham said. “Some people have been stuck in elevators.”

Mayor Doug Craig was cool to the idea of a safety audit. He suggested a meeting between Whetham and senior staff, including Fire Chief Terry Allen.

But Whetham said she still plans to raise the issue in the 2009 budget.

There is a smell of sewer gas in the Durward Centre, she said, and seniors worry how they’ll get out if there’s a fire. There are also fears of fire in the Allan Reuter Centre in the former Preston Town hall.

Jim King, the community services commissioner, said the buildings are safe. “We meet every code, we have fire safety plans . . . we would not be operating if they did not meet provincial standards.”

kswayze@therecord.com

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