The Quebec government obliges all swimming pool owners to secure it with a fence to prevent drowning. However, Radio-Canada found that it had to postpone the deadline for its payment by more than two years, until 2025, due to lack of materials and labor.
The purpose of the regulation enacted last summer is to make, on July 1, 2023, water forms inaccessible to a young child from the residence of their owners.
The proposal signals the end of acquired rights for installations built before 2010.
However, in just a year from the deadline, the situation becomes somewhat unsatisfactory for fence manufacturers and installers.
I don’t see enough production and teams to reach this deadlinesupports vice-president Clôtures Daviault.
Laurent Daviault is at the forefront of rising prices of raw materials, such as steel, and the labor shortage. Residential fencing projects over $ 10,000 were rare then, he says. There, $ 15,000 to $ 25,000 projects are common.
” Prices have actually doubled in the past year and a half. And because of the settlement, demand increased. The cocktail was perfect. “
The problem is now forcing the hand of the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Andrée Laforest. An extended period of time is being consulted, his company explained. Therefore, it is proposed to postpone everything to September 30, 2025. So over two years.
We are setting another deadline, said the director general of the Quebec Lifesaving Society, Raynald Hawkins. Coroners tell us: nearly 9 times out of 10, drowning in residential swimming pools occurs when children have direct access to them.
A petition with nearly 14,000 signatures
The regulation has a greater impact on owners of an in-ground pool, as the enclosure to secure it can be impressive. In the case of above-ground pools, it is sufficient to secure the part of the terrace that provides access to the pool or install a safety door on the stairs if there is no other access.
An online petition with nearly 14,000 signatures calls on the government to transfer the obligation to would-be owners.
André St-Hilaire was one of the signatories. We had to make a fence about 40 feet long, he was angry in the middle of the backyard of his house in Blainville, in the Laurentians. In the quotes I got, I was told, “You would have done this two years ago, and it would have cost you $ 4,000.” In April, the cost rose to $ 9,200 and there will be a further increase each month.
– Are you saying now that you can’t afford this fence?
– With that amount, my finances are big holes, he replied.
Mr. St-Hilaire, a retired firefighter, stressed that he was not opposed to it additional securitybut only one Financial assistance as a tax credit must be offered.
However, such help can create an injustice for those who have already done the work.
In 2012, at the initiative of its employees, Laurentian Bank offered pool owners interest-free financing for fence installation for a maximum of $ 5,000 and a term of 5 years. The offer will surely find takers today.
In collaboration with Daniel Boily
Source: Radio-Canada
