TRUCK ROUTE BYLAW CAUSES CONCERN FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

There's truck trouble in North Grenville.

A new truck route bylaw that would see "No Trucks" signage installed on Smith Road, was discussed during the council meeting held virtually on May 3. The policy would restrict heavy trucks on highways within the municipality.

Ryan Brault, operations superintendent, says the purpose is to provide a clear and efficient means of truck travel, while mitigating its negative effects, by creating a designated truck route. The bylaw is designed to direct truck traffic onto county roads and provincial highways, with provisions for trucks to travel the shortest route possible on municipal roads from those larger arteries to their destinations.

Two industry leaders took part in the meeting to voice their concerns about the new bylaw.

Corey Lockwood, owner of Lockwood Brothers Construction, says it will impact his business by increasing travel time and fuel costs to get to job sites.

"If everyone had been able to sit down before this, we would've been able to hammer out some of these issues," he noted.

Brault explains there was no industry specific consultation prior to bringing the bylaw forward, but general public engagement efforts were undertaken.

"Connectivity was considered and safety," he said. "We're trying to juggle all of the different concerns of the community to try and create a network that makes the most sense possible."

Dean Kerr, vice-president of Willis Kerr Contracting, also voiced his concerns. His company owns and operates the quarry on Buckwheat Road, just off Smith.

"Our quarry has been in operation since the late '80s and houses have been developed there since then," he explained. "Trucks have been going up and down that road for years and years with no issues."

Kerr says that by closing off Smith Road to his trucks and clients, there will be a big bump in trucking costs coming out of that facility.

"It's vital to my business."

The proposed truck route shows Highway 416 as an alternative to taking Smith Road. Lockwood explains backtracking to Spencerville to get on the 416 or cutting across to go down another municipal road in a neighbouring municipality will have a significant impact on costs.

Brault says the next step is further communication between the municipality and trucking industry.

"Obviously Mr. Kerr values Smith Road immensely, as do builders should they need to use Smith Road," said Mayor Nancy Peckford. "We've heard from I'd say 50 residents on Smith Road who have been very concerned about the safety of their children and loved ones walking on the road."

She questions what the solution could be, considering the direct conflict in terms of usage.

"We understand that we need to be very sensitive to industry partners, but we need to be equally sensitive to residents where the cost is their lives or injury to themselves or a loved one if there's a road safety incident," Peckford said.

The matter was deferred and will be brought back to council no later than the end of June.

Visit www.northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes to read the full report.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: A proposed truck route bylaw will take heavy trucks off municipal roads in North Grenville. Reporter Jennifer Westendorp finds out how its implementation will affect the business of two local construction companies.