Thunder Bay tackles large truck route designations

Thunder Bay city councillors have taken a step toward designating specific routes for large trucks that travel through the city.

City staff are proposing bylaws that would ban vehicles over 5,000 kilograms from several thoroughfares, with some exceptions.

Under the proposal, routes like Dawson Road, Oliver Road and west Arthur Street would be off-limits.

This is a good step, according to Coun. Trevor Giertuga, who said he's heard many safety concerns.

"[In] Kenora, they did the same thing, but they completely bypassed Kenora," he said.

"And why did they do that? For safety reasons .... and to not have transports going through residential areas. That's what every major city does."

Councillors voted to have city staff draw up a specific bylaw establishing truck routes within the next three months. The plan is to have regulations in place by September.

Giertuga added that restricting large trucks to specific routes will also save the city money in road maintenance costs.

"We've already had to fix up in front of County Fair, [where you can] see the ruts where the transports are slowing down," Giertuga said.

"This is a long time coming and I'm telling you the residents in my ward are wholeheartedly behind this. I bet if you asked any one of them if they've lived there for an extended period you'd be hard-pressed to find one that didn't have a near-miss with a transport."

Concerns come forward

This issue has come up at council in the past but, most recently, was deferred due to concerns about lack of consultation with affected residents.

If the bylaws go into effect the way they're being proposed, that would mean the majority of truck traffic would be restricted to using Hodder Avenue, the Highway 11/17 Shabaqua extension, and Highway 61.

Some expressed concern over increased truck traffic through Kakabeka Falls, which is on Highway 11/17.

City police and the OPP would be responsible for enforcement.

Arthur Street businesses weigh in

Council also heard a deputation on Monday from a law firm representing a business along Arthur Street.

The deputation noted that a number of merchants in the area are opposed to the weight restrictions being placed on the Arthur Street section as, historically, that route was the Trans-Canada highway and many businesses were set up along that stretch to take advantage of trucking.

They want Arthur Street included in the designated truck route, as they are concerned they'll lose customers or face increased costs.

City staff said the businesses operating along Arthur Street would still be able to have overweight trucks accessing them, but those routes would be off-limits to truckers just passing through.

"Businesses along Arthur Street will still be able to operate, they'll still be able to receive deliveries, send out deliveries," traffic technologist Ryan Love told council.

"The intent is to restrict bypass traffic."