THUNDER BAY -- A proposed bylaw heading to council will restrict transport truck traffic through the city.
On Monday city council voted to develop a new bylaw, which will come to council within three months and could eventually be a new designated truck route, that would restrict vehicles over 5,000 kilograms from heading through the city on Arthur Street or Dawson Road.]
The intention is to force through transport traffic to use the Shabaqua extension, Hodder Avenue or Highway 61 when passing through the city and use the shortest route possible if stopping in Thunder Bay.
Coun. Trevor Giertuga said residents in his McIntyre ward have been waiting for 15 years to get truck traffic on Dawson Road restricted.
"To not have transports through residential areas. That’s what ever major city does,” he said.
He also had administration clarify that buses, snow plows, certain road vehicles and others exceptions would be made. There would also be exceptions made should a vehicle be making a stop on a restricted roadway.
Once in place, which could be as early as September, drivers could face up to $400 in fines for using a restricted route. All enforcement would be done by city police and the OPP.
Some on council were skeptical that the restriction could be enforced. Coun. Joe Virdiramo said people on Edward Street have been complaining for year about truck traffic despite a restriction.
"Police have attended but the situation still exists," he said.
City traffic technologist Ryan Love said enforcement would be key to the bylaw working. Giertuga agreed saying it wouldn't take long for drivers across the country to know that they can no longer use Arthur or Dawson when passing through Thunder Bay.
