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More concerns over east end truck traffic

South Porcupine needs to rethink its routes says citizen

On the heels of a recent motion by Councillor Walter Wawrzaszek, a bigger movement is gaining traction to rethink truck routes in South Porcupine, as well as addressing potentially hazardous situations.

At Monday's meeting, he mentioned several ideas for improving safety, particularly in two areas, Tisdale Street on Connaught Hill, and the area near the Carlo Cattarello Arena. 

For Tisdale Street he suggested the installation of a sidewalk and improved snow removal among other requests. Wawrzaszek said the situation around the arena "is a 'need' to be fixed, not a want" for safety reasons.

"We could also look at banning logging trucks from using the road while children walk to catch their buses in the morning, and in the afternoon when they are returning home," said Wawrzaszek. 

"What you're voting on today is a request for a report. So Engineering and Public Works will review the list of requests, and come back with recommendations and costs, as per the requests," said Mayor Steve Black.

The Mayor said he had also heard numerous complaints and concerns from east end residents.

"I've got inquiries from the residents too, and seeing the pictures of the kids waiting on the road as the logging trucks are going by, and it is a narrow situation that does have some risk factors to it," he said.

Councillor Noella Rinaldo asked about the responsibility of the trucking and logging companies involved.

"Would any of them consider helping with some of the costs that would help, as far as safety goes?" she said.

"I'm not even sure that they're local companies," said Black.

Rinaldo suggested it would be worthwhile asking representatives from the companies to come to council and exchange ideas. Black said the Director of Public Works and Engineering Luc Duval would make attempts.

Councillor Rick Dubeau suggested a motion to immediately reduce the speed limits for truck routes in residential areas to 30 kilometres an hour. Duval replied that an update to the city's bylaw would be required from an enforcement standpoint. 

"The changes, if they're warranted, should be validated by statistics, and speeds. I know we always talk safety but the reality is there that people are going fast. I would say that a review of those conditions would be warranted," said Duval, before deferring to Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier.

Gauthier asked for copies of all of the statements of citizens concerns, and that he will review the situation and bring his recommendations back to council in the near future.

Graham Campbell, an east end resident, and member of the South Porcupine Arena Association, came forward to share his thoughts.

Carlo Cattarello ArenaThe area in front of the Carlo Cattarello Arena (aka 'The Barn) can turn into a mess of humanity and vehicles during tournaments. Many would like to see truck traffic moved away from the area. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday

"Golden Avenue itself is a serious safety hazard, in the winter months when snow removal hasn't been done," said Campbell, noting the area is often down to one lane.

He said that the issue with heavy trucks ripping past the area isn't only an issue in the winter, as nearby fields host children's soccer in the summer.

"The kids involved in that are somewhere between three and seven years old. We've had one incident in the area, where a child has been hit by a car chasing a soccer ball. So we know there's problems."

He talked about both short-term and long-term solutions for issues in the area, including a bold proposal.

"There's probably another opportunity to look at, and that's closing Golden Avenue entirely, from across from Spruce Hill Lodge right to the arena and get of that road altogether," said Campbell.

The problem with that idea, is that traffic would have to travel along Bruce Avenue, including over a small bridge that is not designed to handle heavy trucks. The Bruce Avenue Bridge is currently ranked at 'number 4' on the city's bridge asset management plan, and is not included in the 2017 budget.

"So that would have to be addressed before the road could be closed. But all in all, that would address all these safety issues," said Campbell.

He said that closing that portion of road could improve parking for the arena, the Doug McLellan Park baseball field, soccer fields, and Branch 287 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Councillor Noella Rinaldo said "there's a lot to think about here."

Council unanimously approved getting a report on many of the ideas brought forth by Wawrzaszek and Graham Campbell. The matter will be discussed again at an upcoming meeting.


Andrew Autio, freelance

About the Author: Andrew Autio, freelance

Andrew Autio is a Timmins-based freelance journalist
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