A recommendation to approve a new heavy truck route through South Porcupine led to some strong words this week at City Hall.
Ward 2 Councillor Walter Wawrzaszek added two 'Notices of Motion' to the end of Monday's council agenda that were brought to his attention by citizens in the east end.
"Residents of South Porcupine have grave concerns over Tisdale Street, and Golden Avenue, by 'The Barn,'" he said.
The issue is logging trucks travelling to and from their operations on Langmuir Road, south of an otherwise quiet residential neighbourhood known as Connaught Hill. The trucks require a route through South Porcupine to connect with Highway 101.
City Clerk Steph Palmateer said it was discovered that 'for some reason' there was no official truck route in the area.
"We believe that this was an error that was just caused by . . . we don't know the reason for it, it just occurred over time," he said.
The amendment, which was passed, has the designated route connect the Bruce Avenue junction with Highway 101, to Gold Mine Road, then on to Golden Avenue.
"As opposed to travelling through the residential areas of South Porcupine," said Palmateer.
Heavy truck traffic travels through many residential area regardless of the amendment. Residents and the local police have raised concerns about heavy trucks speeding by school zones and areas they shouldn't be.
There are mounting safety concerns.
Wawrzaszek said he felt that issues in this area were supposed to be addressed in the 2016 budget, but were pushed aside due to lack of available funds. He specifically mentioned the lack of sidewalks on Tisdale Street, where many children wait to be picked up by school buses.
"What I want to know is what safety measures are we going to implement right now, to deal with Tisdale Street. I showed you some photos of children having to jump in the ditch because of these trucks, these logging trucks," said Wawrzaszek.
"I think the speed limit should be reduced right away from 50 to 20 (kilometres an hour)," he said, and then asked Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier to comment 'if he likes'.
Mayor Steve Black stepped in and said that procedurally, Wawrzaszek's motion will be automatically placed on the next meeting.
"That will give staff in the meantime, some time to review, and we'll have the discussion at the next meeting," said Black.
Wawrzaszek forged ahead anyways and said there should be some 'children walking' signs placed in the area.
"My second motion is for Golden Avenue, by the arena. It's the same thing. What safety measures will be implemented for that area right now? Some people thought a four-way stop, yellow flashing lights, signage, a pedestrian crossing."
Councillor Walter Wawrzaszek is worried about the safety of east end children with heavy trucks going through residential neighbourhoods. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday The Carlo Cattarello Arena, known to many as 'The Barn' is a busy facility with many children and adults alike coming in and out of the arena regularly. The heavy truck traffic regularly going through the area is becoming a concern for many users.
Wawrzaszek said in the meantime he wants to see snow pushed back as far from the road as it can, to allow arena patrons to park more safely.
"And everything is opened up so that people can park off the sides of the road a little further," said Wawrzaszek.
Councillor Noella Rinaldo asked Palmateer if there was any alternate route being looked at. He replied there wasn't, although many options have been looked at over the years.
Mayor Steve Black acknowledged the formal complaints he has been receiving were for logging trucks.
"The issue came because Councillor Wawrzaszek and myself both received complaints from residents on the various other streets in South Porcupine, asking about the truck traffic on the streets," said Black.
Wawrzaszek also inquired to the Director of Public Works and Engineering Luc Duval about an idea for a truck route bypassing much of the residential areas in the east end, using the defunct railroad tracks.
Duval said he will come back with information on that matter at the next council meeting.
