WHEREAS THE TransCanada Highway is the road system meant to move goods and people across the country, but itis no longer equipped to do that safety in Northern Ontario.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council ofthe Township of Coleman herby support the Northern Highway Safety Plan proposed by MPP Guy Bourgouin, MPP Lise Vaugeois and MPP John Vanthof which includes the following;
Immediate Actions:
- Require all new drivers to be tested by MTO-certified inspectors instead of third-party companies
- Return highway maintenance operations to the MTO while working with northern contractors
- Increase staff at inspection sites, weigh scales, and OPP traffic enforcement .
- Expedite the 2+1 highway pilot project and use excavated material to build additional rest stops and parking areas.
Short-Term Improvements:
- Mandate snow tires for all passenger vehicles in Northern Ontario .
- Ensure driving schools comply with the MELT training system and improve MELT to include winter driving training.
- Address the abuse of "self-insurance provisions" and ensure fair payment for tow truck operators and service providers.
- Require all commercial vehicles to have dash cams .
- Increase the use oftraffic cameras and photo radar to reduce speeding .
- Promote rail transport to reduce commercial truck traffic on northern highways .
- Upload connecting links back to the provincial highway system for consistent maintenance .
- Upgrade and expand rest stops with heated washrooms to meet traveler needs .
- Provide compensation to municipalities for damage to local roads caused by highway detours .
Long-Term Solutions:
- Widen and pave all shoulders on Highways 11 and 17 .
- Convert Highways 11 and 17 into divided four-lane highways where possible or implement a continuous threelane system if the 2+ 1 project proves successful.
AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Transportation; the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing; all Provincial Leaders; the Temiskaming Municipal Association; the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM); the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA); and all municipalities in Ontario.
Christopher W. Oslund
CAO/Clerk -Treasurer