Bay Roberts council finds a solution for Country Road
By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Bay Roberts councillors hope they have finally found a solution to the issue of large trucks using Country Road.
At their September 10 council meeting, Mayor Walter Yetman read aloud a letter from a resident of Country Road who had expressed concerns about transports and other large trucks using the road. Council was unable to reach a consensus at that point on how to handle the issue and decided to send it to the committee of the whole, which is essentially a private session of council and senior staff.
At the most recent council meeting on September 24, Chief Administrative Officer Nigel Black reported that the committee of the whole had also been unable to come to a consensus on the issue.
Black noted the issue had come up in the past, and it had been decided not to put a sign on the road forbidding large trucks from using it. It was felt that, as Country Road is similar to other roads in town, it should not be treated differently. That opened the floor for further discussion.
Councillor Frank Deering maintained the same opinion he held at the previous discussion. He argued Country Road is a different case from other roads because people use it as an alternative route to Conception Bay Highway. He suggested the Town place a sign prohibiting transports and other large trucks from using the road.
Councillor Silas Badcock agreed, saying it would be a different situation if it was the only route to get through town. If banned from Country Road, he said, large trucks could still use Conception Bay Highway.
Councillor Dean Franey, however, remained opposed to Deering’s idea. Banning trucks might negatively affect businesses on Country Road, he said, adding, a similar issue can be found on Shearstown Road.
Councillor Perry Bowering offered a new solution: that the Town erect a sign on Country Road prohibiting large trucks from using it except for deliveries. He also suggested they put a sign on Shearstown Road, as well. Councillor Franey was willing to agree with that compromise. Councillor Bowering then made the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Ross Petten. All voted in favour, and the motion was carried.