Ontario moves forward with plans to add truck parking in the north
The province of Ontario is moving forward with plans to add new truck parking locations in Northern Ontario and has set up a website outlining its plans as well as soliciting public feedback.
Five sites selected for new truck parking locations include: Hwy. 11 Opasatika/Kapuskasing; White River; Wawa; Hwy. 17/519 Dubreuilville; and Hwy. 101/129 Chapleau.
Project details are posted to the website.
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) says it will be providing input into the process and encourages other industry stakeholders to do so as well.
“We are looking forward to providing input into this process and assisting MTO and their consultant teams in building facilities at strategic locations that will support our drivers and fleets engaged in both regional and inter-provincial operations,” said Geoff Wood, OTA senior vice-president of policy.
OTA identified a lack of rest areas in the north as the second biggest concern among drivers in a 2023 survey.
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As a past cross Canada driver while under temperature controlled freight at that time I was faced with time ad distance restraints. Ontario was one of the worst obstacles in timely and safe travel. The conditions of the roads, the lack of parking, the lack of support services and the biggest was the slow speed limits. It’s no wonder there are multiple collisions on Hwy 11 and 17. The province fails safe transportation in every way shape and form. There were some members that made life on the road livable and never get the thanks for everything they did to assist drivers without ever being compensated. I remember one being the Esso card lock short of Wawa, I believe it was Davis Fuels but may have that name wrong. This station owner with a card lock facility and a simple fuel stop trailer always left the door to his washroom facilities open even after operation hours and in pandemic unbearable conditions to drivers to stop in his large lot for proper sleep and support by a clean washroom.
This is needed the ont gov and the trucking companies should work together to build enough space for truck drivers and car drivers in the north
I believe a 50 50 split ( between the trucking industry and the gov) on the cost of building and paving with bathroom and maybe a healthy restaurant with some plugs to reduce the trucking running would be a great idea with parking at $10 per night after 4 hours free and a extra 5 in the months of Nov to April if a 20 amp plug is provided