Raise the Hammer

Just finished writing this back to the editor...

It's quite interesting that Mr. Rodrigues is a member of the Chamber of Commerce doesn't understand who the "users" of the roads in our fine city are! In case he doesn't understand let me lay it out: the users of the roadway network in our city are the public! You know, the ones who aren't happy with nearly every single road in the city being labeled as a truck route! Mr. Rodrigues, would you like to take a stroll down York as trucks barrel down the street past neighborhood? Or maybe you'd enjoy a wait on the sidewalk at the corner of Main and John as trucks fly by? When was the last time you actually set foot outside and spoke with the taxpayers in the city about what they wanted? Sure I understand that you have to maintain a good environment for business however with the ring roads we have built around our city (Burlington Street, RHVP, Linc and 403) trucks can very easily get to their destinations without using residential streets. Main Street, York Street, Bay Street, John Street, James Street they're NOT truck routes.

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, let me invite you to tour other large cities in the world chiefly Europe where you'll find a thriving city nearly devoid of 18 wheelers which you call the lifeblood of our city! It's not necessary for large trucks to be traveling through city streets. You won't find that happening in Paris and it's not what I would call a lack lustre city, would you? So then why is it SO necessary that our neighborhoods be sullied by 18 wheelers in order to keep your buddies happy? Why aren't you championing the building of a large warehouse style truck hub up by the airport or down on the harbour that can be used as a distribution hub for smaller trucks into the city? That's a business opportunity isn't it??

Let me explain something to you...the lifeblood of this city ISN'T the 18 wheeler driving down the street, the lifeblood of this city is the people who have to duck out of the way as it flies by!

Interesting connection Adrian... I wonder if someone will call The Speculator and complain about that...