RETURN OF THE NS TRUCK CONVOY (PAGE

COMMUNITY MATTERS

By Sean Maddox

NOT ALL C O N VOYS ARE ABOUT FICTIONAL PROTESTS! SOME, LIKE THE NOVA SCOTIA CONVOY EVEN HAVE DONE GREAT THINGS FOR THE COMMUNITY. TRUCK CONVOY: THE ORIGINAL

Across the Atlantic provinces, truckers are busy making plans for their annual convoys in support of the Special Olympics. Don Mullens and his family launched the Nova Scotia Convoy in 2012. Since the humble beginning, the Nova Scotia Convoy has emerged as both the largest convoy in North America, by number of trucks participating and dollars raised. Since 2012, the Atlantic provinces trucking industry has raised close to one million dollars.

The Special Olympics hope “sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all over the world.” Along the way, they connect people from all walks of life. From the coaches and volunteers that put on the programs, from Bocce to powerlifting, to the athletes that give 100% in training and competition, the Special Olympics connect people and communities, changing everyone along the way.

John MacDonald, Director, Business Development and Marketing with Special Olympics Nova Scotia said, “the entire trucking industry throughout Nova Scotia is supportive” with a Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Truck Convoy so far. Participants range from long-time partner Atlantic Tiltload Ltd. to last year’s lead truck Edwin MacDonald, from Sheet Harbour, N.S., that works in the industry on the maintenance side. Edwin and his wife Rebecca watched one year, as hundreds of trucks rolled by in support of the Special Olympics and they got hooked. Lead truck is an honour held by the truck that raises the most money. They have been the lead truck for several years running and everyone around knows. John was not exaggerating when he spoke of industry support.

On a recent trip to P.E.I. I was able to speak with Charity Sheehan, Executive Director, Special Olympics P.E.I.. She talked about the excitement the community shows every year upon the arrival of the trucks and truckers. Many athletes and truckers have built lasting relationships over the years. She said Bill Dole is a fan favourite, pulling a big yellow dump truck. Bill recalls his daughter’s first Olympics vividly and how the Amherst-based woman socialized, laughed and competed with other athletes from all over. The dedication to the sport and experiences exhibited by athletes, coaches and other volunteers won Bill over that day and he got involved the next chance he had. Not just in the convoy either, but with other truckers and industry partners who hold the annual Border Town Show and Shine for the Special Olympics in Amherst, N.S., the second Saturday in September every year (September 6th, 2022). You will find Bill with his close friend and trucker buddy Michael Morris driving the route as they have now for many years.

Edwin is a stellar example of how a simple letter can have a huge impact. Edwin borrowed a truck the first year and raised $500 by sending out a simple letter to close friends and family. Last year, with the match made by Atlantic Tiltload, Edwin raised $30,000 and was lead truck, a position he has held for four consecutive years. What is his secret? Edwin uses all his contacts from years in the industry to fundraise, growing his network of support and funds raised along the way. He still uses that simple letter, with some edits he said. On the event, Edwin noted, “every one of those truckers is a winner.”

Anne Butcher from Atlantic Tiltload was forthcoming in sharing their passion for the event and like Edwin, for the truckers. That passion is for both the event and the cause. Tiltload started donating to the Special Olympics five years before the first convoy. She spoke of how good it feels to see the “big red rigs with Tiltload in big letters giving support.” When asked why they continue to participate, she was quick to reply: “we’re a trucking company.” With their teams, they have raised more than $115,000 for the Special Olympics. They have had the lead truck and team for a number of years. They also support the Special Olympics in other ways including the annual gala.

The trucks are as diverse as the people are, from big rigs to dump trucks. With up to 200 trucks to choose from, there will be a colour, model and brand for everyone. When there, make sure to be ready to wave back at all the “truck buddies,” athletes that get to ride in those big rigs.

To learn more about Nova Scotia’s Truck Convoy go to www.specialolympcsns.ca, and for Prince Edward Island’s www.specialolympicspei.ca/pei

It’s clear the trucking industry in Nova Scotia uses their creativity and tools for a cause dear to them. We would love to hear what ways you are working to support your communities using your own uniqueness, creativity, network, autos and/or trucks. Contact Auto and Trucking Atlantic to tell your story.

THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT

BITS AND PIECES OF NEWS COLLECTED FROM AROUND THE ATLANTIC

NEWFOUNDLAND

Approximately 10 kilometres of roads on the Northern Peninsula will be improved following the awarding of a contract for road construction in the region.

A contract valued at $4.5 million has been awarded to Nortech Construction Co Ltd. to complete upgrades on Route 430, Northern Peninsula Highway, including 4.6 kilometres between Bear Cove and Green Island Cove, 2.8 kilometres south of Three Mile Rock, and 1.2 kilometres near the Route 430 intersection with Route 432.

The contract also includes work on approximately one kilometre of Route 430-15, West Link Road.

The scope of work for all areas includes replacing culverts, clearing ditches, and paving.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates this work to be completed later this construction season.

Other work planned for Route 430 includes repairs to Bowing Brook Bridge and Castor River Bridge next construction season.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www. merx.com/govnl.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

“Paving rural highways is an investment in rural communities. It creates safer highways for everyone and increases the potential for tourism and economic growth.

We look forward to completing more work in this area in future years and remind everyone to drive cautious-

ly through highway construction sites, said” Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

NEW BRUNSWICK

Marysville Bridge/Nashwaak River Bridge No. 2

In the summer of 2022, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will begin repairs on the Marysville Bridge. Details of the bridge work are available below along with the status of each phase.

DTI wishes to advise the travelling public that during this time the bridge and approaches will be reduced to one lane of traffic. There may also be six occasions of bridge closures in the summer of 2022 for up to 12 hours to allow for the bridge to be lifted to install new bridge bearings.

The public will be notified ahead of the bridge closure dates. In 2023, the Marysville Bridge will be closed to all traffic for two, 72-hour periods to allow for the concrete deck pours to take place.

Any closures or additional traffic disruptions will be communicated to the public.

Work on this project is anticipated to be complete before the end of November 2023. Once complete, the lifespan of the bridge will be extended by another 30 years.

Phase 1: Install traffic barriers, complete pier cap beam repairs including concrete replacement and crack injection, bearing replacement at each pier and beam strengthening. Status:

Phase 2: Complete deck rehabilitation in the westbound lane, concrete deck and sidewalk removal, replacement of barriers and portions of the abutments and installation of new lights. Status:

Phase 3: Complete deck rehabilitation in the eastbound lane, concrete deck and sidewalk removal and replacement of barriers and portions of the abutments and installation of a new wider barrier separated sidewalk to accommodate trail users as well as new lights. Status:

Phase 4: Installation of pier fibre wrap Status: This can be done throughout the rehabilitation process of the bridge.

NOVA SCOTIA

Transfer of roads from the Province of Nova Scotia to the Halifax Regional Municipality

As of June 1, 2022, approximately 300 lane kilometres of roads were transferred from the Province of Nova Scotia to the municipality in two areas (areas 1 and 4). As of June 1, 2022, the municipality’s Public Works department is the new service provider for general and winter maintenance to new customers in these areas.

The first impacted area (area 1) includes roads within Boutiliers Point, Ingramport, Head of St Margarets Bay, Lewis Lake, Hubley and Upper Tantallon. The second area (area 4) includes roads within East Preston, Lake Echo, Mineville, and the Western areas of Lawrencetown.

On April 13, 2022, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) approved the stormwater service boundary exchange to Halifax Water. Property owners in Areas 1 and 4 may become stormwater customers of Halifax Water as of June 1, 2022.

Halifax Water will notify all property owners whether they will become customers. New stormwater customers in these areas will not be billed by Halifax Water until early 2023. To learn more, visit halifaxwater.ca/stormwater-expansion.

Residents will experience no disruptions in services throughout the transfer period.

Background - sThrough the Municipal Reform (1994) Act, SNS 1994-95, c 7, a Road Transfer Agreement (HRM-01) was signed in 1996.

On November 29, 2019, the Minister of Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) — now Nova Scotia Public Works (NSPW) — provided the municipality with notice of the province’s intent to transfer approximately 300 lane kilometers of roads to the municipality by April 21, 2021.

As per Regional Council direction, a letter was sent from the Mayor to the Minister of NSTIR, requesting a deferral until at least June 1, 2022 to allow more time for both provincial and municipal staff to prepare for a seamless service transfer.

On September 15, 2020 the municipality received a letter from the Minister of NSTIR granting the deferral of the road transfer until June 1, 2022.

A review of the municipal urban service boundary occurs periodically. As part of this review, population densities are assessed and, together with other factors, a determination is made about transferring responsibility for maintaining roads from the province to the municipality.

Various arrangements between the province and the municipality, including HRM-01, the guiding road transfer document, address the process of the transferring of roads.

As a result, the province transferred to the municipality the responsibility for roadway maintenance and related infrastructure for the two areas. For more information, visit: Halifax Water Stormwater Service Expansion | Halifax Water

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Islanders invited to free car seat safety check

The provincial government is partnering with IWK’s Child Safety Link (CSL) program to offer the Child Passenger Safety Course to highway safety staff.

The training will help staff in offering car seat safety inspections to Island families and ensure the proper and safe use of car and booster seats in Prince Edward Island.

As part of the hands-on training certification, volunteers with car seats installed in their vehicles are needed to assist. Islanders interested in helping by getting a free car seat safety check on

June 23 between 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm at 64 Park Street, Charlottetown can call 902-470-7036 or email ashley.holden@ iwk.nshealth.ca(link sends e-mail) to confirm an appointment time.

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, motor vehicle collisions, are the leading cause of death among children under the age of 14. When used correctly, car seats reduce the risk of injury and death by as much as 70 per cent.

CSL is an injury prevention program at IWK Health dedicated to reducing the incidence and severity of unintentional injury to children and youth in the Maritimes.

CSL is committed to working with community organizations, governments and other partners to ensure children are as safe as necessary at home, on the road and at play.