An alternative route that could be destined for log hauling trucks will get a closer review by MD of Bighorn politicians.
Council unanimously approved to defer discussions until November on the Spray Lakes Sawmills’ (SLS) road use application that could potentially see log hauling operations on Jamieson and Richards roads.
The delay will allow council to review an alternate route proposed by SLS to see what potential, ramifications, costs, and benefits can come from it.
SLS is proposing to develop a temporary road that would run adjacent to the MD’s portion of Jamieson Road (1.6 kilometres south) until it hits the section of Jamieson on provincial land. SLS says the temporary road would be totally reclaimed once the log haul is completed, estimated in 2018.
The proposed route currently does not comply with the Roads Development Policy and would be subject to council approval.
Should the alternative route not receive council’s support, SLS indicted it will continue to go forward with its current application.
MD residents and SLS personnel were shoulder to shoulder to hear council’s cautious steps through the controversial road use application and alternate route proposal on Tuesday (Oct. 13).
The application by SLS has been bubbling water in a pot for Bighorn residents living on the subject roads. Some residents have previously presented delegations to council opposing the application.
Councillor Paul Clark declared a bias and excused himself from discussion. Clark stated he doesn’t feel the proposed road use would be safe for residents, and said the integrity of the roads are not built for heavy hauling.
In a report presented in August made on the subject roads by Justin Barrett, president of JCB Engineering Ltd. and hired by SLS, it was stated the subject roads are adequate to accommodate log haul traffic with the addition of safety improvements.
Bill Luka, MD director of operations, said the MD does not have jurisdiction to outright stop logging truck use. Part of Jamieson Road falls under provincial jurisdiction as it’s technically on Stoney Nakoda First Nations land. Luka said the strongest method going forward would be to control or manage its use.
“Although not the perfect solution, the road use application is probably the best way to manage liability,” Luka said. “The MD could impose weight bans (on the roads), but I think it would be counter productive in one sense; if we have restrictions we’re going to see higher intensity of trucks per day.”
Councillor Erik Butters said the proposed temporary route might eliminate the public and council’s concerns.
“It seems to me that before there’s discussion on an alternative route, it’s premature to enter in a road use agreement until we know the ramifications of the alternate route,” Butters said.
“I know (SLS) has worked diligently to find another route, most of which were dead ends, but this doesn’t appear to be a dead end yet.”
In recent weeks, SLS visited residences on the subject roads to deliver an information package regarding what options the company is looking at.
Reeve Dene Cooper said his two biggest fears regarding the situation is safety, first, and secondly, receiving a bill for a road he can’t afford to fix.
“What we’re not doing is waffling and if you think we’re not close to a decision you’re wrong,” Cooper said at the meeting. “This is now definitely important and urgent, and something is going to be decided within the boundaries that are available.”
