Truck diversion bylaw hailed as ‘a positive thing’ in downtown Galt
Matt Rolleman said the view from his perch at the corner of Main and Water streets is much nicer.
The co-owner of Thirteen Food and Beverage regularly sits in his second-floor office at the downtown Galt eatery, watching traffic pass through Cambridge. At one time, trucks frequently rumbled by, vibrating the walls of the 160-yearold building.
The shaking, for the most part, has stopped, said Rolleman, since the city implemented its truck diversion bylaw in October.
“We still see a truck occasionally, but it’s way, way, way down,” Rolleman said.
“Sometimes truck drivers who maybe aren’t aware or aren’t paying attention get through. The buildings aren’t shaking as much and all that stuff, like at nighttime. I’d say all in all, it’s been a positive thing.”
The five-month-old bylaw prohibits heavy trucks at all times on Water Street from Ainslie Street to the Delta; Ainslie Street from Concession Street to Water Street; Myers Road from Water Street to Franklin Boulevard; and Concession Street from Ainslie Street to Dundas Street.
As well, banning trucks on Concession Street caused a trickledown effect to include bans on St. Andrews Street, from Cedar Street to George Street, and on George, from St. Andrews to Park Hill Road, and on Park Hill, from George to Ainslie Street.
Trucks are allowed on the roads to make a local delivery.
Rolleman added the lack of trucks in the downtown core will be a bonus once the seasonal closure on Main Street goes into effect, from May 17 to Oct. 14. Patio patrons and event participants won’t have to deal with truck noise and exhaust fumes.
“We’re actually looking forward to the summer and having special event days and not having trucks whipping around. It’s going to be fantastic,” he said.
Part of the reason trucks have been abiding by the diversion rules is police have used a combination of education and enforcement to keep traffic from the downtown.
Waterloo Regional Police report 50 trucks were stopped within the first four months of the bylaw, between Oct. 16, 2023, and Feb. 16, 2024, and drivers were warned and educated about alternative routes. Seven other truck drivers were charged with disobeying a sign.
From Feb. 17 to March 19, four drivers were warned and educated about alternate routes, while six others were charged with disobeying a sign.
The fine for disobeying a sign is $110.
Ross Earnshaw, the Ward 4 councillor for the downtown core, said he has inquired about whether there will be an enforcement blitz when the seasonal closure of Main Street begins.
“I believe adherence to the new rules is not perfect, more education and enforcement is required, but the trend is in the right direction and the (police service) is working at the issue steadily,” he said.
Most downtown business owners are also keen on how truck diversion has worked, said Brian Kennedy, executive director of the Downtown Cambridge BIA.
Kennedy said business owners have told him they’ve seen a noticeable decrease in truck traffic in the downtown area, especially the last few months.
He added the diversion of truck traffic is vital for the Galt core business community, insuring patrons are safe and able to enjoy the downtown.
“As we transition into the patio and construction season, we remain cautiously optimistic that with continued enforcement measures, we can work toward further reducing the number of trucks passing through our downtown area,” he said.
Coun. Adam Cooper, who helped spearhead expanding the truck diversion beyond Water and Ainslie streets to arteries around the downtown, has noticed truck traffic has been reduced significantly. He said the trucks that continue to go through the downtown and don’t have business there are now quite noticeable.
“You’re never going to get 100 per cent. There’s going to be a learning curve. This is going to be some time.”
However, Cooper said, he has found a “critical flaw” in the ability to divert trucks. Speaking with the region’s planning staff, he’s addressed the fact that trucks coming into town on Highway 24, once they get through the roundabout at McQueen Shaver Boulevard, can only turn left at the intersection of Ainslie and Concession streets, and up Cedar Street.
There are signs past the roundabout telling drivers of that sole option. But, Cooper said, there is nothing warning truck drivers prior to the roundabout, which would allow them to take the boundary road.
Cooper said this isn’t a problem with the region — and they are aware of the issue — but until the roundabout is reached, the road is a provincial highway and under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
“I’m not sure if the MTO is giving them any push back, but what I can say, is they’re in talks with them to get something put there,” Cooper said.
“I personally just saw this as a no-brainer. This is a problem here. It’s not with the truckers, they literally reach a spot at Ainslie and Concession where they have no choice but to break the law.”