THUNDER BAY – The 2017 municipal budget is going to be tight but one city councillor is sold on $300,000 pothole-filling machine in the city’s near future.
Coun. Shelby Ch’ng took to Facebook on Sept. 15 to broadcast a 30-minute live demonstration for the Python 5000 Pothole Patcher.
The Regina-based company performed the demonstration as city administration considers throwing its weight behind a recommendation to acquire such a machine. If the single-operator, dump truck-sized purchase were approved, it could replace the current system wherein three city workers fill potholes manually.
“I’m really hoping to see it in this budget season because I think it’s something we could really benefit from,” Ch’ng said.
“I’m kind of excited about this kind of technology because I feel like it’s safer equipment than to have guys on the road and it also will help cut down on some costs. There’s no shortage of potholes so we’re not necessarily looking at cutting staff but doing different with the same amount.”
The video shows the truck cleaning the pothole with compressed air, filling a hole up to a metre in diameter with an auger that is being lubricated with water, then cooling it with compressed air.
The Python 5000 is listed for sale at around $300,000 and the company claims operating costs come to $40 per hour.
Ch’ng is not committed to with the Python brand despite being impressed with the presentation. She did say, however, she was drawn to the company’s commitment to manufacture using Canadian labour.
