Letter to the Editor,
“Proximity Principal loses to a tie.” What a disappointment to hear that. Now, it’s about more education in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods on our highways. I guess the next topic will be to decide at what level a product is considered dangerous, hazardous, volatile, or toxic, and does Thunder Bay want these products to be transported within city limits; potentially placing harm onto their residents.
I’m sure that provincial and federal governments will have the final say with respect to the use of the highways. After all, no municipality owns these highways. It’s just their responsibility to maintain flow-through access to enter and leave city limits. This is why I’m confused as to why members of council for Thunder Bay believe that additional learn more process about transportation of hazardous waste through city limits is required. No matter how much dialogue they have, I do not believe that a “no” vote can stop transportation.
However, in an economic initiative, the City of Thunder Bay may be able to impose hefty toll fees onto truck operators/companies who haul radioactive waste through city limits. This thought is reflected on the use of Hwy. #407 corridor in the Greater Toronto Area. Cameras would automatically scan and record transport trucks that carry nuclear waste when entering Thunder Bay city limits and when they leave. Fees will automatically be billed to the transport company, and Thunder Bay will receive these fees. Administration will need to get a legal opinion about this. Perhaps other municipalities will do the same if a highway runs through their city/town limits.
This may be the initiative that will deter NWMO from selecting a host community in the north and to focus on the Proximity Principal.
Ed Dunnill
Manitouwadge
