Log Sorters Need More Time

Friday, March 17, 2006 05:00 PM

There have been a lot of logs moved off the site, but still a long way to go (photo taken Friday March 17th/06)

Real Time Fibre will be appearing before Prince George City Council on Monday night, asking for an extension to their permits and temporary zoning to operate a log sorting yard across from the new Ritchie Brothers Auction site on Highway 16 east.

The company originally appeared before Council on February 20th after Development Services noted the company was operating a log sorting yard on a site that wasn't approved for such use. (see previous story) Real Time Fibre assured Council it would have the site cleared by March 17th. At the time, several Councilors suggested Real Time ask for a longer temporary permit or that it serve notice it would be seeking an extension, but the company expresssed confidence it would have the site cleared within the initial allotted time frame.

It has not been able to clear the site within the time frame.

Development Services Manager Dan Milburn says the company will ask to renew the permit till April 15th.    This is a one time extension, and if Council approves the extension it will cost Real Time Fibre another $800. dollars. If Council does not approve the extension, or if Real Time misses the new deadline, the company could forfeit the $20,000.00 guarantee it had to provide along with an assurance it will return the road to its original condition.

The extension should work out o.k. as long as no new longs are heading in to the site says one Ministry of Highways rep.

Because of the mild winter, the Ministry will start testing roads Tuesday and Wednesday of next week to see if the annual weight restrictions should come into play a little earlier than usual . The clearing of the sorting yard should not be impacted he says because trucks will move directly on to a numbered highway that can withstand the weight, then head straight to a mill. However, it means logs won't be able to get from the bush to the sorting yard.

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Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 05:00 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: owl on March 17 2006 10:37 PM

So who is surprised at this? I seem to recollect one councillor (Zurowski?)at least suggesting to give them a longer time period. That suggestion t ome was a no brainer. But what do I know?

It is ridiculous for them to take up the City's time for this sort of stuff repeatedly. They should never have been in the position to ask for this after the fact in the first place. But once you give them your blessing, you might as well allow them to conduct their business in as efficient and effective manner as long as they bring everything back to the previous condition, which is actually difficult to do and assess.

Hopefully there is no restriction on the roads from the site to the final destination since it will take them 50% or more trucking time to get it moved. Next thing the City will be asked to extend the time so that they can let it sit there till the road restrictions are lifted. To me that would be reasonable and should be considered at this time. Otherwise, they will likely be in front of Council again. Is there a scale between the site and their destination? Or is there a scale on site?

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on March 18 2006 6:58 AM

OWL, a 50% GVW restriction does not mean the truck can haul 50% of a load! Some of these trucks weigh 50% of their GVW, and some can only move around by pulling their trailers, because if they put the trailer on the truck like normal, the truck axle exceeds the weight restriction. A logging truck can not haul enough to even pay for fuel during a weigh restriction ban.
It does seem that your understanding of the subject however makes you an excellent candidate for a city councillor, or at least a policy maker.