After a lengthy debate, and multiple alterations to the motion, Chatham-Kent Council decided to re-examine dust suppression on rural roads.
Chatham Councillor Michael Bondy entered the successful motion, which directed administration:
– To follow the procurement process for the dust suppression program for 2025, with the goal of having a partial application completed this calendar year, with the cost of the 2025 application taken from the strategic reserve.
– To bring a report in time for next year’s procurement in order to make a decision on whether to re-instate effective dust control on gravel roads.
A number of deputations from the community were given to Council, in support of reinstating the program.
Council had removed the item during the most recent budget update in the fall.
“Previous contracts for dust suppressant service allowed for one application of sodium chloride brine per year on all gravel roads and were budgeted at $1.65-million,” staff said, in a response to Bondy’s original motion, adding the old level of service was “ineffective”.
“During 2025 Budget deliberations, the business case for dust suppressant outlined administrations recommendations as to why the costs don’t justify the limited effectiveness of the previous program. The use of chlorides is at best a temporary solution, heavy rains can quickly wash away the salt and they don’t work in prolonged periods of dry weather. The operational challenges presented of applying them on a over 1700 km network in a timely manner sees some residents getting their road done in July or August. Also noted were the environmental concerns and salt on farm machinery.”
The report for the tender award is expected back before Council for the August meeting.
