It’s not often you can hear birds singing on Harmony Road in rural north Oshawa.
Since November, locals say that peaceful sound has been overshadowed by the noise of hundreds of dump trucks each day, which have damaged the country road.
These large trucks are stirring up mud and making conditions unsafe, according to residents. Some mention difficulties getting in or out of their driveways while dodging speeding truck drivers.
The situation has led to “a destruction of our road, our sense of peace [and] our sense of safety,” said Karen Goranson, a resident of Harmony Road.
“It’s an accident waiting to happen,” she added.
Trucks are seen near Harmony Road on Feb. 2. Some locals believe the surge in truck traffic since November has created perilous driving conditions. (Submitted by Hetty Thompson)
This truck activity is linked to an aggregate pit located on Harmony Road, owned by Hard-Co Construction from Whitby.
The pit had been inactive for several years. However, residents claim that in November, Hard-Co allowed EMP Emperial Contracting, a separate company from Port Perry, to operate there.
As a result, trucks began arriving – sometimes as many as 200 daily – according to Matthew Saunders, who also lives on Harmony Road.
attempted to contact EMP via phone and left a voicemail. The publication also sent several inquiries via email on Tuesday.
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Karen Goranson from Harmony Road states that the influx of trucks has compromised her sense of safety. (Michael Charles Cole/CBC)
Residents on nearby roads report experiencing similar issues with heavy truck traffic.
Lauren Paré from Howden Road says navigating its blind hills has become challenging because she often doesn’t know if she’ll encounter a dump truck occupying the middle of the road.
“I’ve had to dodge off into a driveway to avoid being hit because the trucks refused to move,” she recalled.
A number of residents indicated they’ve contacted police due to reckless behavior displayed by some truck drivers. reached out to Durham Regional Police Service for feedback.
Paré also mentioned an incident when school buses were delayed and rerouted because numerous trucks were blocking Harmony and Howden roads.
“Kids have been late numerous times,” Paré noted.![]()
The aggregate pit on Harmony Road is owned by Hard-Co Construction; however, EMP Emperial Contracting has been operating it for several months now. (Michael Charles Cole/CBC)
Rob Harding confirmed that his family’s company Hard-Co owns the pit and acknowledged that EMP is responsible for the influx of trucks currently observed.
He explained that they refrained from using the pit for eight years due to complaints regarding truck traffic prior.
Harding stated Hard-Co is working toward selling this pit but did not disclose whether EMP would be purchasing it.
He further noted that while the Ministry of Natural Resources has inspected the site recently,, nobody from Oshawa City Hall has reached out following complaints made by local residents.B
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“Kids have been late numerous times,” Paré noted.
He explained that they refrained from using the pit for eight years due to complaints regarding truck traffic prior.
Harding stated Hard-Co is working toward selling this pit but did not disclose whether EMP would be purchasing it.
He further noted that while the Ministry of Natural Resources has inspected the site recently,, nobody from Oshawa City Hall has reached out following complaints made by local residents.B
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} If there are legal guidelines involved with our activities,, we always adhere strictlybeyond what is necessary” he stated.‘This{}else(‘this’)?{13} A week ago or so,, workers laid down what seems like gravel mixture over mud along part of Harmony Road. But after only days under heavy truck use , this gravel started breaking apart already.{<html lang='en' xml: lang='en'}–!}
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A few locals mention they’ve contacted both provincial authorities overseeing the pit and Oshawa City Hall responsible for road maintenance here.The Ministry Of Natural Resources works alongside operators at this site “to guarantee every fill brought onto it aligns with site’s plan and Aggregate Resource Act,” said government spokesperson Kavithaa Kandasamy via email. “MNR staff will keep monitoringthe location ensuring compliance with all ARA regulations.."</[1]. compliance];</script>. then! };document. query Selector All(‘. warning’). for Each((el) =>el. remove());…. <>
alert(“You could be missing important news!”) ;’). style. visibility =”visible”; });<div id=container class Name=refresh content'’;”>And keep practicing safety standards while interacting with both operators like licensee getting everything right,” she mentioned.
; print. style. display = ‘none’;’;– – – – —&(the reason why you should listen)(second) Meanwhile city council aims at deliberating upon motion upcoming month targeted towards ensuring adherence among vehicles traversing through harmony rd per municipal rules. These include possible restrictions such as weight limitations plus ”No Stopping Anytime” zones. Councillor John Neal-who resides near Harmony road-initiated this proposal saying he’s witnessed firsthand consequences resulting from increased truck traffic. “The wear and tear inflicted upon these roads creates future costs borne by taxpayers; thus it’s crucial we take action now.” Neal expressed.
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