Vic-Fedeli

Ontario’s auditor general says Ontario’s highways during winter are less safe now than they were in 2009. This follows a report indicating road winter maintenance contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder, regardless of the bidder having the proper equipment to clear roads following a snow storm.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says this wasn’t the way business was always handled.

He says “five years ago, the government changed the way they did winter maintenance and it resulted in less safe driving conditions.”

He added this has opened up serious issues in the way they handle government contracts. Fedeli says “the sad news from the auditor is, even after the government became aware, the Ministry head office instructed the regional staff and the engineers to continue on, regardless of maintenance.”

 Fedeli says they need to pay attention to this report – which is not criticizing the privatization of snow removal. He says they need to ensure roads are cleared safely and properly. The reported added it takes 4.7 hours to clear roads now, when originally it took just 2.1 after a snow storm.

Written by matthew.sookram@northbayradio.rogers.com