Truck ban on 207 now in effect

09/01/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke would like to inform the Community that effective tomorrow, the ban on trucks on 207 will be in effect and will be strictly enforced.

A press release sent August 1 indicated that the Community and truckers would be given 30 days to get used to the ban. MTQ was advised that enforcement would begin September 2. The ban excludes ‘permit holders’ and ‘local deliveries.’

Of special note, Chief & Council have directed Public Safety Commissioner Ron Skye to deem that all trucks going to and from JFK quarry as ‘local deliveries’ until September 30, 2016. JFK Quarry had requested a 30 day extension/exemption but there was no provision in the original Mohawk Council Executive Directive to allow for such an extension/exemption. Due to the timing of the request in relation to the enforcement date, the ‘local delivery’ determination was put in place to allow time for such provisions to be put into the MCED as an amendment. The Directive allowed Public Safety to issue a temporary 30 day ‘Permit’ to JFK trucks.

"The ban was put in place to stop trucks from using the 207 as a quick bypass to the Mercier Bridge, not to stop local businesses from operating," said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton.

The directive to deem JFK as ‘local deliveries’ for 30 days was given by eight (8) Chiefs. Ratitsénhaiens Carl Horn and Arlene Jacobs opposed. Clinton Phillips was on vacation and Martin Leborgne abstained due to conflict of interest.