GTA regional governments suspend noise, commercial vehicle bylaws to ensure stay stocked

Thestar.com
March 19, 2020
Noor Javard

Municipalities across the GTA are taking action to keep their cities running, local businesses afloat and residents informed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

All regional governments have declared a state of emergency -- shutting down city halls, community centres, recreation programs and leaving only essential services operating.

But a number of municipalities are taking additional steps.

On Tuesday, Vaughan city council passed a business action plan that includes suspending bylaws around noise and weight restrictions on public roads, as well as those restricting the unloading of commercial vehicles. The changes are designed to help ensure the stores get the products people need.

“There is concern by the retail industry during these times to facilitate the transportation of goods,” said Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua in an interview.

“While the measures effect business and transportation, it ultimately affects the people,” he added. “It’s about making sure the store shelves are restocked and we enhance the movement of goods.”

A day earlier, Peel Region, which includes Brampton, Mississauga and the Town of Caledon, also said it would exempt retail deliveries from noise bylaws, allowing deliveries to take place 24 hours a day for the next 30 days.

“The Region of Peel wants to do everything we can to help connect distribution centres with grocery stores and pharmacies, to help replenish empty shelves,” said Regional Chair Nando Iannicca, in a statement. “Off-peak delivery is good for local businesses and the community, and supports social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Peel Region said it launched an off-peak delivery program last year with 14 major retail stores, which demonstrated significant savings in travel times, greenhouse gas emissions -- and received no community noise complaints.

The City of Mississauga plans to hold a special online-only council meeting on Thursday, which it will livestream, and will also hold a virtual town hall with Mayor Bonnie Crombie on Friday.