Wellington North council has approved the purchase of a new plow truck for the roads department to replace an aged vehicle.
The vehicle is used in the summer as a dump truck and a snow plow in the summer.
In an April 10 report to council, roads superintendent Dale Clark said the existing truck is a 2004 Volvo with almost 350,000km and over 10,000 hours of operation.
“The new plow truck will ensure road operations service level is maintained while reducing the annual operating costs associated with aged equipment,” stated the report.
Council allocated $260,000 for the new truck in the 2017 budget process. Clark stated staff will be able to make up the difference by selling the existing plow.
The township received three quotes for the truck:
– Team Truck Centre, $141,300 for a 2018 Western Star;
– Team Truck Centre, $149,848, 2018 Freightliner; and
– B and I Truck Centre, $141,200, 2018 Western Star.
Staff recommended proceeding with the 2018 Western Star chassis supplied by B and I Truck Centre, due to the best pricing, as “all three chassis met the specifications” of the roads department.
The township will work with Viking Cives Ltd. to include $119,304 for the snow removal equipment for a total cost of $260,504.
“It makes sense, we have to have safe vehicles for our employees to use,” said councillor Steve McCabe.
Council unanimously approved the purchase.
