The Ontario Ministry of Transportation ("the Ministry") has undertaken to build a passing lane on Highway 17 (the Trans Canada Highway) which runs from the Village of Rossport to Pays Plat First Nation.  The design engineers are Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") and the construction company is BOT Construction Group ("BOT").  

The highway runs by the Village of Rossport and because of the changes in elevation, transport trucks often use their engine retarder brakes as a means to reduce their speed when they are traveling from west to east along this section of the highway.  

Hatch and BOT have generally done a good job of the design and construction of the passing lane infrastructure but unfortunately during the design and/or construction, too many trees were removed and the new highway setback has diminished the effectiveness of the natural sound barrier that was provided by the trees and rock outcrops.  

A gravel berm is now being created to hopefully remedy the situation.  

It is hoped that this berm will be made sufficiently high to reduce the noise from trucks on this peaceful community.  

This petition is focused on the need to help further reduce the sound pollution by designating this portion of the highway as a "Prohibited Use Of Engine Retarder Brakes" area.  

The signers of this petition, which will be sent to the Ministry, are requesting that this part of the highway be designated "Use of Engine Retarder Brakes is Prohibited" and that the highway be clearly posted and signed as required.

Please sign this petition and help the residents of Rossport and the community of Nicol Island preserve the quietness and serenity that they treasure.

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