Halifax Council Oks Costs for Side Guards

Regional councillors unanimously agreed that side guards on the fleet of Halifax Regional Municipality garbage trucks is a good idea. Municipal staff had recommended that council approve the installation of sideguards on both the contracted curbside and condominium solid waste collection fleets. It’s expected to cost $238,229, including $221,405 for the 83 curbside collection trucks and $16,824 for the eight condominium collection vehicles.

Matt Keliher, manager of solid waste for the municipality, and several other councillors said the municipality would be paying for the side guards one way or another, either as an upfront installation cost or in ensuing contract costs with the four collection contractors that service eight municipal collection areas.

“At the end of the day, when it comes to solid waste vehicles, the municipality pays for all upgrades,” Keliher said.

The safeguards protect pedestrians and cyclists from sliding under the wheels of the big rigs.