The 19 Most Complex and Dangerous Roads in the World

In all my years and kilometres of driving I have yet to traverse a four-level, let alone a five-level, interchange like the Puxi Viaduct in Shanghai, ranked  fourth in Waze.com’s list of the most complicated and dangerous roads in the world.  However, I would sure like to try someday. 

The Puxi Viaduct in Shanghai makes anything on the 401 look fairly minor.

I recently downloaded Waze onto my IPhone.  Why?  Well, it’s a free road related (RoadLogic. Get it!) social mobile app that enables drivers to build and use live maps, real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn navigation for an optimal commute.  “It brings you to the intersection of where geogaming meets crowdsourced traffic info & real-time live maps. In addition to providing free turn-by-turn navigation, waze also gives drivers the ability to actively update one other on traffic, police traps, construction, speedcams and more, reflecting a live description of the road at any given moment – and because it’s user-generated, the more people who use it, the better (and more fun) it gets!”

Waze Iphone application

I’m not sure how big the community will get in Ontario – there are other similiar apps out there – but I’m sure this kind of mobile/mobility tool will become more commonplace for commuters in cars and on public transportation.  I’ll give it a try and see how it works. I definitely like the fact that the traffic data is automatically updated as you drive with the application open.  I won’t be stopping to do any data entry for sure.  Perhaps that is the weakness of this type of application.  Everyone is in too much of a hurry on the road/transitway etc. to help anyone else it seems. 

CentreLine:  Any tool/application that can help a driver avoid congestion or a commuter catch a bus on time is a good thing.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in Roads & Bridges, Technology on March 4th, 2010 - No Comments »
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No Dig Sewer Replacement Technology in the City of Ottawa

Resin Liner Saves Millions in Project Cost

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The rehabilitation of the Rideau River Interceptor Sewer in Ottawa is partly completed using cured-in-place technology.

The City of Ottawa faced a huge project management challenge – including prohibitive cost concerns – two years ago when they planned replacing manholes along a sewer line deep beneath the west bank of the Rideau River.  Until recently, the project to replace the manholes and original clay sewer line (constructed in 1899) was put on hold.  A 500 meter section was repaired in 2009 but another 2 kilometres under the river, Queensway and river park shoreline needed replacement.  Needless to say, several environmental impact studies and permits would be required before construction even started.

However all that proved to be unnecessary using “cured-in-place pipe liner which inserts a new, flexible resin liner into the old pipe, essentially putting a new modern pipe inside the fragile old one.  Thanks to the City of Ottawa staff (Rick Legault) and competent contractual staff (Veolia Environmental Services) the job is now well underway and is expected to cost about 75% less than originally anticipated (i.e. full construction costs).

Full Story:  Ottawa Citizen

RoadMap: Video of project in the Ottawa Citizen

CentreLine: Knowledgeable, resourceful Municipal and contractual staff are the best solution to satisfactory project completion.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in Sewer & Wastewater on March 1st, 2010 - No Comments »
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National Public Works Week 2010

When I joined APWA in 2004, I received a very comprehensive package of promotional material in the mail which included a letter of thanks, information about their services, the Info Now network, the historical society, benefits of membership and a publications/resources catalogue.  Needless to say, I was impressed and as we all know…you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”.

Harry Campbell's graphic interpretation of the theme "Public Works: Above, Below & All Around You".

Over the years their publications and promotional materials have been consistently relevant, essential and timely.  The National Public Works Week (NPWW) flyer that I received this week is no exception.  The flyer cover -  a copy of the 2010 NPWW poster by illustrator Harry Campbell -  is an amazing interpretation of the theme “Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around You” . 

Harry’s distinctive graphic line illustration work can be found in most major publications including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and many others. A graduate of The Maryland Institute College of Art where he also has taught. Campbell has received numerous awards from The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and American Illustration.

National Public Works Week (NPWW) 2010 is celebrated on May 16-22.  Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often–unsung heroes of our society–the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.

The Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) has formally partnered with the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) – A Chapter of APWA/CPWA.  One of the goals of this agreement is to cross promote the partner’s significant events and awards including NPWW.   OPWA has two awards available for NPWW in Ontario including:

  • Municipalities with more than 150,000 (The Bruce Brunton Trophy)
  • Municipalities with populations of 150,000 or less (The Roger Brown Trophy). 

Township of Scugog staff and elected officials - winners of the Roger Brown Trophy.

The 2009 winner in the first category was the City of Brampton and the second category was the Township of Scugog.  Congratulations to both Municipalities and their staff or organizing such great programs that met the strategic objectives of the program.

In my opinion, NPWW activities are like APWA publications.  They’re opportunity to make a great impression…a lasting impression of your Municipal public works department and its important role in providing essential quality of life services in our communities.  From my conversations with representatives of the winning teams, it doesn’t take a great deal of time or resources to make any NPWW celebratory event memorable.   On the other hand, the benefits – award and trophies notwithstanding – including increased morale, teamwork and pride amongst participating Municipal staff are enormous.

So….don’t forget those dates…..May 16-22.  If you and your Municipality are interested in supporting NPWW in Ontario please contact anyone at OPWA or AORS or better yet, talk to the Municipalities who have participated in the past.  There is no sense in reinventing the wheel. 
These folks have lots of experience and good ideas so tap into it.  

CentreLine:  NPWW is an opportunity to shout from the rooftops “We are public works”.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in AORS, Association, Buildings & Grounds, Certification & Training, Fleet, Municipal Elected Officials, Parks & Recreation, Public Transit, Roads & Bridges, Sewer & Wastewater, Snow & Ice Control, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling, Stormwater, Water, Winter on February 17th, 2010 - No Comments »
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Canada’s Local Governments/Cities Legislation Is Antiquated

According to a recent study by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy Canadian municipal law is characterized by its prescriptive rules-based codes of compliance. That contrasts starkly with modern local government laws of other countries which seek to facilitate best-management practice by setting outcomes rather than rules. The approach of other countries leads to a performance and service-delivery framework designed to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of local taxpayers and residents.

All Canadians rely on a municipality of some kind to provide essential infrastructure, and unlike their dealings with private enterprises, which are disciplined by competition, they face a monopoly for the services that a municipality provides.

The study – Creating proper incentives for Canada’s cities through smart provincial legislation: A best-practice model of local government – compares municipal law in New Zealand with equivalent law in Canada. The New Zealand Act provides for the following:

  • It sets local government outcomes that can be achieved within practically based best-practice management processes;
  • These include asset and financial long-term planning, consultative process and democratic decision-making

Recommendations and likely results:

  • Canada should adopt much of New Zealand’s local government legislation.
  • Federal support for local provincial government law reform could be an impetus for change for the provinces. This might take the form of linking federal infrastructure funding to the required improvements in law.

This adoption would have the following results:

  • It would improve local government performance. There is no argument that improvements are necessary, as Canadian municipalities score poorly when measured on a number of international performance scales.
  • The national economy would benefit directly from local government law reform. Much of the economy’s vital arterial economic lines of production and supply, the nation’s roads and the water and waste-water systems, are owned and managed by the municipalities.

RoadMap:  View entire report as .pdf – 57 pages

Ontario Municipalities have reported on their tangible capital assets and move from a modified accrual format to full accrual accounting with new financial statements since 2009.  The Municipal Finance Officers’ Association (MFOA) and the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), have forged a strategic partnership to provide ongoing information and education to assist municipal staff who will have to deal with the changes. The PSAB/Asset Management web site is designed to be a resource and information-sharing centre.ongoing information and education to assist municipal staff who will have to deal with the changes.

CentreLine:  Infrastructure assets can be properly maintained and monitored if  the legal framework of municipal operations is specifically designed to mandate best-practice asset management as measured by performance-based systems.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in Association, Municipal Elected Officials, Public Transit, Roads & Bridges, Sewer & Wastewater, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling on February 3rd, 2010 - No Comments »
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MOL Enforcement Blitz Targets Forklift/Lifting Device Hazards

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Lifting devices must be inspected, maintained and operated by trained personel.

Forklifts and other lifting devices are a major cause of serious injuries and deaths involving workers. The devices – commonly found in many industrial sectors in Ontario – are used to raise and lower material and objects.

In total, there were 9.455 forklift-related incidents involving a lost-time injury between 1996 and 2008, an average of 727 incidents a year, according to the data compiled by the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario.

These incidents were due to a number of factors, including:

  • lifting devices striking objects during operation such as racking systems
  • workers being struck by forklift trucks, other lifting equipment and improperly-secured loads; and
  • lack of preventative maintenance and load capacity examinations.

Inspectors will take a “zero tolerance” approach to any contraventions found under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Inspectors will focus on the following key priorities:

  • Lifting Device Inspection and Maintenance
  • Operation of the Lifting Device by a Qualified Person
  • Safe Work Environment

The Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) has an excellent training program to address these key areas. The Rigging and Lifting program is aimed at operators or supervisors who are involved in any type of rigging, hoisting or recovery operations.

RoadMap: MOL Backgrounder – Enforcement Blitz (.pdf)

RoadMap #2: Safe At Work Today

CentreLine: MOL proactive approach ensures safer workplaces for all employees.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in AORS, Association, Health & Safety on February 2nd, 2010 - No Comments »
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Ontario’s Transportation Technology Transfer Digest — Winter 2010 — Vol. 16, Issue 1

Road Talk is a monthly publication of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and is distributed provincially, nationally and internationally. It is produced by the Division Services Office of the Provincial Highways Management Division.  The Winter 2010 edition includes the following information:

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MTO is testing hot water sanding technology in rural parts of Ontario.

The Ontario government is working on a number of ways to limit greenhouse gas emissions to meet its commitment to a greener Ontario.  More…


What’s New in Winter Maintenance Technology

The Maintenance Technology Project (MTP) is the Ministry’s focus for identifying, evaluating, demonstrating, and implementing new technology in highway maintenance.  Topics include (full document here):

  • Winter performance measures using friction data
  • Hot Water Sander
  • Directional Salt Spreading
  • Underbody Finger Plow
  • Highway Frost Forecast Map
  • Vaisala Friction Sensors

CentreLine: MTO is a leader in Provincial winter road maintenance technology research and innovation.  Many Municipalities have innovative programs that should receive more attention and promotion.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in Association, Roads & Bridges, Snow & Ice Control, Winter on January 29th, 2010 - No Comments »
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Caterpillar Expects Higher Sales, Revenues and Profit in 2010

Positive Forecast Good for Manufacturing Sector

In a previous post I speculated about Caterpillar’s absence from the AORS annual Municipal Trade Show in Essex County.  As it turned out, they had just weathered their first quarterly loss in 17 years and reported a 66% drop in 2nd quarter earnings.  It’s nice to hear that they are back on track.

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The ubiquitous CAT backhoe is a key machine on most large construction sites.

According to their 4Q 2009 Earnings Release they expect higher sales, revenues and profit in 2010.   Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced sales and revenues of $32.396 billion for 2009, a decrease of 37 percent from $51.324 billion in 2008. Profit per share was $1.43, down 75 percent. Excluding redundancy costs of $0.75, 2009 profit was $2.18 per share.

Fourth-quarter sales and revenues were $7.898 billion, down 39 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008. Profit per share for the quarter was $0.36, down 67 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding redundancy costs, profit for the fourth quarter was $0.41 per share.

“While the economy in 2009 was the worst our company has experienced since the Great Depression, I’m proud to report that Team Caterpillar responded in an extraordinary way,” said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens. “We delivered solid profitability and cash flow and dramatically improved our balance sheet.

RoadMap: Caterpillar expects 2010 sales and revenues to be up 10 to 25 percent from 2009, and profit is expected to be about $2.50 per share at the midpoint of the sales and revenues range.  More….

CentreLine: The CAT should come back to AORS Municipal Trade Show in 2010.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in AORS, Association, Fleet on January 27th, 2010 - No Comments »
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Landscape Ontario Congress (Face2Face) – A Participants Perspective

First impressions and lasting impressions really count

I don’t know what the final attendance was at the Landscape Ontario Congress 2010 but I’m sure they exceeded – so I heard – last year by a significant amount.  I hope so because the Face2Face Congress really raised the bar for this type of event.  For anyone interested in horticultural, lawn or garden equipment, services and supplies there was ample opportunity to network, learn and participate throughout the massive venue.

We had several hands on deck at the AORS booth (Education Section) so I had plenty of time to walk around, network, take pictures and just generally observe the features that make this event so successful and so consistent throughout the 4 days.

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Face2Face registration staff were efficient and professional.

Monday, January 11th - Congress Symposiums

Although I didn’t attend the Congress on Monday there was a full slate of a full slate of all-day, specialty programs and conferences including:

I like the idea of offering educational/accreditation opportunities on a separate opening day.  As well, Landscape Ontario’s partners in education have an opportunity to promote their related programs and services.  This really enhances the overall experience for attendees because there is something on the agenda for everyone.  The message is clear from opening day. If you want to learn and be successful in the landscape business then this is the event to attend and participate.

Tuesday, January 12th – Congress Conference (Day 1for those of us at the AORS booth)

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Creighton Rock Drill booth featuring 'Greenplus'

Hassel free parking…check.  Hassel free registration….check.  If you are going to attend an event of this size you want to be able to get inside the venue as quickly as possible.  Landscape Ontario staff, volunteers and contractors showed us how it’s done.  Despite thousands of cars descending on the show traffic and parking control persons did a great job and there were many professionally staffed registration tables at the entrance.  In no more than 5 minutes I had my badge, brochure bag and was at the AORS booth ready to work.  Despite our location – perhaps a bit too close to the entrance – we had lots of interest in our educational programs (particularly the equipment operator safety and skills series), annual Trade Show and Spotlight directory.  For attendees and suppliers to get the most out of this event – and all similar shows – you really have to be pro-active, participative and patient.  You only get out of it what you put in so everyone in our booth took turns circulating throughout the venue, talking with some AORS current and potential supplier members.

For the other attendees there was a full slate of Prosperity Partner educational sessions centred around the six pillars of business success…. Sales, Financial Health, Developing Customers for Life, Professional Operations, Leadership Excellence and Technical Expertise.

Highlight Tuesday: If you want a dose of infectious enthusiasm for a ‘green product’ and AORS just have a talk with Peter Creighton (Creighton Rock Drill/CRD).  So that’s what I did.  As usual CRD’s award winning booth (CRD won the ‘Best Inside Booth Award at the 2009 AORS Trade Show) was busy and filled with lots of information and displays about their drilling, breaking, demolition and compaction tools/attachments.  Also featured was Greenplus Hydraulic Fluid ES an environmentally safe high performance biodegradable/non-toxic lubricant made from vegetable oils.

Wednesday, January 13th

On Wednesday Mick Scott, AORS Support Services Coordinator and Lyle Morris, AORS (Past President, 1998) joined us in the booth.  We a fairly good flow of traffic and the professional, proactive approach of the booth volunteers ensured that we made the most of our time at the show. Educational sessions focused on technical expertise, financial health and leadership excellence required for success in the landscape business. The Equipment Dealers Forum was new for 2010 and is an great idea to implement at the AORS Trade Show.

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The 'Certificatied Wall of Fame' was my personal favourite idea from Face2Face.

Highlight Wednesday: “I can sell you a booth, but I’d rather sell you an opportunity”.  These enthusiastic words were spoken by Lorraine Ivanoff, Trade Show Sales representative, Landscape Ontario.  I encountered Lorraine at the Congress office while renewing the AORS booth for 2010.  I mentioned the issues with our booth location near the main entrance and Lorraine took the opportunity to explain to me why and how we ended up there.  Needless to say, I now understand why the ‘education’ booths are located where they are (i.e. we are not-for –profit so we don’t pay full fee).  However Lorraine also explained that if AORS wanted to improve its profile (e.g. promote 50th anniversary in 2011) at this show there are many other options (e.g. forum, mini conference/symposium) available that we could consider for next year.  I think some of her ideas have merit and I’ll be meeting with her soon to discuss them in more detail.

Thursday, January 14th

The final day of the Congress is perhaps a bit quieter than the previous two but surprisingly there is always a pretty steady flow of attendees – particularly students – throughout the morning. I decided to stay over for the final day and I’m glad I did.

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The Welcome Centre was a well designed area to relax and get some Landscape Ontario information from enthusiastic volunteers.

Highlight Thursday: The 8 educational sessions on Day 3 included a technical expertise session – The Marketing Power of Good Photography.  Being an avid amateur photographer I thought this session might be helpful.  The session leader, Nik Milner (Nik Milner Photography) provided some composition techniques to maximize the visual potential photographs particularly for use in various media and on the web.  Nik was very animated and enthusiastic and I’m sure that everyone at this well attended seminar got some useful tidbit to use to improve their work.

The Welcome Centre completely lived up to its name.  This beautifully designed and professionally staffed area was the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, look for a job, get information on training/accreditation or just put your feet up and take a load off.  The Certification Wall of Fame was the focal point for sure. This is a great idea for AORS 2011 Trade Show.

RoadMap: Garden and Floral Expo – October 20-21/2009

CentreLine: Face2Face Congress set a high standard for similar events. Organizations that partner with Landscape Ontario during this and future events stand to gain significant credibility and positive exposure.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in AORS, Association, Buildings & Grounds, Certification & Training, Fleet, Parks & Recreation, Winter on January 18th, 2010 - No Comments »
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Green Bin Program Working Well In St. Clair Gardens

Well the big day finally arrived in my neighbourhood.  Today my green bin – filled to the top with organic material – got efficiently picked up by City of Ottawa contractual staff.


Despite some initial resistance (these people can’t be serious) and problems with the City of Ottawa green bin program the implementation seems to be going well.  I am a big supporter of this type of organic recycling for many reasons so my family and I have been filling the bin since it was delivered approximately 4 weeks ago.  Naturally, we generated a lot of additional organic waste over the Christmas holidays so the bin was completely full when I hauled it out to the end of the driveway today.

I followed the simple instructions that came with the bin when it was delivered and checked out the informative website as well.  As you will see by the attached video, the whole process took no longer than about 30 seconds from the time the truck arrived to departure.  As a result, the approximately 40lbs of organic matter in the bin will go to a composting plant rather than to the Trail Road Landfill.  Well done City of Ottawa.

CentreLine: Organic recycling is a responsibility shared by the Municipality and the home/business owner.  We must all do our part.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling on January 15th, 2010 - No Comments »
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New Blood Required On Municipal Council – Apply Within

Is Ottawa’s situation a template for Ontario?

When I open up my daily Ottawa Citizen (yes, still delivered to the front door) I always read Randall Denley’s column first.  Why?  Because no one else covers Municipal politics with the same great combination of astuteness and sardonic flair. 

His article today – A Job Worth Doing; ‘Councillor’ an important post for the public-spirited – hit the nail on the head again.  His contention?  Ontario Municipal elections are coming up on October 25, 2010 and we need more qualified candidates to step up to the plate. 

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Construction, rehabilitation and monitoring of municipal water and sewers are essential services that must be well managed by our elected officials and corporate technical staff.

According to Denley, Municipal councillors have “the best job in politics” and “are free to make up their minds and choose their own policy directions” without the yoke of political party directives.  The pay is good – in Ottawa at least – for providing real essential services like “clean water, functioning sewers, adequate roads or sports fields for our children to play on”.  

Here in Otown it’s the same old faces that get re-elected every year.  I suspect – no, I know – the same issue is at play in every Ontario Municipality.  I don’t have any statistics for this however I have a good personal perspective. 

The annual ROMA/OGRA Convention in Toronto at the Royal York Hotel is a Mecca for municipal councillors and senior administrators.   1500 delegates – mostly elected officials – attend various presentations, Minister’s forums, delegations, workshops and the trade show over the four day event.  Every year I participate in the AORS booth – front and centre in the main hallway – and without fail my fellow associates and I always guess the average attendee age at around 65.   (yes we see lots of folks well into their 80’s!)  I know we are not too far off the mark. 

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Politicians with vision and tenacity need to steer important issues like the Landsdowne project being debated here at a public information session in Ottawa.

No disrespect to those incumbents who do a great job, have stood for political office and made a real difference in their communities.  But there are too many who have made a career out of the job and are just hanging around for the pay check, celebrity and pension.  “Now truly is the time for some good people to come to the aid of the city. We need people with vision, leadership experience and a knowledge of budgets to restore sensible decision making at City Hall” says Denley. 

Could that be said about your Municipal Council as well?  I suspect so.

RoadMap 1:  Preliminary ROMA/OGRA Program – On the Road To Recovery

RoadMap 2: Municipal Elections Act Reforms Promise Increased Accountability

CentreLine:   Past Ontario elected officials have laid a great foundation of stability and accountability.  Now it the time for some fresh younger faces to build on that legacy.

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By Graham Zeisner CRS-S in Association, Municipal Elected Officials on January 5th, 2010 - No Comments »
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