Centre Wellington budgets $135,000 for multi-purpose tractor/sidewalk sweeper

Centre Wellington council has approved a request to negotiate a favourable cost and to purchase a Trackless MT municipal multi-purpose tractor and sidewalk sweeper with accessories from the firm Work Equipment Ltd. of Courtland Ontario.

The recommendation before council on Jan. 20 noted the 2014 capital budget includes $135,000 for the purchase of a sidewalk machine with snowblower and blade attachments, to be funded from the development charges fund.

This unit is funded from the development charges fund because it is a growth-related item identified in Centre Wellington’s development charges study. The purchase will increase the number of existing Trackless MT sidewalk machines in the township from two to three.

Other Ontario municipalities have purchased the same vehicle to clear sidewalks and pedestrian paths and provide general municipal support.

What sets it apart from other sidewalk maintenance equipment is an articulated and oscillating frame that allows the front and rear wheels to track independently, giving the unit versatility in tight operating situations such as sidewalk and laneway snow ploughing.

Managing director of corporate services Wes Snarr said staff would continue to monitor the market for products that may prove to be truly equal or superior to the Trackless  unit.

“It’s a unique product on the market,” Snarr added.

Councillor Walt Visser added, “this latest round of snow shows how much we need something like this.”

Council approved the recommendation.