Since early in 2025, we’ve received dozens of inquiries from residents about truck traffic on Fernbank Road, between Stittsville Main Street and Westridge Drive.
Most of this truck traffic is accessing the CFT storage facility at 6591 Fernbank Road west of Stittsville. Some of the trucks are used by Amazon, traveling to and from Amazon’s Barrhaven warehouse for storage on Fernbank Road. On some days, residents have reported dozens of large trucks traveling along the road.
I agree with residents that the additional truck traffic is highly disruptive to residents and poses a safety concern. The truck traffic itself may not technically contravene the Traffic and Parking By-Law, but in my opinion it’s still not appropriate to have such a high volume of trucks using roads in a residential area.
We are continuing to review several issues with City staff, including truck routes, zoning compliance, noise, and safety. Councillor David Brown’s office, as well as the Mayor’s office, have also been involved in this file.
–Councillor Glen
Q: Why are trucks allowed to use Fernbank if there are “No Truck” signs on Fernbank Road?
A: Fernbank Road is not a designated truck route. However, trucks are permitted to travel on non-truck routes when that route is the shortest possible deviation from a designated truck route. These permitted trips can be for various purposes, including: deliveries; performing a service; housing, storage or repair at a garage; or performing services for the City. These rules are governed under the City’s Traffic and Parking By-Law (2017-301).
Specific to the CFT Storage site at 6591 Fernbank Road, Stittsville Main Street is the closest designated truck route, so trucks arriving from or heading to the east are allowed to use Fernbank Road even though it is signed “No Trucks”.
(We have asked to have trucks diverted away from Fernbank Road and Stittsville Main Street through a review of City truck routes.)
This map shows rural truck routes in the west end of Ottawa. Roads marked in red are truck routes, allowing for unrestricted truck traffic. Click here for a PDF version of this map.
Q: Where can I report illegal truck traffic or dangerous driving?
A: Ottawa Police are responsible for enforcing rules relating to truck routes, as well as dangerous driving. You can make a report by calling 613-236-1222, extension 7300 or online at https://ottawapolice.ca/report/.
However, since certain truck traffic is legal, it can be difficult to ascertain or differentiate between legal and illegal truck traffic on any route.
Police say they will prioritize enforcement based on reports made by residents. They will continue to conduct focused traffic safety blitzes for stop sign enforcement, speed enforcement, etc.
Q: Are there any other ways to report truck traffic?
A: Management at the CFT facility has been co-operative in reminding operators about designated truck routes and safety concerns. If you see what you believe is illegal truck traffic or dangerous driving, make a note of the company, date, and time. You can contact CFT by email at storage@cftgroup.ca or by phone at 613-702-5501. If you make a report, please copy my office by email at glen.gower@ottawa.ca
Q: 6591 Fernbank is zoned “RG1 [89r] – Rural General Industrial Zone”. What is allowed under this zoning?
A: The City of Ottawa, through By-law Services and Building Code Services, have an ongoing investigation of the CFT property to determine if it is in violation of any zoning rules, site plan requirements, or related property rules. At least one “Notice to Comply” has been issued related to Site Plan Control.
The owners of the property at 6591 Fernbank have submitted a Site Plan Control application to address issues identified by staff. As part of that review, city staff will review access for vehicles and requirements for road modifications. It is unclear how this may affect trucks that are accessing the site. The application is still under review as of September 2025.
The property at 6591 Fernbank is zoned “RG1”, which is a broad rural zoning code that allows for a wide variety of light industrial uses. The [89r] exception states that for this location, all the usual RG zone provisions are prohibited, other than a storage yard:
Storage yard is defined as land used for outdoor storage, including:
(a) the storage of vehicles, including an automobile salvage operation or scrap yard;
(b) the storage of road maintenance material such as gravel or sand;
(c) the storage of construction, building or landscaping material; and
(d) the storage of heavy vehicles or construction equipment, and includes an accessory maintenance garage used for the service and repair of the stored vehicles and equipment.
So far, staff have determined that the zoning allows for trucks to be stored on the site.
Residents who are aware of activity that does not fit within this description of activities can make a report to 3-1-1 for investigation by a Property Standards and Zoning Officer.
Q: The City is developing a new Zoning By-Law. Can the zoning be changed to prohibit certain uses?
A: There is currently a new Zoning By-law in development and City staff are accepting feedback on how properties should be zoned. Residents can comment on this location to NewZoning@Ottawa.ca. You can find more information here: https://engage.ottawa.ca/zoning.
Note that even if zoning for this property changes, under Ontario planning law any existing use would be “grandfathered” – in other words, that use would continue to be allowed until the property is redeveloped.
Q: Does noise from trucks violate the City’s noise by-law?
A: The City’s noise by-law does not apply to noise from trucks while driving.
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act prohibits the operation of vehicles without a properly functioning muffler and setting noise limits for stationary vehicles. It also covers other aspects of vehicle operation, including safety standards and regulations. Ottawa Police enforce the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, and residents can make a report by calling 613-236-1222, extension 7300 or online at https://ottawapolice.ca/report/.
Vehicle idling, including trucks, stopped for delivery or on a job site, may be limited by Ottawa’s Idling Control By-law (2024-437). Residents can report violations of Ottawa’s Idling Control By-law by calling 3-1-1.
Q: Does the truck traffic on Fernbank Road violate seasonal load restrictions for heavy vehicles?
A: During the spring thaw period, some roads cannot withstand heavy vehicle loads. Every year, the City monitors thaw progression by using the forecast temperature data to calculate the Thaw Index. When the Thaw Index reaches its threshold value, load restrictions are imposed. Heavy vehicles that exceed weight limits on restricted-load roadways during the spring thaw period will be subject to fines. Once the pavement strength has been restored, load restrictions will be removed.
Any trucks using Fernbank Road are required to adhere to seasonal load restrictions (maximum 5 tonnes per axle).
Q: What is the city doing to enhance safety on Fernbank?
A: In addition to police enforcement blitzes in response to resident reports, the city has implemented several changes on Fernbank Road in recent years including:
- Reduced speed limit of 40km/h.
- Flex stakes and delineators. Flex stakes are flexible, durable delineator posts used to mark lanes, enhance safety in construction zones, direct traffic, or improve pedestrian safety. They’re designed to bend under impact and return to their original shape, minimizing damage and increasing visibility. The purpose of flex stake installation on a roadway is to create a perceived road narrowing, causing motorists slow down. On average they reduce vehicle speeds from 5 to 10 km/h. The flex stake measures are seasonal measures installed between April and October.
- A speed board is installed to remind drivers of their speed.
- Stop line flex stakes at Etta Street.
Also, Fernbank Road (West Ridge to Shea) is included as a capital project in the City’s Transportation Master Plan. This project would include sidewalks/pathways on both sides of the streets, redesign of the intersections to prioritize pedestrian safety, and other improvements. This is a longer-term project that would happen sometime after 2029.