HEAT CLASSIC ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – Heavy Equipment & Aggregate Truckers Association of Manitoba Inc

The 2026 HEAT Classic Golf Tournament is now full. If you missed out on registering a team and would like to be added to the wait list, please email Shannon at memberservices@heatmb.ca

We are offering early registration for those who missed out on entering this tournament to our September 9th, “Mardi Gras on the Green” tournament held at the lovely Bel Acres Golf Course. If you enjoyed our past tournaments, we know you will enjoy this one too! Call our office at 204-654-9426 to speak to any of our staff.

Interested in being a sponsor? This tournament sells out every year and we’d love to have you be a part of its success. Email memberservices@heatmb.ca to get involved as a sponsor – limited opportunities remain.

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As we head into what we hope will be some more favorable weather, I have to say—at the time of writing, it’s still trying to snow. Enough already!

I would like to extend congratulations to our new Executive, led by President Jordan Brown. Over the next two years, we have a great deal to accomplish, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Executive, committees, and membership on the issues that matter most to our association.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize Gord Bragg as he transitions into his new role as Past President. Speaking personally, when I stepped into the role of Stakeholder Relations Manager with limited knowledge of the aggregate trucking industry, Gord was instrumental in helping me understand the many facets of this business. He introduced me to key contacts and provided valuable insight that has contributed significantly to my effectiveness in this role. We have been very fortunate to have had Gord serve as President—his passion, leadership, and knowledge will not be forgotten. Thank you, Gord.

Your new Executive met in mid-April, and all committees have now been established. It is the foundational work of these committees that drives priorities forward to the Executive for discussion and decision-making. If you have suggestions, concerns, or an interest in participating on a committee, please reach out to our Executive Director, Shannon Hiebert. She will be happy to guide you— we are always looking for engaged individuals who are passionate about our industry and association.

On the advocacy front, we have requested follow-up meetings with the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Justice Department staff regarding amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act. Specifically, we are seeking changes that support reasonable time limits on claims. We are hopeful that we will soon have the opportunity to meet with the Minister to discuss advancing these amendments in a future legislative session in 2026. We will continue to keep you informed as this progresses.

In addition, our Dump Trailer Training Modules are now available. We will be actively reaching out to end dump operators and working with industry partners to promote participation. As owners, we know that a well-trained employee is a safe and productive employee. Proper training not only enhances job site safety but also protects your equipment and operations. We strongly encourage all members operating end dumps to connect with Shannon to learn more—volume discounts are available, and the course is very competitively priced.

Finally, a reminder about our upcoming Golf Tournament. This event consistently sells out and provides an excellent opportunity for networking and a great day on the course. We are excited to see you out there!

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The province is divided into different climate zones, and each zone has its own timeline. In 2026, the general window runs from early March into late May or early June, depending on the zone. The province also announced specific start dates—March 20 for Zone 1, March 31 for Zones 2 through 4, and April 2 for Zone 5—but these can still shift if the weather warms up faster or slower than expected. During this period, trucks have to follow reduced axle‑weight limits. Level 1 restrictions allow steering axles up to 10 kilograms per millimetre of tire width and other axles up to 90 percent of their usual legal weight. Level 2 is stricter, dropping steering axles to 6.5 kilograms per millimetre and other axles to 65 percent. For those of you like me that hate math, you can find charts on our website that have done it for you @ https://www.gov.mb.ca/mti/srr/restrictions.html

For drivers, staying compliant is mostly about staying informed and planning ahead. It helps to know which climate zone you’re driving in and to check Manitoba 511 or the Spring Road Restrictions website for updates, since conditions can change quickly. The province also posts an official SRR Order that lists every restricted road, the level of restriction, and the exact axle‑weight limits, so reviewing that before heading out is a smart move. There’s also an online map that shows all restricted routes, and because it can change throughout the season, it’s worth checking regularly. Once you know what roads are affected, you can plan your load and route—sometimes that means carrying a lighter load, and other times it means choosing a different road that isn’t restricted. One important reminder, even a bobtailing tractor’s steer axle will be overweight on a 65% restricted route.

If anything feels unclear, Manitoba Permit Services or Motor Carrier Enforcement can help sort things out. Following the restrictions not only protects the roads but also helps drivers avoid fines, delays, and unexpected issues at Highway Traffic Inspection Stations, keeping everything moving smoothly during the spring thaw.

Stay safe out there,Paul

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I know the proposed amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act (previously Bill 203) is an important issues for HEAT members. I’ve written a City of Winnipeg letter of support for the proposed amendment – requiring written notice within 60 days for personal injury claims arising from snow or ice on private property. Sixty days establishes a clear and reasonable notice requirement that would allow property owners and snow removal contractors to investigate claims in a timely manner, while evidence and site conditions are still available.

From a tax payer perspective, improved predictability and efficiency is beneficial to the broader public. We all know that risk management costs are often passed on to taxpayers through higher costs, so work we can proactively do to reduce risk benefits everyone. From a municipal perspective, this approach promotes fairness, clarity, and responsible risk management.

I recognize that discussions with the Province are ongoing but wanted to assure HEAT members that the City of Winnipeg supports continued consideration of this amendment and appreciates the collaborative efforts of HEAT and other stakeholders in advancing it.

Janice Lukes

Chair, Public Works

City Councillor, Waverley West

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Spring Road Restrictions Well, it’s approaching that time of the year when the frost will come out of the ground and things start to get mushy for awhile. The joys of building roads and driving on a flood plain. While as of writing they are not yet in effect, all of us will be notified when the engineers decide on a start date. All the info you need to know can be found at  https://www.gov.mb.ca/mti/srr/index.html, including info on which roads are affected and how to calculate allowable axle weights. Headingley HTIS Re-opening Well, after about a year we’ve just reopened the Headingley Traffic Inspection Station last Friday. Yes, we are aware of the irony of opening on Friday the 13th. LOL For anyone who ever had to come into the old building you can appreciate how badly it needed to be replaced. It was far beyond its service life and no longer reflected the needs of the industry. The new site has many improvements for both officers and drivers, with improved traffic flow, safer inspection areas, and the ability to better handle Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs) and longer exit lanes to better allow speed to be increased before merging with traffic flow. Officers who were assigned to other locations during the shut down will be returning to their base location, but don’t worry you’ll still see them and others still out and about on patrol, including on Hwy 2, to meet drivers that are actively trying to miss the opportunity to visit the new Headingley site. Question about Trailers not owned by Carriers I received a question from a HEAT member who brought forth the scenario of carriers doing work with leased trailers that are not their own, where the company they lease from are not honoring their responsibilities to fix the trailer when there are issues. They were wondering who would get the points and/or Out Of Service (OOS) against their profile, the carrier or the owner of the trailer? First point I’d like to make is that minor defect generally do not place a trailer out-of-service. Major defects and hazardous conditions listed in national safety code standard 11B are conditions that would give rise to an out-of-service order, as the conditions would make the vehicle not fit for the road, for the driver, and the public that shares the road with the commercial vehicle.   The simplest answer is that all points are applied to the carrier operating the power unit, as they were the one in care and control of the trailer at the time the infraction was noted. Their driver should have noted the issue when they did their pre-trip and rectified it before proceeding (or decided not to proceed with it until it was fixed, if it was a Major Defect). So, the last opportunity to stop the infraction was in the hands of the carrier, not the trailer owner.   If work can’t be performed safely, with safe and well-maintained equipment, then it shouldn’t be taken on. Ethically and financially the consequences are too great to roll the dice with safety.   Stay safe out there!   Paul

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Thank you to everyone for your tremendous support of our recent “Funspiel.” The event was completely sold out and proved to be an outstanding day of networking, great food, and plenty of fun.

Congratulations to all the winners, and a sincere thank you to those who sponsored, attended, and helped organize the day’s activities. Your continued commitment is what strengthens and builds our Association.

What a unique winter we have experienced so far. The wind has certainly played a significant role in snow clearing operations. Historically, Winnipeg sees an average of approximately 117 cm (46 inches) of snowfall during the winter maintenance season. While we have not yet reached that benchmark, there is still ample time, as we all know that March and even early April can deliver significant snow events. On average, snow remains on the ground in Winnipeg for approximately 132 days each season.

We want to recognize and acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our members. Your 24/7 response to snow events ensures that our city continues to function. Without your professionalism and rapid mobilization, Winnipeg would quite simply shut down during major storms. Your work protects mobility, safety, and critical infrastructure across the region.

I understand that several members will be attending ConExpo in Las Vegas. This is an exceptional event and an excellent opportunity to explore new equipment, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. I encourage you to fully participate in the seminars and networking opportunities. Time invested at events like this often delivers long-term dividends for your operations and our industry.

Safe travels to those attending and thank you again for your continued dedication.

Regards,

Bruce Henley

Stakeholder Relations Manager

Heavy Equipment Aggregate Truckers Association of Manitoba

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Bill 38 and Blue Lamps: What Snow‑Clearing Operators Need to Know

With the forecast released this week, we are apparently still in the thick of winter and there is still a lot of snow clearing to be done. While last month I talked about Bill 38 – The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Snow Clearing and Winter Maintenance), this month I want to clarify how blue warning lamps must be used on snow‑clearing equipment. These lights aren’t just for show. They’re a safety tool, and Bill 38 makes it clearer when they must be used—and what happens if they’re not.

Why Blue Lamps Matter

In Manitoba, when the public sees a blue light on big equipment, they know a plow, grader, loader, or sanding unit is working nearby. It’s a signal to slow down, give space, and expect sudden movements. Bill 38 tightens expectations around when the lamp must be on, and when it must be off.

When Blue Lamps MUST Be Used

If you’re doing winter‑maintenance work, the blue light needs to be on—no exceptions. Operators are required to activate the blue lamp whenever they are:

• Plowing snow
• Sanding or salting
• Blowing snow
• Clearing shoulders or lanes
• Working in low‑visibility conditions
• Operating on or near the roadway during a snow event

The lamp must be clearly visible from all directions, which means it can’t be blocked by snow, attachments, or equipment.

When Blue Lamps MUST NOT Be Used

Using the blue lamp at the wrong time confuses other drivers and weakens the meaning of the signal. This is where operators can get into trouble. Blue lamps cannot be used:

• While driving to or from the yard
• When the equipment is not performing winter‑maintenance work
• During non‑winter work like grading, ditching, or hauling
• As a general “I’m a big machine” warning

Consequences for Improper Use

Bill 38 doesn’t create brand‑new fines just for snow‑clearing operators, but it removes the grey areas. Here’s what can happen:

1. Fines for using blue lamps when you shouldn’t

Improper use can lead to charges such as:

• Unauthorized use of a warning light
• Improper use of lighting equipment
• Creating a traffic hazard

2. Fines for NOT using blue lamps when required

If you’re plowing or sanding without the lamp on, you can be charged for:

• Failing to display required warning lights
• Operating without proper safety equipment
• Driving without due care

If a collision happens, the lack of proper lighting becomes a major liability issue.

Bottom Line: Blue means winter work.

• If you’re plowing, sanding, or clearing snow, the lamp must be on.
• If you’re not doing winter‑maintenance work, the lamp must be off.

Using the lamp properly keeps operators safe, keeps the public safe, and keeps winter operations running smoothly.

Manitoba’s New Accident‑Reporting Requirement

With Manitoba’s new accident‑reporting requirement now in effect, many carriers are working to understand how the amended sections of The Highway Traffic Act, including 318.1(3)(a) and 318.1(4), apply to their day‑to‑day operations. As an Outreach Officer with Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement, my goal is to help you stay compliant and avoid preventable violations as these rules become part of your regular safety processes.

You will already have seen the January 30, 2026 bulletin outlining the new requirement to report accidents involving regulated vehicles. In short, carriers must report any accident that results in more than $2,000 in property damage, requires a vehicle to be towed, or results in a police report due to injury, fatality, or any circumstance listed under section 155(7) of the HTA. These thresholds are broad by design, ensuring that significant commercial‑vehicle incidents are captured consistently across Manitoba.

A key part of the new requirement is the 30‑day reporting window. Carriers must submit the online Motor Carrier Accident Report within 30 days of receiving the particulars of the accident. This report does not replace the obligation to notify police when required under the HTA; those reports must still be made separately. The online form on the MTI Safety Monitoring webpage is the official method for meeting the requirement, and failure to submit it within the 30‑day timeframe may result in an offence.

To stay compliant, carriers should ensure they have a clear internal process for gathering accident details and determining whether the incident meets the reporting threshold. Timely communication from drivers is essential. Drivers should report incidents promptly and provide complete information—photos, location details, towing documentation, and any police file numbers—so your office has enough time to complete the MTI submission.

For many carriers, the biggest adjustment is simply tightening the flow of information. The sooner your safety or dispatch staff receive the particulars, the easier it is to meet the 30‑day requirement and avoid enforcement action. Consistent procedures and clear expectations for drivers will help prevent missed deadlines.

Motor Carrier Enforcement is here to support you as you adapt to these changes. Our role is not only to enforce the legislation but also to help carriers understand it and build processes that keep them compliant. If you have questions about the reporting requirement or how it applies to your operation, the Motor Carrier Safety Program is available to assist at mcsafety@gov.mb.ca or call 204-945-5322.

Stay safe out there!

Thanks,

Paul

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