Peterborough County is taking a stand against aggressive behaviour towards construction workers.
The county issued a media release to this effect on Thursday (October 3) that was prompted, according to county CAO Sheridan Graham, by incidents during the 2024 construction season.
“There have been numerous events, most recently along Chemong Road when the county and contractor were recently doing surface treatment and painting,” Graham told kawarthaNOW in an email. “That incident involved a driver uttering death threats to our employee.”
In the media release, Graham stated that “any violence or harassment of our workers or our contractors will not be tolerated.”
The county is reminding drivers that any form of aggressive behaviour — including yelling, insults, threats, intimidation, or physical abuse — that is directed towards road construction workers, whether county staff or contractors, is unacceptable.
“Construction workers play a vital role in our community by contributing to essential infrastructure and development projects that benefit everyone,” the release states. “Unfortunately, they frequently encounter unwarranted hostility while on the job. This aggressive behavior disrupts their work, can lead to significant delays in project completion, and if warranted may require police involvement.”
According to Angie Kerr, acting staff sergeant of the Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), anyone engaging in such behaviour could face charges such as uttering threats, assault, or mischief, with penalties under the Criminal Code of Canada ranging from fines to imprisonment.
“I want to make it clear: we have zero tolerance for any threats or violence against construction workers at road closures,” Kerr said. “These closures are necessary to maintain our community’s infrastructure. While we understand the frustration, we will not tolerate aggression toward workers.”
According to Bryan Weir, the county’s senior director of planning and public works, “harassment of construction workers is becoming a serious problem.”
“It stems from impatience, self-importance, and putting the safety and well-being of our vital construction crews second to experiencing a minor disruption in travel,” Weir said.
“Without the important work that is done, there would be no infrastructure to travel upon, no clean water or sanitary conditions, no sidewalks, and unbearable ongoing inconveniences to daily living. Respecting a workplace is a right that everyone is entitled to.”
Graham noted that the county’s communications department “does an amazing job of updating on projects and delays” and that the county also uses the Municipal511 service at municipal511.ca to communicate where construction, road closures, load restrictions, and other possible delays are taking place.
“Please follow us on these channels to get more information and to plan your travel,” Graham said. “Don’t take it out on our workers — kindness and patience go a long way! Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Drivers can also check the county’s website for construction notices.
