We want to see it in writing, Nicky says

Nicky Ouellette made a presentation to North Bay council Monday night.
Here is the complete text of what she said:


“I would like to introduce myself. My name is Nicky Ouellette, and I’m the wife of the late Gerry Ouellette, stepmother of the late Scott, 17, Tracey, 15, Stephen, 14, Kevin, nine, who were all killed in a tragic car accident on Highway 11 in November of last year.”

“Left behind to endure the losses are myself and my two children Taylor and Naomi.”

“My husband had a saying: the 10-second rule. ‘If we’d only arrived at that movie store 10 seconds earlier we would’ve been able to rent the last copy of that movie we wanted to watch.’ “

“The 10-second rule.”

“‘If only we’d arrived at that stop sign 10 seconds earlier we wouldn’t have had to wait for 30 cars to go by.’”

“If only the four-laning of Highway 11 had been completed there probably would have been a different outcome of a tragedy that I have to endure as well as all the families who’ve had to suffer through the government putting the four-laning on hold.”

“My question to you is how many more people have to die before something gets done? We all need your help and commitment to lobby the government of Ontario, to get the citizens of North Bay a firm commitment to complete the four-laning of Highway 11, and not just a promise.”

“It is not just a matter of economics for our region, it is to make sure that no other families will go through the pain of losing loved ones.”

“When it comes to decisions on budgetary commitments by the Ontario government, do not let them believe their commitment ends at the end of the four-laned blacktop. Make this government commit to the people of North Bay that they will stop the grieving that comes with only two lanes of Highway 11.”

“Has the government included the four-laning expenses in their budget and not just promised to put it in their budget?”

“We want to see it in writing. Thank you for your time in listening to my concerns.”