Grey and Bruce County hosted the regional safety truck ‘roadeo’ on Tuesday, September 22, with equipment operators from municipalities within the Counties. The top two from each County joined the best municipal equipment operators from across Ontario on September 23 for the 2026 Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo, hosted by the Grey County Public Works Association and Bruce County Public Works Association at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
These annual competitions showcase the expertise, professionalism, and safe driving skills of municipal equipment operators. Competitors qualify for the provincial event by winning regional Roadeo competitions held throughout Ontario, earning the opportunity to represent their municipalities and local associations on the provincial stage.
The AORS Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo promotes safety, courtesy, and excellence in public works operations through a series of challenging driving and equipment-handling events designed to test precision, skill, and professionalism.
Each year, one of AORS’s local associations hosts the Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo, assembling a committee of municipal and private-sector volunteers to organize the event. Beyond the competition itself, hosting the Roadeo provides an opportunity for public works professionals to collaborate, strengthen relationships within their local associations, and showcase their community to visitors from across Ontario.
The Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo has been held annually since 1994 and is organized by the AORS Education Committee in partnership with the host local association. The competition celebrates excellence in municipal equipment operation while reinforcing the importance of safe driving practices and professional development within the public works sector.
Following the competition, the top three drivers receive trophies, plaques, and cash prizes. The overall champion is presented with the Provincial Roadeo Trophy at the AORS Annual General Meeting the following spring.
“Public works professionals play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and connected every day. We were honoured to welcome Ontario’s top equipment operators to Owen Sound and showcase both their incredible talents and the dedication of the people who serve communities across the province,” said Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy.
The City of Owen Sound thanks the Grey County Public Works Association, Bruce County Public Works Association, AORS, volunteers, sponsors, and participants whose efforts contributed to the success of this year’s event.
