Families still asking ‘why’ after safety audit of Miller Waste following two fatal collisions

A safety audit of Miller Waste Systems still does not answer the question of 'why'.

That according to the lawyer representing the Fennert family.

Last February, 77-year-old Christel Fennert was crossing the street in the area of Tremaine Crescent and Tremaine Drive in Kitchener, when she was struck by a garbage truck and killed. She was walking home from dropping her granddaughter off at school. A 43-year-old Cambridge man was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, and criminal negligence causing death.

The first incident happened in July 2020, where 68-year-old Nancy Ouellette was struck by a garbage truck while out walking her dog at the time. It happened in the Country Way and Tuerr Drive area of Kitchener. She and her dog both died from their injuries. A 29-year-old Cambridge man was charged with careless driving causing death.

“Why within seven months, two families in Waterloo Region have lost a loved one who was struck by a driver of a Miller Waste truck?” asked Robert Detuschmann, who represents the Fennert family.

Deutschmann said regional council should ask what steps Miller Waste took after the first collision to ensure the driver safely operated the waste truck.

“Region should seek a full account of what happened in these two accidents and obtain assurances on the steps that were taken and are being taken that whatever caused these two fatal accidents will not reoccur.” he said.

The Fennert family is still grieving the loss of their grandmother and mother, and the loss is tough to still deal with. Christel Fennert lived with her daughter Cynthia in Kitchener for the past seven years. Deutschmann said Cynthia expressed losing her mom is a pain she can't describe. Kayla is the granddaughter of Christel, and she has been in shock since the day her grandmother was killed.

“It was so sudden she never got a proper goodbye … or even last I love you.” Detuchmann explained to council, “she has been depressed struggling with her day-to-day tasks, and frankly, she is distancing herself from family and friends.”

Deutschmann addressed the council in stating the essential question was not answered by the safety audit. “Despite all the health and safety procedures in place, two families in Waterloo Region continue to grieve the loss of their loved one without any answers on why.”

The independent audit found the occupational health and safety program at Miller Waste Systems has the necessary elements in place.