“There’s been a lot of snow recently and our contractors have been doing a good job,” said Coun. Cory Thomas, vice-chair of the city’s municipal works committee. “With the four plows that we’ve contracted out to the amalgamated areas, I haven’t had any complaints from any residents, so we’ll continue to monitor that and see how that goes.”
Thomas said there have been some equipment problems surrounding snow removal from sidewalks because of the heavy, wet snow.
“Staff continue to work to get those cleared out as best we can,” he noted.
Deputy Mayor Bruce MacDougall said the city put on an extra plow this year to hasten the clearing of streets. In previous years, residents in the St. Eleanors area complained to council that it was taking too long to get their area cleared of snow.
“I haven’t received a call, so to my mind it’s doing the trick. In other years it (complaints) was constant on every storm,” said MacDougall.
Coun. Jim Steele said he was always in support of adding an extra plow to snow removal operations.
“We’re one hour ahead (in terms of removing snow) than we were last year and things are moving pretty good,” said Steele.
Coun. Ron Dowling agreed that city crews and contractors have handled the large snowfall amounts well.
“It’s an arduous task when you’re faced with the amount of snow and the conditions of blowing snow and so on,” Dowling said. “I haven’t received a single complaint so far this year. The crews are certainly getting the job done in a very efficient and timely manner. The people do understand that it’s not something that can be cleared out in a matter of a few hours. It takes several runs through.”
Thomas said municipal works and contract crews have not only had snow to deal with this winter.
“They’ve had to repair two broken water mains recently,” Thomas said. “I want to thank MacAusland’s Construction who, under contract with the city, were busy going around the city digging out drainage ditches where there were drainage issues. It’s important that residents, if they feel there is an emergency like that, where water is rising towards their homes and their culverts are all plugged up, to call police dispatch at 431-1201. There is someone there 24/7 and they will get in touch with the appropriate people to fix that.”
mcarson@journalpioneer.com
