Snow Removal
With winter well upon us, Mayor and Council wanted to dedicate this editorial snow removal. Sparwood is well known for outstanding snow removal, which is undertaken with pride by the dedicated members of the Public Works Department. Snow clearing requires not only the efforts of the operators, but also residents to ensure the process can be undertaken efficiently and completely.
Over the years, the snow and ice removal program has been through significant changes, with the most notable being the inclusion of driveway windrow removal. This has become a valued service to the community, but it does not come without cost implications and substantial increases to crew time. As always, it is our goal to provide the highest level of service in a timely manner, while balancing resources and other important municipal services.
Snow and ice removal/control in Sparwood is conducted on a priority basis and road clearing begins once there is a two-inch accumulation of snow. The first thing to be cleared are main arterial roads, such as Pine Avenue, Ponderosa Drive, Aspen Drive, Red Cedar Drive and Centennial Square. Municipal parking lots, sidewalks and walkways, are also a top priority. Secondary routes, which include some school bus routes, residential connector roads and residential sidewalks are cleared next. The third priority is the remaining roads and walkways.
Typically, a complete snow clean-up can take the crew anywhere from eight to fourteen hours. This means that lower traffic residential areas will likely be addressed later in the day. Under extreme snowfalls, allowing for the time to perform windrow removal, means we can lose the sidewalks and visibility at intersections and driveways for days. Proceed cautiously until crews have an opportunity to remove piles of snow.
Windrow removal is generally completed in the same priority sequence as identified for municipal road and sidewalks to maximize efficiency. However, if available resources are not adequate to clear all windrows, remaining windrows may be left until the following day. Private parking lots and roadways are not the responsibility of the District, as these areas are maintained by the owner or occupier of the property. While some residents have expressed displeasure that their windrow is not cleared by a specific time, the priority sequence of clearing ensures important routes and roads are maintained to safeguard the primary travel requirements of residents first.
Residents are reminded that parking on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations is prohibited from October 1 to March 31 between the hours of 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. When vehicles are left on the road, it prevents the operators from being able to fully clear the street and may result in the offending vehicle being plowed in or towed at the owner’s expense. In addition to parking, it is important to remember it is an offence to push, place or throw any snow or ice upon a highway or lane.
In all that we do throughout the District, safety is always number one. As we get heavier snowfalls, one of the biggest concerns is children playing in snowbanks and on piles of snow that can be hidden and potentially unseen by the operator. The Public Works team may remove snow piles along roadways and in residential areas any time. This can prove to be dangerous if children are playing on, or in the piles. In addition, there are often greater blind spots in larger equipment. I would like to remind residents who are on foot or in a vehicle to not follow or get close to moving equipment. It is important to make eye contact with the operator before going around or in front. Please have patience and use caution.
More information on snow removal can be found within the District of Sparwood Snow and Ice Control Policy. For questions or concerns, related to our program, residents may call the Sparwood Public Works Department at 250.425.7760 or email publicworks@sparwood.ca.
Post Date: March 15, 2023 | Category: Mayor's Monthly Editorial News & Updates