We are beginning to see the arrival of winter. With the first snowfall, discussions relating to snow removal become a frequent topic of conversation.
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.
Through the Service Excellence Initiative recently undertaken by District staff, Public Works Operators provided Council with practices and efficiencies they have identified within the Snow and Ice Control Policy. These items were discussed and deliberated by Council and resulted in several changes to the Policy.
The first, directly related to windrows, amended the Policy adjusting the response to windrows to commence when the average height of a windrow is greater than six inches, a height at which an average car can drive over. This change to the Policy no longer requires 4-5 employees to respond to a full day of windrow removal or insignificant amounts of snow.
Secondly, there are several residences which have driveways spanning the entire length of their property. The challenge is finding locations for snow storage when vehicles span the entire width. In addition, there are properties that are renting out and have multiple driveways or have vehicles parked on their lawn. This creates additional snow clearing expectations.
New language in the Policy speaks to the need for private property owners providing a space for snow storage. See section 4.9.2 of the Snow an Ice Control Policy below. Windrow responses are also now limited to driveways only and to one double vehicle width driveway per property.
4.9.2 Private property owners must allow space as dedicated snow storage immediately adjacent to their driveway to be eligible for windrow clearing service. If the driveway entrance spans the entire length of the property, the property owner can designate a storage location within the driveway entrance for snow storage.
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. Policy changes identified the need to move Centennial Street, Business alleyways, Douglas Fir Road, Sparwood Drive and the Golf Course Road from the Classification of Priority C to Priority B.
It is important for residents to remember a complete snow clean-up can take the crew anywhere from eight to fourteen hours and 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. 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.
In all that we do throughout the District, safety is always number one. As heavier snowfalls appear in the months ahead, 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. It is critical that children do not play in these areas along the roads. 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 not to 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: October 27, 2023 | Category: Mayor's Monthly Editorial News & Updates