By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With more snow in the forecast, Mayor Dave Aker carved out some time at the end of this week's council meeting to reflect on the snow that's fallen and the snow to come.
“We've had a challenging month with 80 centimeters of snow two weeks ago,” he said. “I hear there could be a heavy snowfall this Friday.”
While avoiding asking Public Works Director Glen Dollimont for his predictions on snowfall amounts to come, Aker asked for an update on equipment and staff readiness in anticipation of the coming weather.
“All indications right now is there is going to be some type of weather event Thursday into Friday into Saturday morning,” Dollimont said. “As a preparation for that, we’ve been preparing for this since the last snowfall.”
He then noted ongoing work such as blowback, sidewalk work, and pushing back corners.
“Our equipment is ready. We’ve budgeted and replaced our equipment when needed. Our staff is ready to go, and we will be ready as normal,” Dollimont said. “Come Thursday into Friday depending on snow volumes, there's a good chance we'll have staff at this cleanup 24/7 until we get where we want to be.”
In her public works status report, meanwhile, Councillor Chelsea Lane updated the room on additional winter work being carried out, including snow removal from city streets, sidewalks, cul-de-sacs, fire hydrants, islands, and other places.
Ice control crews are also at work, and trail grooming is ongoing as long as weather conditions allow.
