A good portion of Monday night’s council meeting was devoted to snow.
Specifically, the topic was snow removal. Director of Utilities Stewart Schafer gave city councillors a primer on how their crews go about clearing the snow on city streets.
He provided information on the priority one, priority two, non-priority and Highways Department streets that are maintained. But Schafer spent most of his time describing windrows, defined as a “long line of material heaped up by the wind or by a machine.”
These are described as an “economical method for the city to move snow from the driving lanes of streets to the shoulders or curbs of the street.
Schafer noted in his presentation that the grader will drop the snow gate to hold the snow back when going by driveways and through intersections. But the snow gate is unable to hold back all the snow. The grader can only hold back snow for about 20 feet before the snow escapes the gate and spills out.
A windrow gap can only be 20 feet total per driveway, according to the city.
The city will also allow for a maximum of 12 inches snow ridge to be left behind, though in most cases it is six to eight inches.
As well, there are several instances where city crews will go back and remove windrows. If a windrow is covering half the sidewalk people can phone 306-445-1700 and the city will come and look at it, and possibly clear it for pedestrians.
Those looking for answers to their questions about snow removal can look at the city webpage at www.cityofnb.ca/resident_services/frequently asked questions.html.
Also, those with snow removal concerns can call City Hall at 306-445-1700 and talk to reception, who will then pass on the information. Schafer is advising people to not call the Public Works shop directly.
The snow has been particularly deep in the city this year due to the long and cold winter. Because it has been so cold, it has made it difficult for snow accumulations to melt.
“We did not have a mid-winter melt,” said Mayor Ryan Bater. “It’s been below zero for a long time so the snow’s been accumulating.”
Bater is proud of the city’s efforts to get to all the neighbourhoods in the city.
“It’s getting more and more rare in Saskatchewan to have a city as big as ours still clearing all streets and residential streets,” said Bater. “I think the city’s done a very good job in clearing the snow, making the streets safe for traffic.”
