The town’s investment of a snow blower could prove to be of long-term benefit by providing a streamlined method of snow removal.
Interim CAO Donna Tona said the blade, which cost $115,000 (funds taken from road reserves) is efficient and well worth the dollars spent. She said the snow blower works on the same concept as blowing grain from a combine into a truck.
“It is much faster than the traditional method and will free us up to do other things,” she said.
Tona noted it will take about four and a half days to clear residential streets using the snow blower. She reminds all residents to keep their vehicles off the street if snow removal signs are posted.
“We need residents to take responsibility and help us out,” she said. “Cars that aren’t removed will be towed so that will mean a towing charge, plus storage. We don’t want to see that happen.”
Tona said public works crews are doing their best to keep on top of snow removal, but she said business owners need to be responsible for keeping a path open from the street to the front of their building.
Council, at its February 9 meeting, debated the enhanced service level with regard to snow sweeping the downtown business sidewalks.
Previously, town staff provided extra snow services that were not stated in a bylaw.
After discussions, council agreed they were not prepared to foot the bill for the cost of new equipment necessary to continue this service.
Businesses and residents are required to keep their own sidewalks clean and free of ice and snow.