Snowfall in Rimbey, as throughout Alberta, has been substantial this year and Mayor Rick Pankiw is happy the provincial government has verbally agreed to increase the number of times they will clear Hwy. 53 in town.
Pankiw recently returned from an Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Convention in Calgary where he met with Ric McIver, the Minister of Transportation to request more snow removal on Hwy. 53.
“We asked for six (times) and they verbally approved that. It was four, previously. Now we just need to get it in writing. They also agreed to leave a windrow in the middle so it will be easier for us to pick it up. They were very accommodating.”
Pankiw said he was pleased at how accommodating the Minister of Transportation, Ric McIver was when the request was made.
Snow removal in the downtown core is especially important for local businesses, he said.
“We want people to shop locally and we want to keep it safe for everyone, including children and those in wheelchairs and scooters.”
Pankiw said he found the convention to be interesting and informative.
“It was very informative, especially the first two days. It was especially good for myself and Einar (Olsen) and Matt (Jaycox) as new to council.”
Pankiw was also pleased with talks with Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs about a new aging-in-place facility for Rimbey.
“They have identified Rimbey as a high needs area and talks are continuing.”
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association was founded in 1905 and represents Alberta’s 272 urban municipalities including cities, towns, villages, summer villages, and specialized municipalities, as well as associate and affiliate members.