Educational grant announced PAGE A3
Friday, January 8, 2016
CVF/TRAC wrap up PAGE A9
VOL. 102 NO. 35
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City snow removal policy, scope and costs
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AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
At a grand total of $900,000 a year, mayor Bob Simpson praised snow removal crews but noted “it costs us.” Simpson said that figure is an average over a four year period and includes standing crews, city equipment, contracts and leases. Simpson did note a struggle with the amount of precipitation over a short period of time. “Now we’re getting it in isolated dumps, maybe three or four main events instead of over an entire season,” he said, noting if it’s a snow event over the weekend incurred costs of overtime, equipment rental and being short staffed are also difficult to predict. Simpson also pointed to driveway clearing and city policy, which states: “Be advised that with snowfalls of four inches or greater, the City of Quesnel removes the windrow of snow left by snow plows at the entrance to each driveway. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to mark any obstructions that may be damaged by backhoes clearing the driveway entrance (i.e. retaining walls, planters, shrubs, decorative bricks). Please mark by using a brightly colored stake about 4 ft long and place it in front of the obstacle. Markers are available at the Public Works office located at 21 Johnston Bridge Loop. The City of Quesnel does not accept responsibility for damages that occur within the road right-of-ways if obstructions are not properly marked.” Thus any snow event under four inches and no snow removal at the end of driveways will be done. “We are one of very few communities who do end of driveway cleaning,” Simpson said, noting the service costs $55,000. “We need to manage expectations. If it doesn’t happen [clearing of end of driveway] it doesn’t happen. Neighbours can help neighbours.” Each season public works maintains 146 kilometres of city streets and roads as well as sidewalks and trails.
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Taking care of winter This young snowblower was busy cleaning up the family driveway and sidewalk after the recent snowfall. According to City Hall, he will be out there clearing the end of the driveway if the snowfall is less than four inches. Autumn MacDonald photo
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