Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2019
Dog Sled Races a Highlight Snow Removal at the Vita Winter Festival onto Roadways a Hot Topic
Forty year dog sled racing veteran Dave Hochman is in fine form as he clears the bridge on the home stretch during Sunday afternoon races. He would finish the weekend in 4th place. Photo by Marianne Curtis
By Marianne Curtis Despite bone chilling temperatures, the 3rd Annual Vita Winter Festival was a hit for locals and visitors of all ages. With a dozen of the top dog sled teams competing against each other in six and 10 dog team races, plus tons of other activities, it was easy to find a spot to warm up in between events. During the two day event which took place January 19 and 20, one of the weekend highlights is the highly enter-
taining and competitive dog sled races. As a dozen teams of ten dogs each battled it out on the track, a parade of fans in vehicles accompanied the teams along the trail from Vita to Caliento and back. With 120 eager dogs vying for position along the snow packed track, competition was fast and fierce. On the way out during the finals, a sled tipped over under the bridge which resulted in a runway team. The team dogs were eventually caught further down the trail with the help of
skilled spectators. Only three people competed in Skijoring. Steve Diamond earned the win followed by Julie Scott in the two-dog Skijoring competition and Derek Verbong was the only competitor in the one dog category. The winners of the dog sled races after two days of racing were determined to win while heading into the finals on Sunday. Continued on Page 3...
A number of communities and municipalities are issuing reminders to residents that during the winter months to use caution when moving snow from private property. Pushing or blowing snow from private property onto roadways creates a significant safety concern. It can be a hazard for snow removal equipment, and the traveling public. The snow piles act as snow traps causing roads to become blocked and in some cases impassable; and ridges are often left across roads which are especially hazardous at night for drivers who are unable to see them. For these reasons, residents are being asked not to dispose of their snow on municipal roadways. There is also confusion on who is responsible for the clearing of wind-rows after the plow has passed. Town of Niverville council sent out a notice reminding residents that it is their responsibility to clean up the snow left at the end of their driveways and sidewalks. In some communities this causes anger and frustration, but in Lorette, residents are looking out for each other by using snow blowers and all terrain vehicles to clean up each other’s driveways. The Town of Niverville is also among several communities that have asked residents to be aware that when cleaning snow from and around property to not cover or block access to fire hydrants. The Town of Niverville issued a notice stating that the Operations Department is working to clear the hydrants in Town but Fire/EMS Service would like to remind the public to keep fire hydrants clear on their property. “This is valuable time lost in the event of an emergency if we have to dig out a hydrant,� stated the town. It is also illegal to push snow from private property into municipal roadways or ditches. Should a resident be caught causing issues with snow removal, they could be fined and charged for any removal costs if the municipality removes the snow, or be responsible for damages that may occur as a result.