Snow Removal Update

Here's the latest City of Grande Prairie media release on snow removal. I'll provide a debrief later.
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Feb.1, 2011

Crystal Ridge and South Patterson Neighbourhoods Ploughed Today

Crystal Ridge and the South Patterson neighbourhoods are on today’s schedule for snow ploughing as City and contract crews continue to clean up after the mid-January record snowfall.

Lakeland, Crystal Lake and the Country Club areas follow with completion expected Thursday.

Clearing of back alleys throughout the City is ongoing with high volume spots and identified problem areas taking top priority.

“Warmer weather throughout the week will make it easier on equipment and speed up operations,” says Robert Carroll, Transportation Services Manager. “We ask residents to help our crews monitoring catch basins by watching for any build up of snow and ice. If they are unable to clear them, we ask they call us at 780.538.0354.”

Snow hauling work is occurring simultaneously between 10 p.m. and 2 p.m. Removal of snow piles has concentrated on bus routes and school zones. Other crews have been ploughing trails.

“The forecast for the next few days is on our side as we reach the final stages of this campaign addressing the mid-January major weather event,” says Mayor Bill Given. “We’re glad to see the entire City will be back functioning smoothly.”

Twenty pieces of contracted equipment are in use, doubling the size City of Grande Prairie forces involved in the effort to clear residential streets. Snow removal and ice control costs $6 million in 2010. In addition, there is a snow removal reserve of $2.5 million that can be accessed.

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January 27, 2011

Pinnacle and Hillcrest Areas Focus of Thursday’s Snow Clearing

Snow ploughing efforts addressing the mid-January record snowfall are centred in the Pinnacle and Hillside residential areas today.

Wednesday, crews were able to complete Mission Heights, Mountview and Copperwood.

Milder conditions have been a boon, helping to decrease the size of windrows. However, slippery streets have meant that sanding and salting needed to occur.

“Our staff are monitoring drainage issues, checking out typical areas where we need to clear catch basins,” says Robert Carroll, Transportation Services Manager. “There are hundreds of catch basins in the City and we appreciate residents clearing them of ice and snow if they see them covered. If this is not possible, we encourage people to call us at 780.538.0354.

“Once the last areas that hadn’t received service before the major snowfall are cleared, we will return to the neighbourhoods that had a visit from crews earlier and resume our regular routine.”

Twenty pieces of contracted equipment are in use, doubling the size City of Grande Prairie forces involved in the effort to clear residential streets. The City has a $6 million snow removal and ice control budget. In addition, there is a snow removal reserve of $2.5 million that can be accessed.

Crews are working around the clock and will continue until all residential areas are caught up to. In addition to ploughing, staff are working to avoid springtime issues by carefully placing snow piles away from drainage. As well, care is taken to minimize the potential for property damage.

“We continue to work through the accumulation in residential areas as fast as we can,” says Mayor Bill Given. “Handling the extreme weather event is the top priority for Council and Administration. We appreciate some residents are anxious to see a plough on their street and we look forward to all areas being cleared.”