Welcome to week 6 of 20!
Most of you are familiar with my “winter control updates” but for the new Councillors, here is the scoop……I usually provide an activity update to Council and Senior Management in order for you to be informed and up to date on our activities. This will facilitate your ability to better answer questions you receive from your constituents. Although this storm was not a major one, I thought you would like to know what we are up to in addressing this storm.
I am attaching a link to the Minimum Maintenance Standards and a copy of our Schedule A (sidewalk winter control) which we use as a guide to perform our winter, (and summer) maintenance services.
In looking at the standards, I’m sure some of you may have questions. If so, I would be happy to answer any questions or provide clarity as needed. You may contact me at any time.
http://www.canlii.org/en/on/laws/regu/o-reg-239-02/latest/o-reg-239-02.html
Now the storm issue……….
Although we have been dealing with winter since early December, this is the first somewhat major storm event this season. The season runs for 20 weeks from December, 1st till approx April 1st.
Snow began falling last night as part of two storm systems. One approaching from the South East and one from the West. Snow accumulation amounts received to this point vary in the area of 6 to 7 cm. We do not anticipate any further accumulations from this storm event. We got off lucky this time folks…..higher accumulations have been reported all around us. Based on this accumulation (less than 8cm, threshold approved by Council) a full residential road plow-out is not being contemplated at this time.
ROADS;
Roads crews are still working on the main arterials (Salt Routes) and collector roads, (Secondary Salt Routes). Road crews will transition into the residential roads once the mains and arterials are complete to apply traction materials to all areas requiring treatment.
SIDEWALKS, CITY OWNED STEPS AND BUS STOPS, including DOWNTOWN
Sidewalk crews are currently out on the high pedestrian arterial, collector and bus routes. This task will take approx 12 hours to complete. Residential sidewalk plowing requirements will be assessed later this morning as we have had previous accumulation there and this added depth may have exceeded the 8cm threshold for that activity. I will report that activity to you once determined. The sidewalk plowing activity will continue non-stop around the clock until completed. The downtown sidewalks have been serviced as well, as a rule, our goal is to have them plowed and treated with materials as required before businesses open at 9:00am.
Clearing and sanding of all pedestrian cross walks and PXO’s will begin once sidewalk plowing activity is complete.
Bus stops will be cleared simultaneously with the sidewalk operation. All city owned steps are currently being cleared and treated with materials and will be cleared again as required if additional accumulation is realized..
FACILITIES;
All city owned facility parking lots, access roads and entrance ways are being worked on and are progressing on schedule. Completion is expected by noon today. Additional service will be provided as conditions warrant.
CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION PROGRAM;
As you may know, our Christmas Tree Collection Program began on Monday January 10, 2011. The Winter Control Staff collect the trees which are mulched for recycling, when not engaged in winter control activities. Due to this winter activity the program is temporarily suspended. We will resume collection and mulching, once resources are freed up from the winter activities.
Updates will be provided to you as conditions warrant or if current information changes.
As always, your patience, co-operation and understanding is very much appreciated. Staff