Vehicles stuck in the snow was a common sight in La Ronge on Tuesday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
winter storm

Heavy snow keeping La Ronge municipal staff busy

Nov 16, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Snow has been falling continuously in La Ronge since late Monday with up to 35 centimetres forecasted before the current winter storm warning ends.

Environment Canada is forecasting up to 30 centimetres of snow in the tri-communities on Tuesday, throughout the night and into Wednesday. Wind gusts are expected to reach 60 kilometres per hour with an overnight low of -9 C.

La Ronge chief administrative officer Steve Brown told larongeNOW public works staff have been very busy and they will remain so for the next few days.

“When a snowstorm like this happens, we always focus on the main arterials with heavy traffic and emergency routes where ambulance, fire and police all need to travel,” he said. “The town will then move on to the residential streets in due course but given with the heavy snowfall with up to 25 to 30 centimetres I understand, it’s going to take some time to clean the roads no doubt.”

The first roads in La Ronge earmarked for snow removal are La Ronge Avenue, Boardman Street, Hildebrand Drive, Backlund Street, Bedford Drive and Holmstrup Street. Factors that could affect the order of clearing can include the clearing or removing of snow for garbage routes, as well as the accumulation of snow and the effect of continued snowfall.

These are the snow routes currently in place in La Ronge. (Town of La Ronge)

If residents or motorists come across graders, plows, lifts or other heavy equipment, they are asked to keep a safe distance and keep vehicles away so municipal staff can work efficiently.

“Try and keep the sidewalks clean as much as possible. People do still need to use the sidewalks,” Brown said. “I’ve had it happen to me when you have an unfortunate accident on sidewalk and it can cause neighbours and fellow citizens undue hardship for sure. Best to keep the sidewalks clean as much as possible, and keep snow removed and keep it out of the way.”

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

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