Snow removal crews ready for winter

Nov 7, 2018 | 3:00 PM

With the snow hitting the ground in the Battlefords, the city will now start its ongoing battle with the weather in the form of snow removal.

The city deploys two graders, two sanding trucks, a snow blower for the front of their loader, and a side walk plow to combat the snowfall throughout the season. The city has three different sections around the area that are classified as priority one, two and non-priority routes which can be seen here.

They also receive a bit of help from the Department of Highways in terms of plowing around the city on Territorial Drive, Highway 16, 4 and 40, as well as Airport Road and Service Roads.

Dan Loewen, Director of Infrastructure with the city said unlike some cities, North Battleford does not have a policy in which they plow after a distinct amount of snowfall.

“There’s no standard,” he said. “We try and keep them as clean as we can, time permitting.”

Loewen also added the city hasn’t had an issue with dealing with the snow in the past. Getting the snow off and keeping the roads safe is a priority for on-call crew members.

“We have one gentleman that starts at three in the morning on the sanding truck,” he said. “He usually gets the Subway Hill done first thing in the morning.”

Loewen understands this can be a stressful time for not only his crews, but also the residents of the area, and has an important message for people of the Battlefords that may feel like they aren’t getting their areas cleaned in a timely fashion.

“Please treat our city workers with respect,” he said. “They’re trying to do the best they are possible. Keep your safe distances and treat us with respect. Please do not holler at us, no verbal abuse.”

 

brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangCJNB