Snow removal and ice control policy to be adopted
At the January 11th GPC meeting, administration informed Council that it had drafted a municipal Snow Removal and Ice Control policy, one which the community had been operating without until this year.
Myron Thompson, Director of Operational Services, informed Council that the policy provides guidelines and a general plan of action for dealing with winter road maintenance, and outlines roadway category priorities.
At that meeting, Councillor Larry Mitchell moved to refer the policy to the January 20th Policy Committee meeting for review.
Since that time, Thompson said changes have been made to the draft policy, in order to better serve and represent the needs of the community.
He said administration has worked to categorize and define procedures for snow clearing and ice control, which is made difficult in this community by frequent snowfall, high winds, and hillsides, which complicate the process.
He said procedures will be improved and undertaken through the use of snow gates, and by providing a more concentrated effort of clearing snow and ice from downtown areas and priority sidewalks.
Residents will be given notice when their roadways are going to be cleared, and provided with sufficient time to relocate their vehicles, in order to further enhance snow clearing capabilities.
“We are looking forward to providing a better level of service, and learning from some of the things we have experienced this year,” said Thompson.
He noted that significant and frequent snowfall has impeded service and capability this year, and that there is always a better and more efficient way of dealing with these problems.
He said this process has been made easier by Council purchasing upgraded equipment, and through the hard work of public works crews.
“Our crews have done snow clearing in a certain manner for a very long time,” said Thompson. “They do excellent work, but there are other methods and we want to explore those.”
Councillor Siegbert Gail said he encourages residents to have patience and compassion for crews working to clear roadways and alleys.
Councillor Emile Saindon said he would like to see streets with municipal buildings and emergency services focused on even more in the future.
Councillor Gail moved to recommend that Council adopt the policy, which will realistically come into effect next winter.
The motion was passed unanimously.

Spring cleanup
Administration provided Council with information relative to the costs associated with the 2010 spring cleanup, and its projection for the cost of this year’s program.
Myron Thompson said the cleanup will take place from May 24th to June 3rd, after which time, Council and Administration will determine whether to continue, revamp, or eliminate the program.
This year, the program provides cleanup services to Crowsnest Pass residents, by picking up a maximum of three large household items such as furniture and large kitchen appliances.
Councillor Emile Saindon said he was concerned with the cost of the program, noting that last year’s program came in well over budget, and that he expects more of the same this year.
“If it’s costing us more than it’s worth, we shouldn’t be doing it,” said Councillor Saindon.
Councillors Brian Gallant, Siegbert Gail, Andrew Saje, and Larry Mitchell said they would like to see the program limited to residents with reduced mobility, such as the elderly and disabled.
“I support this program for those with reduced mobility,” said Councillor Saje. “Other than that, everybody should look after their own.”