WARM WEATHER IN DECEMBER AND ICY ROADS IN JANUARY?

Most of us were enjoying the weather before Christmas. Unless you were a hardcore winter sports enthusiast the absence of ice on the roads and the warm temperatures more than made up for a green Christmas.

But I think a number of us were worried about what above zero temperatures in late December mean. When I moved to Ottawa, the ground would be snow covered from late November or early December until March or April. Other than a brief period in early January, we assumed the temperature in the winter would be below zero.

That is no longer the case. In the last few years, the first snow fall that does not melt within a couple of days has been coming later and later. Temperatures above zero are becoming more common.

Where we are already seeing the effects of this change in temperature is snow ploughing and ice control. As the average temperature rises, there are many more days with freeze/thaw conditions. On these days, snow packed roads and pathways quickly become coated with ice.

The City recognized this last year when it increased funding for snow ploughing and ice removal. We will see this year if the additional funds are enough. The lack of snow in December will save money, but any savings could be wiped out by the need to deal with icy roads and sidewalks in January.

We may also find that the additional measures adopted last year to control ice are not enough. If that it the case, we face the prospect of steadily increasing costs to deal with icy streets and sidewalks as our climate changes.

OUTDOOR RINKS – MAKING SKATING ACCESSIBLE

Every year the city provides funding to community groups to maintain outdoor rinks in local parks. There is no charge to use the rinks. Outdoor rinks are intended to allow people a chance to go skating without leaving their neighbourhood.

In Kanata South there are 13 outdoor rinks. While they vary in size, all depend on the efforts of volunteers in our community to maintain them. It is an example of how the city working with volunteers can deliver a service in a cost effective way.

As temperatures go below freezing, rinks will be set up. Below is the list of outdoor rinks in Kanata South.

Young’s Pond Park, 177 McCurdy Drive
Dog Bone Park, 5 Morton Drive
Pumphouse Park, 170 Castlefrank Road
Shetland Park, 24 Shetland Way
Mattawa Park, 94 Steeple Chase Drive
Black Tern Park, 53 Black Tern Crescent
Bluegrass Park, 63 Bluegrass Drive
Huntsman Park, 38 Huntsman Crescent
Meadowbreeze Park, 98 Meadowbreeze Drive
Scissons Park, 96 Bridle Park Drive
Sawyer Meadow Park, 80 Sawyer Way
Katimavik School, 64 Chimo Drive
Stonemeadow Park, 56 Stonemeadow Drive

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 613-580-2752 (office), 613-580-2762 (fax), or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca