DISCUSSION NEEDED ON SNOW CLEARING BUDGET

One question this winter has raised is whether we need to increase the resources we allocate to snow clearing. It is recognized that everyone connected with snow ploughing has been working hard. However, too often, before Surface Operations can finish cleaning up after one storm, another one hits.

The lack of time to clean up between storms means that tasks like snow removal, pushing back snow banks and removing ice and slush from roads and sidewalks when the temperature rises do not take place as often as many people would like.

This raises a number of questions. Do we want to increase the snow clearing budget so minimum standards can be maintained when we have an unusually large amount of snow or are we prepared to accept that standards will not be met when we have near record snow fall? Does climate change mean that we can expect to get more heavy, wet snow that is difficult to clear?

While everyone agrees that snow clearing and ice control are essential, there are different opinions on what level of service is needed or whether we should be prepared to accept a lower level of service in years where snowfall is much higher than average. This is why your comments are helpful in finding a solution that best meets the needs of the community. 

NEAR RECORD SNOWFALL MEANS BEING MORE CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING

This winter we have had more snow than all but one winter on record – and the winter is not yet over. At the time I write this – and unfortunately I suspect the figure will be out of date by the time you read this – 358 centimetres of snow have fallen on Ottawa. 87 more centimetres and we will set a new record.

Surface Operations have worked hard this winter in the face of very difficult conditions. Unlike one city I can mention, Ottawa has not been reduced to calling in the military to help clear our roads.

However, snow banks are higher than normal and many roads are narrower than normal. When there is a large volume of snow, it also takes longer to plough sidewalks.

What this means is that people coming out of their driveways may not be able to see you coming. It also means that, even where there are sidewalks, people will sometimes have to walk on the road. With these conditions staying safe means driving slowly enough that we have time to avoid accidents when cars are coming out of driveways or pedestrians are using the road because the sidewalk has not yet been ploughed.

TIME TO REGISTER FOR A FREE TREE

It is hard to think of gardening after almost four metres of snow have fallen, but spring is coming. Every year in the spring and fall the city provides trees for homeowners to plant on a first come, first served basis.

Because improving our urban forest cover helps environmentally as well as improving the appearance of the community, the TREE Program benefits the whole community.

To register for a free tree please call 311 or go to ottawa.ca/TREE.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

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