snowremoval
After the problems with snow clearing last winter the City took steps to ensure the same problems didn't happen again this winter. Things may have improved elsewhere but not on Whyte Avenue. Some business owners on Whyte avenue are becoming increasingly frustrated with snow windrows that they've been waiting to be removed since before Christmas. The snow windrows are a safety concern and unsightly in addition to being bad for business.
Its been a fantastic fall and we just had our first real frost this week. It would be great if it stayed this temperature till March and then warmed up but we know that's not going to happen here. We typically have snow around Halloween and when snow does come it stays around till March. Last winter's problems with street cleaning and the snow removal upset many people but this year the city promises changes are in store so let's hope its true.
We'd all love to forget last winter and get into this year's spring but its probably the best time to address the problems that were exposed during last winter's snow season. The number of staff and equipment have not kept pace with the growth of the city which makes it impossible to meet the targets set for snow clearing.
City administration is considering two options, both which include increasing the snow clearing budget. Option one would increase the budget by approximately $27.1 million and service levels by about 45 per cent. Option two would increase the budget by approximately $71.7 million and service levels by about 70 per cent. Both options inevitably mean the tax burden will increase and taxpayers will have to pay the tab.
"Out of sight, out of mind" is something I hope doesn't apply to what Edmontonians thought about this winter's snow removal (or lack of). Warmer weather and some clean up efforts have changed neighbourhood streets from what they looked like weeks ago.
The city is conducting a survey until March 6. The survey will be used by administration to develop options of snow and ice control service enhancements that will be presented to city council in April.