A new hybrid system of clearing snow from residential side streets is keeping roads clear while saving the city money.
Instead of swallowing the cost of removing snow from residential side streets, the city’s public works department is clearing on a case-by-case basis. The hybrid could result in some cost savings over a traditional citywide clearing, which is a $300,000 chore.
“We’re going to save some money. Is it going to be substantial? It’s a hard one to gauge,” said Bob Stephen, operations manager of public works.
Only half the neighbourhoods in the city have enough snow pack to warrant a citywide clearing as outlined in the snow and ice control policy.
The hybrid has resulted in crews clearing in areas that would not otherwise qualify but are still hard to navigate.
“Some areas started to soften up more than others and started to create mobility issues,” explained Stephen, who along with his staff brainstormed other ways to clear roads.
They came up with a hybrid that involves using a grader and snow blower to move snow from the centre-driving lane onto boulevards. Under usual practices, the entire street would be cleared.
After some experimentation, Stephen said the hybrid evolved to the point where two driving lanes are now cleared.
As of Feb. 1, some 80 per cent of residential streets had been cleared using the hybrid scheme. If the weather holds out, Stephen said all residential streets should be clear by Feb. 8.
The city hopes to avoid traditional residential clearing, which will be aided by only limited amounts of snowfall.
