The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Thompson City Council has revised its snow-removal policy in a move that promises to make streets safer and more navigable each winter. It will now be normal practice for Thompson's public works department to remove snow and/or ice from city streets and/or sidewalks in the event of heavy snowfall, or when the accumulation of ice poses a hazard to motorists. A heavy snowfall is classified as 10 centimetres or more in a 24-hour period, as forecast by Environment Canada. Coun. Penny Byer was impressed with the city's diligence in keeping the roads clear and safe throughout the winter, but says more communication between public works and residents is needed. 'The people I've talked to have been pleased with the snow clearing this winter,' she said, 'but I know some people would like more information as far as when their streets are going to be cleared.' Mayor Tim Johnston said a better effort would be put in, whether via online posting or through public service announcements. Wayne Koversky, director of public works, followed up by saying that priority maps would be posted online. The priority for snow removal has been broken down in to three tiers. 'Priority one' status has been given to major routes and access roads for schools, RCMP, the fire hall and Thompson General Hospital, as well as main artery and access sidewalks. All additional main routes, including bus routes are classified as priority two, along with sidewalks and the commercial area. Residential streets, sidewalks and driveways affected will be cleared while in the neighbourhood area, as the third priority. The newly approved policy also looks at the issue of snow windrows (accumulation of snow on curb/boulevard) when accumulation is over 1.5 metres. Further to that, all windrows from main arteries coming to intersections shall have 50 metres of snow cleared and hauled away. Access to all fire hydrants will also be a top priority, while clearing snow from bus stops and shelters as well as city-owned parking lots are as second and third priorities respectively. _ Compiled from an article by Matt Durnan, Thompson Citizen
