Snow removal continues on city streets following weekend blizzard

The city’s Manager of Operations Jeremy Petryshyn says crews are addressing priority one roads with grading and sanding as a new snow system moves in.

They have also started the snow removal operation on streets where there’s no room to plow the snow.

“We’re doing two activities, we’re blading snow where we can and storing it on the road so areas like Dunmore Road, 13th Avenue you’ll see the snow is on the edges of the road or on the boulevards. But for these roads like Ross Glen Drive we can’t store the snow anywhere so we’re loading it up and taking it away.”

That started at midnight and includes areas like the hospital and downtown where the snow will get hauled away.

“This is probably the quickest we’ve ever moved to snow removal after a storm has hit. So just because of the sheer volume that came down and with those winds, it’s put a lot of drifting into these collector roads. So the only option really is to remove the snow,” Petryshyn added.

Crews are working 24 hours a day.

“So we have two crews that are going and doing a continuous shift and then we’re going to throw a third crew into that (removal) operation starting tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6 am.”

Petryshyn says crews are focusing on the main roads which include arterial and collector roads.

“The local roads or residential roads will just be maintained as passable. We won’t be seeing any snow removal coming into those areas,” he said.

The city is asking residents for their patience and support in responding to the near-record snowfalls that occurred in the area over the weekend.

“We are receiving a very high volume of calls related to residential streets and alleyways that are snowed in. We are aware of this challenge across the community and are asking residents to please be patient,” says Merrick Brown, Director of Emergency Management. “We appreciate everyone’s frustration but calling the City to report problematic streets will not impact response times. Clearing snow from priority roads remains the first priority.”

Medicine Hat Police say side roads are still in poor shape.

And say there were 12 collisions reported on Monday and 9 so far on Tuesday. They remind motorists to give extra time and distance when travelling.

Community safety remains a priority, and the city reminds residents that there are options available for people who are stuck at home. A resource page is now available at www.medicinehat.ca/snowstorm.

“We want to remind people that 911 services are intended for urgent situations where there is an immediate and serious health or safety concern,” says Brown. “In most situations, there are options to call a friend, family member, or professional service for support.”

Meantime, Cypress County said in a tweet today that snow removal operations continue throughout the county. “Please allow space to do so safely & effectively. All equipment is in use, however, the drifts are so deep in areas equipment is getting stuck. Thank you for your patience & for helping out your neighbours during this time,” the tweet stated.

by Chantal Wagner

Snow removal continues on city streets following weekend blizzard

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