By Jill Sperling

Snow removal processes challenged by cold weather

Jan 10, 2017 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — Recent snowfall is keeping plows and graders on the road, but the cold weather sometimes threatens to take them out of commission. 

With 26 pieces of equipment, Lyons Landscaping is well equipped to take on a heavy dumping of snow when contracted. However, owner Colin Lyons says frigid temperatures take a toll on the company’s fleet, causing breakdowns to happen more regularly.

“The more equipment you have, gravity wins,” he said. “You’re going to have some breakdowns you know every shift or something. Whether it’s belts wearing, or cutting edges that need some replacing. But typically we’ve got a full time mechanic that’s here 10-12 hours a day making sure that the equipment is running properly.”

The cold weather is also affecting city operations. Crews are unable to use typical methods of deicing when the temperatures plunge, but with a supply of more than 14,000 tonnes of sand the city still has the means to take care of the slippery roads. 

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“This year with the weather we’ve been having, since it’s been so cold, salt and calcium chloride which we use as deicers doesn’t work as effectively in the cold so that’s why you see a lot of sand on the roads right now,” said streets and sign shop supervisor Joe Luison. “It’s just more sanding, and people need to be cautious until we get that warm weather break.”