File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SNOW REMOVAL

Surplus potential for City of Kamloops snow removal budget with mild finish to 2019

Dec 28, 2019 | 1:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — With less snowfall than what was experienced a few winters ago, City of Kamloops snow removal work is shaping up to end 2019 under budget, and on top of service hours.

According to Streets and Environmental Services Manager Glen Farrow, much of the snow that has come to Kamloops so far has been melting in the valley, so the majority of removal work has been needed in higher elevations.

“It’s been a really interesting winter thus far. The difference between temperature and snowfall from the valley bottom to the top of Aberdeen and the top of Barnhartvale has been significant this year. So if you live in Brocklehurst or the North Shore and you haven’t ventured up to the hills, you really wouldn’t understand how much snow removal we’ve been combatting up top.”

Despite the milder winter for snowfall amounts, Farrow says staff are still out 24 hours a day making sure the ice doesn’t build up.

This year, the battle between city staff and winter conditions has been eased with the growth of snow and ice clearing teams.

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“From last year’s budget, we are now running 11 operators per shift- up from the 10 that we’ve historically operated with. So that’s been a great benefit to ensure better coverage across the community,” explains Farrow, “As well as, some of the zones have gotten a little smaller so we’re able to service them a little bit better.”

With the added manpower, Farrow says service has specifically improved around Heffley Creek and Rayleigh.

“Often, that was a particular area that we struggled to hit our 36 hour service level on local roads,” he says, “With this additional staff, we’re able to get out to Rayleigh a little bit earlier than we historically have.”

As far as how much this is costing the city, and taxpayers, Farrow says snow removal is likely not going to cost as much as the budget allowed for.

“For the 2019 budget, it’s about $1.9 million. So at this point, we’re close to a week away, it does look healthy, it does look reasonable, with likely a surplus to happen,” Farrow notes, “But again, as in previous years, one significant snow event can change that drastically. So we’re optimistic that the snow will remain away from Kamloops, and maybe stay up in the hills for skiers and snowboarders, but it’s likely going to be right around the budget.”

While cost always piques public interest, Farrow says the main focus for staff is making sure the roads are safe, and they’re able to maintain service hours and time frames.