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WINTER WORK

Kamloops snow clearing crews continue working to stay ahead of December snowfall

Dec 30, 2021 | 3:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — With more snow expected in the weather forecast heading into the New Year, City of Kamloops snow clearing crews are working around the clock to keep traffic safe and moving.

More than 20 centimetres of snow has already fallen this month throughout the city, which has kept snow removal crews busy. The low temperatures we’ve experienced over the past week have created an extra set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining equipment and clearing roadways of ice and compact snow.

“When we see these colder temperatures, just what works on the road – salt is not all that effective when we’re talking about minus 20s, so it’s just more sand put down on the roads to gain some traction,” Kamloops Streets and Environmental Services Manager Glen Farrow says.

When wintery weather strikes, questions inevitably arise about the city’s snow-clearing budget, which is around $1.9 million, according to the city’s website. However, Glen Farrow explains his focus is on ensuring snow is cleared in a timely fashion.

“The budget is really secondary to service levels,” Farrow tells CFJC Today. “We’re committed to applying material and dealing with slippery roads day in and day out and meeting those service levels of four-, sixteen-, and thirty–six-hours out after that snow event.”

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