File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SNOW REMOVAL

‘We’re throwing everything we have at it’: City snow clearing crews maxed out in Kamloops

Jan 12, 2020 | 11:13 AM

KAMLOOPS — The blast of winter weather coming through the Interior has City of Kamloops snow plows running at full capacity to keep the roads drivable.

Streets and Environmental Services Manager Glen Farrow says the weather was expected, so the city crews have been working day and night throughout the weekend.

“We’re throwing everything we have at it. All of our equipment – our trucks, our graders, and our staff. So we are prepared, however with the conditions that we’re fighting out there it has been a challenge.”

As for which roads will be cleared first, Farrow reminds the public that there is a priority list when snow comes down.

“With any event, our main focus is on those main arterial roads,” he notes, “So roads such as Aberdeen Drive, Pacific Way, Dallas Drive, Todd Road, Barnhartvale Road, Fortune Drive, Westsyde Road (etc)- that is our focus. From there, we move on to our bus routes and collector routes.”

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Once the snowfall subsides, and all the priority one and two roads have been dealt with, the city will then shift into local road coverage.

“At this point, seeing what is on the ground already, and how it continues to come down as we’re expecting the snow to continue throughout the day, if you’re on a local road do not expect to see us today at all.”

12-14 operators are on the roads at this point, and Farrow says this maxed-out effort is typical for crews during heightened snowfall periods.

“It’s the same guys that are working Monday to Friday as well. So guys that are working this weekend will be coming in Monday after a real long weekend, and long hours,” he says, “We also have brought on additional contract operators with equipment to help us as well.”

While waiting for snow plows to come by, Farrow says there are a few things the public can do to assist in clearing efforts. The first thing would be for residents to park in their driveways if possible.

“We haven’t restricted on-street parking, but whatever you can do to remove your vehicles from the road would be great,” he says, “As well as any snow you’re removing off your driveway or sidewalk – bringing that snow back on to your property would be fantastic. Rather than putting it into the road or on the curb. The windrows are getting quite large and whatever residents can do to help us out with removing that snow would be a great help to everyone involved.”

During the blast of winter weather, the city also wants to ask residents to be patient and give plow operators the space they need to get the job done quickly, and safely.

Farrow adds that it’s probably better for people to stay home if they don’t have to go out, but if people need to be driving, they should take it slow.