Heavy snowfall in the past two weeks has Okotoks crews scrambling to keep up with clearing and removal.
The Town of Okotoks transportation team began clearing snow downtown along Elizabeth Street and Elma Street this week. Crews will begin tackling other priority routes in town, beginning with Cimarron Boulevard, starting Jan. 9.
“Once the major priority roads in town are cleared, the schedule will follow the garbage collection schedule, so there isn’t conflict with that,” said Okotoks communications specialist Melanie Heemeryck. “Cimarron Boulevard and that area will be tackled first because their garbage collection day is Tuesday.”
She said a map on the Town website shows priority and secondary routes in Okotoks. Work on snow removal will continue through the next week, or longer depending on weather and timing, she said.
With snow in the forecast in the next week, snow removal plans may have to change, she said.
“Of course it’s weather-dependent, but if we don’t see a lot of snow then roads should be cleared according to schedule,” said Heemeryck.
This week, crews have also paid special attention to school zones around town, she said.
“We want to make sure those school zones are all cleared and ready for when the kids come back next week,” said Heemeryck.
Residents can also contact the Town’s operations centre to report roads that are impassible or difficult to navigate due to snow drifting or accumulation, she said.
“Our crews can go out and assess the situations and determine what needs to be done, whether it’s clearing or sanding,” said Heemeryck. “Those are done as necessary, and time-permitting based on need.”
While plows, graders and other snow removal vehicles are working in town, residents are reminded to remove vehicles from roadways to allow crews to work efficiently, she said.
Road-clearing signs will be posted in affected neighbourhoods as crews move through town, she said.
“We would also remind residents to remove their blue, green and black carts from the street and onto private property to allow for the operators to clear the snow without impediment,” said Heemeryck.
For more information on Okotoks snow clearing and sanding routes, visit www.okotoks.ca. General inquiries can be made to the operations department at 403-938-4372.
