Compounding effects of recent storms in the region have thwarted the efforts of snow removal operations, and as a result, Moncton City Councilors want to reassess their options.
A presentation on snow removal at Monday’s public council meeting provided background on operations and insight into just how unforgiving mother nature has been in the Greater Moncton region since the start of 2022.
According to a staff report, Moncton received 150 cm of snow in January, well above the five-year average of 69 cm for this period. This does not account for the major storm that brought a significant amount of snow to the region last week.
“The main focus this week will obviously be, with the weather cooperating, to move as much snow as possible to get the sidewalks back and the street’s width back to an acceptable level,” said Don Morehouse, Director of Public Works.
City manager Marc Landry told council they have put all the available services towards assisting in snow removal efforts.
In the city’s budget, over $6 million is allocated for clearing streets and sidewalks, and there is an additional $5.4 million in reserves.
Councillors seek new ideas
Members of council echoed the concerns of their constituents, making note of inaccessible sidewalks and significantly high snowbanks.
Among those to ask for a new plan to consult in the event of significant snowfall was Deputy Mayor Charles Leger.
“I would almost expect at this point that we would have an emergency plan,” Leger said.
“When you look at the height of the snow, the slow pace at which they can clear sidewalks, the corners which drivers can’t see anything unless you pull out almost into oncoming traffic… it’s clear the way we’re currently doing them is not going to work for this amount of snow.”
Coun. Bryan Butler said there are only three items that can be changed to better prepare for future winters: more employees, more equipment, and a better plan.
“The storm was over Saturday afternoon. We had all day Saturday, Saturday night, Sunday, Sunday night, and this morning at 8 o’clock when I went down Mountain Road, I had to take [up] two lanes so I could let kids on the inside lane walk,” Butler said angrily.
Once the winter concludes, a review and analysis of snow removal operations will be conducted. City staff said a report will be provided to council in the second quarter of 2022.
