The lack of significant snow this winter has been good news for the city’s $1.6-million snow removal budget.

Crews haven’t had to spend as much time or money clearing snow, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t had other things to do.

Streets and Environment Services Manager Glen Farrow says staff were filling potholes and sweeping streets over the last few months.

“Where we have been able to save you know is on the products,” he said. “We still have a significant sand pile, lots of salt and Calcium Chloride, and contractor staff.”

“We haven’t had to haul any snow out of the downtown and North Shore cores. Last season we did it three or four times. By that, we’ve saved $150,000 right off the hopper.”

That said, Farrow notes there’s still a lot of winter ahead, and things could change if we get heavy snow days.

“If we compare ourselves to the last two years, we’re significantly better than we have been,” he added. “It’s still the middle of February, who knows what can occur over the next two months really.”

“We’re not counting the chicks yet.”

Farrow adds with the added snow in recent days, you might start to notice the snow berm growing on your property.

It doesn’t have to be that way, he says, reminding people to keep any snow they shovel on their own properties.

“You should put your snow where the snow will eventually go from the plow,” Farrow added. “If you’re standing at your front door, you should be putting it on your property on the right-hand side of the driveway, not the left.”

“You’re going to get a smaller windrow by doing that. It’s best to clear the snow in front of your neighbour to the left rather than even your own driveway. That would be some really good strategy.”

City staff are still waiting to see if they’ll get a $400,000 top up to the snow clearing budget from council.

 

Great advice on how to minimize the size of the berm in front of your property @cityofkamloops #snow https://t.co/JYpRGnvmv8

— Glen Farrow (@glenfarrow) February 12, 2019