With the return of winter weather conditions to the region, City of Cranbrook’s Public Works team is shifting to 24-hour winter operations with a full fleet of equipment.

“All of our fleet equipment has gone through a rigorous mechanical inspection, and our team has completed their winter maintenance operations training, to ensure we are in the best position to keep the roads safe over the winter months,” said Mike Matejka, the City’s Manager of Infrastructure Planning & Delivery. “We’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.”

The city’s snow and ice control program works to keep roads safe and passable for both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers are asked to increase their awareness of road conditions and winter maintenance vehicles. It is also important to provide plenty of space for maintenance equipment. Stay well back of any equipment spreading sand or salt, and vehicles should avoid passing any equipment during plowing operations.

Slow down and give yourself additional time and space to stop your vehicle and use appropriate winter tires to maximize your ability to navigate the roads safely.

Meantime, our PlowCRANBROOK tool is up and running which provides an outlet where you can see where plows have cleared snow in the past 24 hours up to the last seven days, including where the snowplows are currently.

Another vital requirement this winter is to remove ice and snow from all sidewalks bordering your properties within 24 hours of a snow event. Changes to the City’s Streets, Traffic and Parking Bylaw, adopted by council on May 31, includes the requirement for sidewalks to be cleared within the 24- hour timeframe.

The city continues to work in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays (CMHA) to help find volunteers to be part of their Snow Angels program. The program helps identify those who need assistance with snow clearing with volunteers who can do the work for them.

If you are interested in volunteering or getting more information about the program, we encourage you to sign up soon. Visit our website www.cranbrook.ca, and search ‘Winter Road Maintenance’ to find out more or to volunteer.

You can also call CMHA Kootenays at 250-426-5222 or email [email protected].

e-KNOW file photo

City of Cranbrook

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