Committee hears of winter challenges

Snow plow-David Trinks-Free Use Domain-Unsplash.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Cobourg Director of Public Works Laurie Wills admitted, at Wednesday's meeting of council's Public Works Planning and Development Committee, that this has been a challenging winter.

Wills described how they are coping – for example, trying to clear parking lots on their own as much as possible to cut costs.

They conducted their second downtown clean-up Jan. 29, she added.

“On an annual basis, the number of those we have to carry out overnight can range from zero to who knows – maybe three or four? I don't think I have seen five yet.”

Sidewalks and limited snow storage are becoming an issue, especially since they are running out of space where the boulevards are less than two or three metres wide.

“Sidewalk maintenance is carried out as winter events occur.” Wills said.

“The winter equipment is cleaned thoroughly and inspected daily. For repairs beyond their ability, they are contracted out a quickly as possible.”

Road salt is in short supply this year, she added.

“We do have confidence our salt reserves will be sufficient for the rest of the winter season. In the event of increased events and decreased inventory, we have arranged to haul salt directly from the mines as required.”