News Release

HRM Apologizes for Downtown Canada Games Snow Clean Up Confusion

(February 11, 2011) HRM today (Feb. 11) apologized for any confusion or disruption to business operations caused briefly Thursday in the Argyle Street area. The confusion arose when private traffic control staff walked into several private businesses and incorrectly stated to patrons that cars in the area would be ticketed and/or towed if they were not moved in time for early evening Canada Games Snow clearing efforts. HRM had immediately contacted the private company to ensure their duties were clarified so there was no further miscommunication to the downtown business community.

No towing was actually carried out and the traffic staff - contracted by HRM Municipal Operations - were not authorized to ticket any vehicles in the area. However, anyone with a concern about a ticket should contact HRM's Customer Service Centre at 490-4000.

The contracted staff had begun work barricading streets to indicate parking that evening would be unavailable on certain Downtown Halifax Streets for clean up of snow that had accumulated from back-to-back snowfall activity in the region. The efforts were needed to ensure vehicles did not block the extra clean up in progress at the time.

On February 4, Winter Works crew outlined an ambitious clean up schedule for their staff to have areas clear for visitors and extra traffic coming to the Downtown Districts for the Canada Games. The extra cleanup project has been underway since Sunday evening, with work completed to date including Spring Garden Road, Quinpool Road and Downtown Dartmouth Districts.

With the Games now here, the majority of that extra push on snow clearing is complete. Winter Works crews will bring in half of the night shift and going back to incremental snow removal when and where required. In the Downtown, work will be completed on Barrington Street, along with Sackville, Bishop, Hollis and Lower Water Streets within the week over regular overnight clean up time, subject to weather conditions.

The updates on snow clearing and clean up will continue to be updated at www.halifax.ca/snow.

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Contact:
Ken Reashor
HRM Traffic Authority
490-4855