News Release

 

HRM crews set for snow season 

 

Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 (Halifax, NS) – In anticipation of the approaching winter months, Mayor Mike Savage, Director of Transportation and Public Works, Ken Reashor and HRM’s Winterworks Superintendent, Gord Hayward held a press conference today to provide an overview of how winter operations crews prepare when snow and ice conditions are forecast and how clean-up operations proceed during and after a storm.

“It’s important for residents to know that we hear their concerns during a storm, and, most importantly, that we’re listening, planning and making sure we have the right equipment and people in the right places to do the job,” said Mayor Mike Savage.

Ken Reashor provided an overview of snow removal operations, stressed the importance of citizen safety and cooperation during events and focused on this year’s appropriate funding for snow and ice removal that was approved in the 2012-13 budget debate.

“We wanted to take this opportunity at the start of the winter season to let residents know how we prepare when it comes to keeping our streets safe and what can be expected before, during and after snowfall,” said Ken Reashor. “There are a number of factors to consider in the planning and snow clearing process and we thought it would be beneficial to allow a closer look at our winterworks operations.”

The event highlighted priority streets for snow clearing, service standards, salt management practices such as the liquid brine application, the overnight winter parking ban and outlined the ways residents can stay informed and plan ahead.

“The plan of attack for snow storms depends on the information that’s given to us in the forecast,” explains Gord Hayward, HRM’s Winterworks Superintendent. “We look at the kind of snow, temperatures, time of day, area, depth of frost and make the best decisions we can based on the details we’re given.”

For more information on HRM’s winter safety operations including service standards, priority streets and overnight winter parking ban, please visit halifax.ca/snow, call our citizen call centre by dialing 311 or follow us on Twitter @hfxgov.

To sign up for winter parking ban notifications, please call CityWatch at 490-7403 or email citywatch@halifax.ca.

-30-

Contact:

Mayor Mike Savage
490-4010

Ken Reashor
Director, Transportation and Public Works
490-4855

Gord Hayward
Winterworks Superintendent
490-4956