snowremoval
They had snow removal in Duggan today. There were no warning signs or internet notice. The windrow in front of the houses is enormous. As a handicapped elderly person living there, there was no access to the street. Which also means no access to their home by emergency personnel. This is not acceptable. It leaves people at risk. Last year, there was a bob cat that plowed a walkway to the street. Our city council is failing the residents of Edmonton.
We'd all love to forget last winter and get into this year's spring but its probably the best time to address the problems that were exposed during last winter's snow season. The number of staff and equipment have not kept pace with the growth of the city which makes it impossible to meet the targets set for snow clearing.
City administration is considering two options, both which include increasing the snow clearing budget. Option one would increase the budget by approximately $27.1 million and service levels by about 45 per cent. Option two would increase the budget by approximately $71.7 million and service levels by about 70 per cent. Both options inevitably mean the tax burden will increase and taxpayers will have to pay the tab.
"Out of sight, out of mind" is something I hope doesn't apply to what Edmontonians thought about this winter's snow removal (or lack of). Warmer weather and some clean up efforts have changed neighbourhood streets from what they looked like weeks ago.
The city is conducting a survey until March 6. The survey will be used by administration to develop options of snow and ice control service enhancements that will be presented to city council in April.