THUNDER BAY – Weather – Mother Nature is a tease. After a few days of sharing spring-like conditions, Thunder Bay is once again headed for another late winter storm. The snow is expected to start on Thursday.
Environment Canada is calling for “Periods of wet snow or rain beginning in the afternoon then changing to snow at times heavy late in the afternoon. Snowfall amount 5 to 10 cm”.
The predicted snowfall is likely to put yet more pressure on the City of Thunder Bay for road clearing efforts. Over the Easter weekend, the winter weather had snow clearing crews out challenged by the combination of snow followed by quick warming temperatures.
Many residents complained to city councillors over seeing snow clearing vehicles out on Easter Sunday. Reports were crews working to plow clear and bare sidewalks. Brad Adams the Roads Manager stated that “Sidewalk plowing was performed on Easter Sunday due to the accumulation of snow and slush on sidewalks, but was limited to mainline sidewalks and sidewalks around Churches in residential areas.”
Questions to members of City Council on the issue of snow clearing on Sunday afternoon after the snow had mostly melted went mostly unanswered. Mayor Hobbs joked that the plows must have been “stolen”. Councillor Boshcoff sought answers and clarification from Administration.
City officials seem to get it from both sides. When roads and sidewalks are not cleared promptly, they get hit. When crews are out clearing snow in the spring they get hit too.
At the rate this winter is headed, with late season snowfalls, and a snow clearing budget that is almost $4 million dollars over the budgeted amount, it is likely those concerned citizens and complaints will continue.
James Murray
