Snow & Ice Control
Snow and ice control for paved roads and hamlets is carried out by a dedicated team using a fleet of five (5) heavy trucks and two (2) small trucks. During severe winter conditions, all available trucks can be deployed simultaneously to enhance service delivery. Each heavy truck is assigned a primary response area covering approximately 40 kilometers (80 lane kilometers) of road.
Plows are used to remove accumulated snow, while a combination of calcium, salt, and sand is applied to improve traction and assist with de-icing. Without calcium, wind and vehicle drafts can blow the salt and sand off the road surface, reducing its effectiveness. These materials are primarily applied at intersections and areas where ice has formed.
Safety Around Plow Trucks:
- Maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters behind a plow truck to avoid being hit by flying sand or debris.
- Never attempt to pass a plow truck—reduced visibility and sudden movements of the plow can create dangerous situations.
- Plow trucks will pull over at safe locations to allow motorists to pass.
Snow Removal on Gravel Roads
Eight (8) graders are responsible for maintaining gravel road surfaces, each operating within an assigned route. Different snow removal techniques and attachments are used depending on the severity of snowfall:
- For light accumulations, a grader blade is positioned 25mm above the road surface to clear driving lanes.
- For heavy snowfall (e.g., one meter or more), a plow attachment is used to clear the roads.
- After making roads passable, operators complete a second pass using a side wing attachment to push snow past the shoulders and into ditches, helping prevent drifting in future storms.
Safety Around Graders:
- Maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters behind a grader.
- Never pass a grader—sudden changes in direction can occur, especially in deep drifts.
- Graders will pull over periodically when it is safe to allow vehicles to pass.
By following these guidelines, residents can help ensure safer winter travel for everyone.