Snow white and the many trucks

Lea Storry Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Vernon Daily Courier:

"We’ve been extremely busy through December to January," said James Rice, manager of public works, City of Vernon. "I think we’ve had six snow events since Christmas." Rice noted the total accumulation during those times stands at 50 centimeters. He added there are eight trucks and three plows taking care of the snow as well as two one-tonne trucks. "Roads are done on a priority basis. We do the main roads, hills and bus routes first." This is in accordance to a policy, which states the city has 12 hours following the end of a storm to clear streets. "So far we’ve been able to do that. Our guys do an excellent job." Crews have been working night and day and were scheduled for snow removal last night in the downtown core. "We use the grader to push the snow into the middle of the road and then blow it into the back," said Rice. Eight to 15 trucks are also used on the job. Rice noted small Bobcats are used to plow sidewalks on city property. The city will help if it has the resources, otherwise it‘s up to you. "Clearing sidewalks is the responsibility of the home owner. We will only assist in clearing sidewalks when snow fall is greater than 15 centimeters."