Getting the Jump on Snow Service
August 18, 2011
Peer review recommends policy improvements
The City of Edmonton is positioned to improve its snow and ice control program following the release of a Peer Review Committee report today.
The heavy snowfall of 2011 prompted the City of Edmonton to establish a Peer Review Committee including experts from three jurisdictions (Winnipeg, Calgary & Grande Prairie) and a representative from Edmonton’s front line snow maintenance staff to evaluate the City’s snow and ice control program and recommend improvements.
“The committee’s input was very helpful in determining changes and enhancements to how we handle snow and ice on Edmonton streets,” says Transportation Services General Manager Bob Boutilier. “This external audit helps demonstrate what we are doing right, what changes could be made and most importantly how we can better serve the citizens of Edmonton.”
The recommendations of the Peer Review Committee include:
- Prioritizing Edmonton’s snow and ice clearing responsibilities
- Increasing use of contract snow removal services
- Implementing parking restrictions
- Creating new performance measurement and evaluation tools
- Designing an interactive map to provide real-time public information about snow maintenance activities
- Improving urban design guidelines for future road construction
“We are taking proactive measures based on our internal assessments and the feedback from the peer review,” says Boutilier. “The City of Edmonton is already making changes to its snow and ice control program in advance of next winter.”
A new interactive map will be posted on the City of Edmonton website in advance of the first snowfall and updated daily to provide address-specific information to residents about snow maintenance activities in neighbourhoods. The map can be updated to show street sweeping schedules in the spring.
Also, a new permanent seasonal parking ban on bus routes will take effect from November 15 to March 15 every year, beginning November 2011. By eliminating parking on collector/bus routes, crews will be able to maintain maximum lane width and ensure that traffic – including buses and emergency responders – can move safely and efficiently. Vehicle owners who do not comply with the parking ban may be charged a $50 fine.
City Council’s Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will evaluate the Peer Review Committee recommendations during its scheduled meeting on September 7, 2011. A comprehensive public awareness campaign will follow in October.
For more information:
Graeme McElheran
Transportation Services
| Title | Senior Communications Officer |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-944-6485 |
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