Yorkton Council has adopted a Snow and Ice Control and Removal Policy.
Public Works Manager Trent Mandzuk told the regular meeting of Council Monday the Policy basically formalizes what the department has been doing, adding it was felt there was a need "to develop something very clear, something we can communicate as time goes on."
In terms of formalizing policy Mandzuk said one key area is in how the City deals with snow left in driveways from plowing operations.
Mandzuk said with a heavy snowfall "it's not unusual to get 50 calls." He said the City always responds to citizen's concerns, adding at times they have to have people "dedicated to driving around investigating complaints."
The Policy adopted Monday now clearly defines how the City will deal with calls.
"Complaints and requests received will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken. Windrows left in private driveways taller than three hundred millimeters (twelve inches) at the lowest point after the grader has passed will be removed by City crews. Windrows left in private driveways shorter than three hundred millimeters (twelve inches) at the lowest point after the grader has passed will be the responsibility of the home owner regardless of the homeowner's age, gender, or physical condition," stated the Policy.
Mandzuk said the Policy also details how the City will deal with snow in back lanes.
"Roads and Streets Division will implement snow clearing operations from back lanes after one hundred and fifty millimeters of snow has accumulated," detailed the Policy.
"Only back lanes that are used for primary access to property will be cleared."
Mandzuk added if snow is left in an alley driveway it will be up to the resident to clear.
"Any windrows left in backyard accesses after the snow clearing is completed are the responsibility of the home owner regardless of the homeowner's age, gender, or physical condition," stated the Policy.
