The daily average temperature for March in North Battleford, according to Environment Canada, is -6.2 C, and the average snow depth at the end of the month is 10 centimetres, or about three inches. Clearly, there is nothing average about this winter.
The heavy snowfall we've had, and still have, that comes up in every conversation, even those at Town Hall. The meeting of Monday opened and closed with comments about the cold temperatures and accumulated snow.
The town works department is continuing to remove snow from town streets, cul-de-sacs and sidewalks, plus keeping fire hydrants clear of snow, even while it prepares for the above average spring runoff expected. Town staff have begun opening up drainage ditches, culverts and catch basins, and the "pot-hole patrol" has been activated.
In years like this one, taxpayers often ask their local government if it's used up its snow removal budget. In Battleford, however, snow removal has no separate line in the budget; it is part of the overall works department budget. It's really all in the wages, said superintendent of works, Kevin Chaykowski, at a recent town council meeting.
On a positive note, the insulation provided by extra snowfall has meant less danger of pipes freezing. There were fewer than 13 residents on winter water run as of the March 18 meeting. Residents on winter water runs are allowed to leave a small amount of water running at all times to prevent pipes from freezing, without being penalized for the extra water used.
