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Cranbrook, BC (November 30, 2023) -- Staff is in place, and equipment is prepped and ready for the start of the wintry weather that awaits us, thanks to our City of Cranbrook Public Works team.

As we strive to improve snow removal service to the community, we have several new initiatives and tools lined up to help us manage snow and ice conditions with increased service levels seven days per week and during peak snow events.

Our large water tanker is now retrofitted as a plow trunk to help put additional focus on our priority routes, and it can carry a significant load of sand or brine, which means more time on the road and less time refilling. We also have a loader-mounted snowblower ready to help us clear windrows and snow piles downtown much more efficiently.

Major streets, hospital zones, roads accessing emergency service facilities, roads with severe grades and transit routes are always our top priorities. In cases where snow is falling heavily and continuously, we clear these routes repeatedly until the storm reduces enough that we can move to priority two routes and beyond.

“There are a lot of things that we, as the City, can and do take the blame for, but the winter weather isn’t one of them,” says Chris Zettel, Corporate Communications Officer for the City of Cranbrook. “Removing snow and ice is a team effort – the City, our residents, and our businesses. Everyone is important in keeping our community moving and accessible, and we are asking for your help.”

Removing ice and snow from all sidewalks bordering your home or business within 24 hours after a snow event is key. Keeping cars parked off the road during and shortly after snowstorms will help us better clear your street. Keeping street drains open and the snow away from fire hydrants in your neighbourhood are all important, too.

Not everyone can shovel, so we ask that neighbours watch out for and help your neighbours this winter. The City is proud to continue working with the Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays (CMHA) to help find volunteers for their Snow Angels program. The program helps identify those who need assistance with snow clearing with volunteers who can do the work for them. Contact them at 250-426-8019 or email [email protected].

Learn more about our winter road maintenance program, priority routes, and more here.