KAWARTHA LAKES-Residents from all over the City of Kawartha Lakes are still waiting for their roads to be plowed more than 24 hours after the first snowfall of the season.
Up to ten centimetres of snow blanketed the region early Friday morning. While main roads were plowed quickly, many smaller secondary roads have yet to be touched according to some residents.
An internal email sent to staff and council on Friday, obtained by Kawartha 411, shows the roads department is short staffed and was caught off guard. The email states: “Staff were deployed last night to service arterial roads with a full call implemented at 4:00 am this morning. That said, we are experiencing staffing challenges and are still not at full complement. There are several routes without an available designated driver so staff are doing their best to fill in gaps.” Bryan Robinson, Director of Public works stated. “There will be many streets in the City that will not see service today as we are required to meet the legislated hours of work requirements. Staff will be deployed at 4 am tomorrow to continue cleanup of today’s event.”
Many roads remained unplowed Saturday morning. Residents reported to Kawartha 411 that Rideau Drive in Fenelon Falls wasn’t plowed, Crowley Crescent, Springdale Gardens, Moynes Court, Georgian Street, much of Thurstonia, many roads in Bobcaygeon and more are reported by residents as not plowed or partially done.
Robinson went on to say they are working to fill the gaps and hope to be at full compliment of drivers soon. “There are several new staff in plows and sidewalk equipment so there is a learning curve expected.”
Robinson stated staff was hoping to have more time before the first big snowfall hit the area. “We were hoping for a bit more time and to have a gradual learning curve, but all were thrown into the fire today. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we continue to deal with this event and address the required workload.”
The City has taken on the plowing of the sidewalks as well but in other municipalities it is the homeowners responsibility to shovel the sidewalk in front of their home.
The wacky weather patterns have meant snow comes earlier and sometimes falls later as well. This drives up snow removal costs across the board.
The snow removal and winter control costs put pressure on the the city finances in 2017. The winter control budget has historically been too low according to staff which resulted in a deficit in 2016 of approximately $1.3 million, and in 2017 of $1.1 Million.
The 2018 budget was increased by $1.2 Million but staff anticipates that winter control will continue to be a budget pressure in 2019 as a deficit is anticipated again for 2018.
