City Snow Clearing Underway

Cranbrook, BC (January 29, 2014) -- Snow clearing operations are now underway in the City of Cranbrook, thanks to a return of winter weather today.

During and following major snowfalls, City snow removal operation runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and operates with a small fleet of vehicles; four salt/sand trucks with belly plows, two graders and two loaders.  With this schedule and the equipment we have, it is reasonable to expect most areas of the City to be cleared within 3 or 4 days of a snowfall, depending on the amount of snow and how fast it comes down.

Residents are encouraged to review the City's Snow and Ice Removal policy to understand how and why the City clears its snow the way it does.

Clearing snow is not just the responsibility of the City Public Works department, which does the best they can with the resources available to keep the community moving during the winter months.  Responsibility also lies with each resident and business owner to help clear around their home or business.

“Regularly clearing ice and snow from your sidewalks and driveways will allow much easier access to your property by the fire department, RCMP or paramedics should an accident or other emergencies happen.” says Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services Chief Wayne Price, adding “it also will make walking easier for our local mail and newspaper carriers and the public at large.”

Residents are also encouraged to avoid pushing or blowing snow from their sidewalks, driveways and any windrows back into the street, after the City plows have been by.