The City of Airdrie may be looking at amending its snow and ice control policy, after some recent flurries and poor road conditions sparked concerns among residents.
During the regular council meeting on Feb. 6, Coun. Heather Spearman brought forward a motion to direct administration to review alternatives to the current snow and ice control policy that was updated in 2015, and later revisited in 2021.
The policy outlines how the municipality responds to snow clearing on the municipality’s roadways following snow falls. Spearman said that even though she gave her support of the direction of council in 2021, information has since surfaced to give her pause for thought.
“I personally made my support at the time with the best information I had, but now I’ve been in this role for a bit... I thought, if nothing else, [let's] bring it forward to council to see if administration can take another look at this,” she said.
Spearman added following a series of snow events in early January, constituents voiced their frustrations about poor driving conditions on social media.
“We saw hundreds of comments from residents that had extreme concerns around the way that our policies are being driven,” she shared.
In response, Spearman suggested amendments might be made to better reflect the growth and demands of the city and incorporate technology and best practices of other municipalities.
The councillor added a revamped policy might also provide transparency on how the City could integrate with surrounding snow removal standards for a more “holistic service.”
“That is not transparency towards administration because I think they do a great job of explaining it, but I think there is a lack of understanding from the public around how Airdrie’s borders are set,” she said.
“Maybe there’s a more fulsome conversation that can be had around the region – how snow and ice is cleared, who’s responsible for what, and what that will look like going forward.”
In summary, Spearman said she is hoping to see a review of the snow policy that was created in 2015 and to reflect on the information as a newer council.
“This policy was technically published and approved back in 2015, so we’re quite a few years behind based on residential population and beyond,” she said. “I know it’s only been a year, but I feel like it’s time to look at it again.”
She added she would like information to come to City Hall regarding the changes that can be made to the snow and ice policy that reflect Airdrie’s current population and roadway expansion that has already occurred and will continue in the next couple of years.
“We’re looking at a solution for next year, but also the years going forward,” Spearman said. “I would like to see the financial implications of that as well... I’m asking for options.
“I was hoping this would be something that we can take a look at this fiscal year in order to look out for next budget season.”
Coun. Ron Chapman echoed Spearman’s comments, adding a report would need to come back to council in preparation for the municipality’s 2024 operating budget, but not before then.
He added changes to the snow and ice removal policy could have severe budget implications.
“I agree, the roads were not great. I did see lots of comments about the ice,” Chapman shared. “But it was the circumstances that took place to get to that… it happens every year, we get snow and people forget how to drive.”
Spearman said she brought the motion forward now so that council would have time to come to an agreement regarding the direction of the policy in preparation for next year’s budget.
“I would like us to have an idea or a decision by budget next year, not have it come at us at budget of next year,” she clarified. “I know some organizations have a 10-year plan for snow removal, so that’s why I’m bringing it up now for next year.”
Thereafter, Coun. Candice Kolson said she is eager to hear from CAO Horacio Galanti, who formerly worked for the City of Grande Prairie, during the deliberations for the City’s snow and ice policy. She added Airdrie often gets compared to Grande Prairie when it comes to snow removal, as the two municipalities are similar in size.
She added she grew up in a small town and though there was snow removal, it took all winter long to get snow off the road.
“I haven’t been anywhere in this time frame that it was any better,” she said. “It’s just for whatever reason, Airdrie seems to be in a weird weather pattern. We are getting an awful lot of snow from those around us.
“But I think you’re right Coun. Spearman, we add roads every month, so I think it’s time for it to come back and maybe people aren't happy and that was seen very clearly this past couple of weeks.”
Lastly, Mayor Peter Brown said though he was in favour of revisiting the City’s snow and ice removal policy, it is in no way a reflection of the work the department is doing thus far.
“It’s a very difficult job. They work 24/7 to keep our roads as safe as they can,” he shared. “They do an incredible work, so I want to make sure that’s out there first and foremost.This is just a result of some of the challenges we’ve been facing.”
Following the deliberation, all members of council voted in favour of Spearman's motion.
