Paradise laying in supplies for winter

By Mark Squibb | Sept. 24

The gentle chill in the air that’s developed the past week is a reminder that winter is just around the bend, and during the September 16 public council meeting Paradise council took steps to address the inevitable now-clearing season.

“I hate to mention the word ‘snow,’ but we have to get started,” said councillor Deborah Quilty, who went on to explain that the Public Works Department purchases a number of carbide cutting edges that are installed on the blades of snow clearing equipment.

The cutting edges serve a double duty, both protecting the blade and increasing performance.

Getting the blades has proven to be a bit of a challenge, so a timely purchase was recommended.

“During Snowmageddon and now COVID-19, it became apparent the proper supplies are not easily accessible due to delivery availability at the time,” said Quilty.

She also noted that having a greater supply of materials in inventory could result in quicker response times.

“We recently reached out to three different suppliers for a quote on fifty 48-inch and fifty 44-inch cutting edges. Western Hydraulics Ltd supplied the lowest quote in the amount of $269 each for 48-inch, and $249 each for the 44-inch, for a total of $25,900, plus the HST,” said Quilty.

The cost would fall within the current year’s transportation budget, and the motion to purchase was approved unanimously.

Next up, Quilty brought forward a motion to purchase equipment for the Town’s snow clearing trucks.

“All Town snow-clearing tandems are equipped with Larochelle equipment attachments. Each year, Public Works purchases a large number of these attachments to have on hand for the winter season,” explained Quilty.

That list of attachments includes thread tensioners, polymer chutes, push arms, chains, and more.

“It is essential to have many of these parts in inventory for these trucks to avoid any lost time with our units,” said Quilty.

The price quoted by TTI Sales and Services Inc. in Conception Bay South, the authorized Larochelle dealer for the region, for the parts was $23, 572 (HST included), plus freight.

Funds for the purchase will be drawn from the Town’s transportation budget.

That motion also passed unanimously.