First roads, then sidewalks, says Slade of Carbonear’s snow clearing priorities

By Craig Westcott

With the biggest storm of the winter forecast to hit the next day, Carbonear Deputy Mayor Sam Slade started his public works committee report Tuesday with a timely statement about snow clearing on sidewalks.
Slade said the committee had investigated concerns relating to both sidewalks and blue zone parking spaces, particularly those located in the heritage district along the waterfront.
He noted there are a significant number of stores in that area and the operators depend on the sidewalks being accessible for customers.
“There have been operational amendments made by the director of operations and public works that do not impact snow clearing priorities but have improved the timeliness of the snow clearing of sidewalks and accessible parking spaces in the heritage waterfront district,” said the deputy mayor. “Town streets are still the snow clearing priority. Businesses are required to maintain complete snow clearing of accesses to their businesses. Snow clearing of a portion of the sidewalk may also be required to allow customers access until Town staff have completed snow clearing of its Town streets and are available to complete snow clearing of sidewalks.”
Slade noted that sidewalks in the vicinity of Carbonear General Hospital, the long-term care facility and the two schools on Valley Road are also a priority.
“Winter maintenance is being completed, and a draft plan to be recommended by the committee is expected to be ready for council’s review and approval prior to the next council meeting,” he added. “This will provide specific guidance on winter maintenance operations.”
Slade’s update passed without any further discussion of the nature of the concerns raised with the Town, or how many people complained.
Councillor Peter Snow did, however, thank the members of the public works committee “for their diligent work on this matter.”