Parked cars pose problems for Carbonear’s snow clearing crews

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Winter seems to have hit the province full force since the new year began. As a result, snow-related issues are not uncommon at town council meetings. At Carbonear’s February 25 meeting, councillors discussed difficulties encountered during snow clearing operations in their town.

“I noticed that the crews were trying to do some snow clearing last week and there were cars parked in the way and, I mean, the crews can’t clear the snow if there’s cars parked on the side of the road,” said Councillor Danielle Doyle.

She asked her fellow council members if the Town could remind residents that they are not allowed to park on the street during the winter months.

Economic development officer Kerri Abbott told Doyle such a post has already been made on a social media site.

Doyle suggested they should share the post again as a reminder whenever there’s a major snowfall.

“I was always of the assumption that that was done automatically once the snow clearing came in,” said Deputy Mayor Sam Slade. “Nobody could park there at a certain time.”

Slade said snow-clearing equipment should not be hindered by parked cars. He noted that maneuvering large vehicles for snow-clearing is difficult as it is, and parked cars obstructing their path makes it harder still. “There’s no need of it,” he said.

Slade also made a related request to residents. “I’d just like to ask them to consider adopting a hydrant,” said the deputy mayor. “I think it’s important. It’s important for your home, and my home.”

The phrase “adopt a hydrant” refers to residents clearing snow from fire hydrants on or near their property.

“It saves a lot of time and effort on (behalf of) the fire departments,” Slade said, “or on our own staff.”