The early winter of 2013 will be remembered as one for the ages.
To date, the number of major snow events is up to five, with at least four months of winter left to show itself. For travellers, winter driving usually means travel with caution, but this year being stranded on Alberta highways has been more of a reality for many.
Exactly what can drivers expect when they are forced into a community to stay out a storm?
ìDuring my years in the hospitality industry, I have seen quite a number of different scenarios,î said Susan Ballard, manger of the Best Western Innisfail Inn. ìWe have seen nearly empty hotels fill up, and we have seen times when we have turned people away.î
Ballard noted, unlike planned events such as tournaments, weddings, or conventions, storms creep up on you and citizens are forced to deal with what comes their way.
ìWe still have to deal with the fact that we are a business, and during the late fall and early winter months, we do see our lowest occupancy rate,î said Ballard. ìDepending on the situation, we will not raise our rates if we have them posted at a certain price. We will sometimes respond to a supply and demand situation but not gouge customers. As a manger, I do not believe in that.î
She added that the number of rooms booked during storms this year has been minimal to date.
Marcy Wain, of the Bluebird Motel, agreed with that scenario.
ìWe have not had much traffic this year from poor highways, but our price will not change,î said Wain. ìWe are part of the community. When people need help we have been there. We helped during the floods this summer, and will do the same again during winter snowstorms.î
The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Innisfail reported the healthiest number of rooms booked during winter storms, but attributed that to their lower rates and good reputation. Hotel officials said rates are not raised.
RCMP Const. Steve Molnar, collision analyst with the QEII Integrated Traffic Unit, said motorists are well advised to pack plenty of supplies when travelling, like blankets in case they are stranded out in the cold. He noted on Friday, Dec. 27 there were a lot of calls from stranded motorists out of gas. Shelters along the highway in Olds and Bowden were activated.
Molnar said a convoy of emergency vehicles went up and down the highway picking people up in buses, as well as police cars and fire department vehicles, and then transporting them into towns, including Innisfail.
ìWhen the RCMP, or Environment Canada issue a travel advisory,î added Innisfail RCMP Const. Chris Lavery. ìTake it seriously. Don't travel if you don't have to. If you do get stranded, chances are there are other people in similar predicaments.î
Before heading out on a winter trip, drivers should check the AMA website for road conditions at http://www.amaroadreports.ca/ and Environment Canada at www.weather.gc.ca for weather conditions.
