Town councillors authorized the hiring of a snow removal contractor that would work in tandem with community peace officers who notice snow hasn't been cleared from sidewalks within the required 24 hours of deposit. The resolution was made at council's Dec. 12 meeting.
Lorne Thompson, director of protective services, told councillors that while most people do comply with the bylaw, there are a few holdouts who need to be educated.
The town has received a new batch of door hangers for peace officers to hang on offenders' doors when they notice that sidewalks haven't been cleared after a snowfall.
“What this program will do is that municipal enforcement officers will go out and identify areas that after 24 hours (haven't cleared snow and) will do a door hanger,” Thompson said, noting that the officer will return again to that property after the expired time and if the snow still isn't clear will get the contractor to do it. All costs of clearing the snow will be borne by the property owner.
Currently, Thompson said, town staff are clearing problem areas, but that takes them away from their primary duties. This way, existing staff can concentrate on those jobs. The town has had the bylaw in place since 2005.
The town is currently in the process of receiving Requests For Proposal, and once they receive those will be making a selection as soon as possible, Thompson said.
“The vast majority of residents and businesses are (proactive) and do this,” he said.
Coun. Mary Jane Harper asked if there is some help for seniors to clear their sidewalks so those who can't clear snow don't get penalized under the bylaw. Thompson said alternate arrangements can be made for seniors. In the past, he said community peace officers have given out sidewalk de-icer to seniors.
"The vast majority of residents and businesses are (proactive) and do this."Lorne Thompson, director of protective services, Town of Olds
