Vernon considers big increase to snow and ice clearing budget

Aug 16, 2022 | 2:19 PM

The City of Vernon may be spending more money for snow and ice clearing in the future.

The city will consider increasing the snow and ice clearing budget to more than $1.2 million ($1,213,124) in 2023, marking an increase of $445,000 from the previous budgeted figure.

A report to city council Aug. 15 stated that the increases reflect the needs of the city and will address areas identified as key priorities.

The proposed changes include:

Spending $134,000 for each additional pickup in the entire city or spending $36,000 for each additional pickup within the downtown core;
Spending $160,000 to cover the costs of clearing and removing snow from all 212 bus stop locations eight times a year;
Increasing the frequency of clearing snow and ice from four select laneways that provide access to residences at the cost of $15,000 annually;
Increasing the clearing of cul-de-sacs from three times to seven times a year at an additional cost of $80,000;
Having crews clear snow and ice from sidewalks and multi-use paths after hours, on weekends, and on holidays at an estimated cost of $20,000.

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Ian Adkins, manager of roads, drainage and airport for the city, told council that the additional work could mostly be done by city crews, with the exception of the bus stop clearing, which may need to be contracted out.

The proposed increases would be funded by taxation.

Council received the report for information and requested that the changes be brought forward for budget deliberations, which will be decided by the next council.

by Liam Verster

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