As snow plowing continues on residential streets, the City is reminding younger residents to avoid playing on or around snow windrows and cul-de-sac snow piles, and advising the public to be aware of children in proximity to the roadways.

“We are asking residents not to let children dig tunnels or holes, or play on the large snow piles,” said Greg Sikora, public works manager.

“Snow piles often contain waste, including nails, metal, broken glass and collision debris, that has been scraped up off the roads. It’s not a safe environment for children to play.”

This winter season, windrows are being placed in front of even numbered addresses, with some exceptions. For an updated plow schedule, visit www.reddeer.ca.

Meanwhile, last month Council also voted for higher standards of service when it comes to snow and ice control – a $1.7 million increase to the operating budget this year and in 2015.

More equipment for snow removal, for a cost of $2.1 million, will also be added in time for next winter to ensure crews can meet the new standards.

Changes include increased plowing on residential streets. City crews will complete a surface plow (leaving a 5 cm snow pack) four times each season if necessary. All residential streets will be completed within five days, and windrows will be left on either side of the streets. The trigger for a surface plow will be 10 cm of accumulated snow.

Council also approved the recommendation to plow back lanes up to three times per season if necessary as well.

For collector roadways, which includes bus routes, council increased the number of plows per season from one to four. The targeted completion for these roadways will be 20 days with the trigger being 10 cms of snow.

As for commercial and industrial areas, plowing will be increased there as well. Council voted in favour of plowing these areas up to three times a year with targeted completion within five days.

Windrows will be left in these areas and the trigger for plowing is a snowpack of 15 cms.

-Weber