snowplows, vehicles parked on the street and vehicles parked in driveways blocking the sidewalk. “They (the operators) would love to have the cooperation of motorists,” explained Paul Rochon, supervisor of Roads section for Cornwall. When snowplow operators encounter these obstacles, it limits their ability to clear the snow and forces them to slow down or come to a complete stop. “We sometimes have to go around cars that are parked on the streets,” says Gary Swenson. “It’s then more expensive for the City. We have to go back later and clear that part once the car is gone.” In addition, Swenson then goes on to explain how, some years ago, an indivi- dual was walking in the road instead of on the sidewalk. “I had to follow him for four blocks,” he said, obviously frustrated. “He just wouldn’t move over. I even usedmy air horn, but he wouldn’t budge.” The city employs 11 operators and 15 independent contractors. “The contractors
are usually the ones who clear the residential parts of town, whereas the city plows tackle what we call our main roads,” explained Rochon. When faced with a major winter storm, the operators can work in shifts lasting 16 hours. “Because of regulations, the maxi- mum they can work is 16 hours and then they have to stop for eight hours,” explained the supervisor. Yet Swenson is quick to say that before regulations were in place, some of the ope- rators, including himself, could sit behind the wheel of the big plows for over 24 hours straight. “It would make for long shifts,” he admitted, laughing. The City provides two levels of service based onminimummaintenance standards. The City has eight primary routes and four- teen secondary routes. The snow clearing activities for both the primary routes and secondary routes are independent of one another and respond to winter events in a timely fashion based on their own triggers and time lines.
With all the heavy work demanded from the plow trucks, it’s no wonder mainte- nance is such an important factor to the big machines. “The biggest problems we have are wipers and hoses, especially the hydraulic system,” said Pare, smiling. “We always go up and down, you know,” added Swenson. “There are a lot of bumps.” In addition, the operators also have to watch out for ice. “Although we have pretty good brakes, it’s still a very heavymachine,” expressed Landriault. Bring on the salt Although the three senior operators love to plow, they also must sometimes salt the roads. “I don’t love salting as much as I love plowing,” said Pare. “When you salt, you have to be extremely careful of where you drive.” Normally, primary roads are salted after snow has started to fall and before the road surface ices up. Once the primary roads have been cleared of snow, they are salted again to obtain amostly bare pavement condition.
Secondary roads are normally salted after snow has fallen and before icing begins. Once the secondary roads are cleared, salt is applied to provide adequate vehicle traction. During freezing rain events, all roads are treated as soon as possible. “The City goes through an average 7,500 tons of salt a year,” explained Rochon. “That’s $600,000 worth of salt!” Likemany other communities, Cornwall has parking restrictions in place during the winter season. These restrictions are ne- cessary in order to ensure snow clearing activities can be completed. In recent years, the City has modified the winter parking res- trictions in order to providemore flexibility to motorists whenever weather conditions permit. FromNovember 15 to December 14, par- king on any roadway between the hours of 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. is prohibited only on days when a snowfall of 5 centimetres or more is forecasted by Environment Canada. During this restriction period, residents are encou- raged to keep an eye on the weather forecast and local media reports. FromDecember 15 toMarch 31, parking on any roadway between the hours of 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. is prohibited regardless of weather forecast. From March 1 to March 31, the Infrastructure and Municipal Works Department may make an exception to the overnight winter parking restrictions based on the status of existing snow accumulation and the weather forecast. Winter parking restrictions are in effect for a reason
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Big Brother & Big Sister of the year
Professional Live Theatre in Morrisburg, Ontario
Nov. 26 to Dec. 13
Have Yourself a
COUNTRY Christmas
Leisa Way, Guest Singers & Wayward Wind Band
Tickets: 613-543-3713, (toll free) 1-877-550-3650 or visit: www.uppercanadaplayhouse.com
On November 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cornwall and District held the organization’s annual awards ceremony and banquet at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club. Service awards were presented to volunteers, as well as awards for Little Brother and Big Brother and Little Sister and Big Sister of the Year. Pictured receiving the award for Big Sister of the Year and Big Brother of the Year are Liz Quenneville and Alan Brown. The Big Brothers of Cornwall and District began operation at the beginning of 1973. In February 1984, the service was also provided to girls and the name of the organization was changed to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cornwall and District. The local agency is continuously seeking more volunteers who are willing to share a few hours each week as a friend to a child and mentors for one hour a week during the school year for the In-School Mentoring program.
CORNWALL
Johnson’s Antiques — CORNWALL —
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE 2016 SEASON!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
The Journal Cornwall
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