With snow now here, Okotoks residents may be wondering what the Town has planned for its snow removal budget.

The Town of Okotoks approved their snow removal budget at the end of last year for about $500,000.

The Town explains it as there being two winter seasons that occur during a single budget cycle. A winter in Q1 and Q2, and the second winter occurring in Q4, which can also start in Q3.

According to the Town, the budget is based off an average cost over about three years.

The Town says there is an emergency snow removal reserve in place.

When it comes down to the snow clearing priorities and practices, the Town shared the following in their Jan. 22, 2018 council meeting notes:

"The Town's Snow and Ice Control Policy separates roads into three priority levels:

Priority 1 and Priority 2 roads are generally main roads defined as collector and arterial roads that carry the largest volume of traffic; and Priority 3 roads are generally
residential roads that see low daily vehicle trips.

The current practise, in accordance with the Policy, is to clear snow from Priority 1 and 2 routes initially following a snow event once a trigger point has been reached. This process involves clearing and pushing snow to the sides of the road where snow can be stored within boulevard areas in the form of windrows. When extraordinary circumstances warrant, snow in these areas is hauled away to a snow storage site.

Priority 3 routes are monitored throughout the winter and flat bladed (ruts are shaved to create a smoother surface) and sanded when necessary. In extraordinary
circumstances, snow may be hauled away from Priority 3 routes.

The current budget for snow and ice control for roads is approximately $500,000.

The total kilometre distance for all categories of roads and lanes (back alleys) is approximately 385km. Priority 1 routes are approximately 145km, Priority 2 routes
approximately 15km, and Priority 3 routes approximately 150km.

Based on a typical winter and attributing the majority of the annual cost to maintaining Priority 1 and 2 routes, an approximate cost estimation would be $3,000 / laned kilometre.
The majority of the cost of service delivery is directly attributed to maintaining Priority 1 and 2 routes."

More information can be found by clicking here.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com