Gas, Waste, Power and Mail Depend on Sand and Shovels
February 11, 2010
ATCO Gas, EPCOR, Canada Post and the City of Edmonton are asking Edmontonians to remain vigilant and continue clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and other areas around their property, especially with warmer weather on the way.
Warmer weather can cause snow to melt and run onto sidewalks during the day, only to freeze again at night. This creates dangerous conditions for everyone, especially people that provide valuable services to homeowners – like meter readers, waste collectors, and mail carriers.
“At this time of year we start getting freeze-thaw cycles that can turn sidewalks into a skating rink,” says Mike Martin, Field Supervisor with the City’s Community Standards Branch.
“It is important that people keep clearing snow and spreading sand on their walks so that everyone, including service providers, can get around safely.”
City bylaws require that residents clear the public sidewalks around their property within 48 hours of a snowfall. During freeze-thaw periods, property owners have to keep sidewalks safe by either spreading sand or removing ice. Free sand is available in green boxes at most community leagues.
While homeowners are not legally required to clear the private walks on their own property, allowing snow and ice to build up on walks, decks and waste collection areas can result in serious injuries to service providers. Homes with unsafe walks may also experience a disruption in their mail service and in visits from meter readers who make sure utility bills are accurate.
Homeowners are also asked to remove or clearly mark hazards that might be hidden under the snow in residential yards because buried toys, tools, construction materials and other hazards can be very dangerous for ATCO and EPCOR meter readers.
“Keeping everyone in the community safe really is a shared responsibility, and it is important that everyone does their part,” says Martin.
Transforming Edmonton
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
RSS
