Public Works Manager Chris Matthews, is reminding District of Barriere residents the municipality’s winter road maintenance program is now in full gear. The district’s roads are rated as priority 1, 2 and 3 roads. Priority 1 roads are the main corridor roads, including Barriere Town Road and the school bus routes. Priority 2 roads are most of the rest of the local roads. Priority 3 roads have few if any houses on them.
“To facilitate snow removal, please do not leave vehicles or trailers parked or standing on a public roadway during snow/potential snow events,” advises Matthews, “This ensures crews can completely clear the streets of snow and that large emergency vehicles can get down the street safely. Consider relocating any decorative landscaping items off of the right-of-way as it is expected that the blade of a snowplow will reach beyond the paved surface (district right-of-way) of the roadway for adequate snow removal.”
Neither the district, or the snow removal contractor, is responsible for any damage to landscaping or decorative items outside of private property lines in the municipal right-of-way added Matthews.
In addition, items within the right-of-way can cause damage to a snowplow blade, which could result in the homeowner being liable for that damage.
Lawn markers/reflectors are also not permitted within the public road right-of-way and will be removed if they interfere with maintenance operations.
“Please do not deposit snow on residential streets, ” said Matthews, “Pushing or blowing snow onto or across roadways creates unsafe conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
“We also ask parents to remind their children to be aware of snow plowing operations and the hazards posed by winter driving conditions, such as reduced visibility and increased stopping distances required for vehicles.”
The District of Barriere’s winter roads maintenance contractor is Borrow Enterprises. Any questions or concerns regarding snow clearing can be made directly to them at 250-674-8776.
“Thank you for your co-operation, and please be a good neighbour and consider the safety of road users,” added Matthew, “And Drive safe.”