Mother nature not cooperating with City of Penticton’s efforts to clear snow

PENTICTON – A lengthy period of cold temperatures is hindering City of Penticton efforts to clear the city’s streets.

City Communications Officer Simone Blais says Mother Nature isn’t playing nice as the city’s public works department plugs away at city streets.

“Penticton has received over 17 centimetres of snow in the last week. Road crews are out in full force using all available resources, however, ongoing sub-zero temperatures are not providing the normal snow melt usually experienced in the Okanagan,” Blais says.

Ice melting products aren’t working at optimum rates either in the cold weather keeping streets and sidewalks slippery.

Blais says temperatures are expected to moderate in the next few days, but Enivironment Canada is predicting a return to more snow and cooler temperatures toward the weekend.

If the snow doesn't let up today the scene in downtown Penticton could soon be reminiscent of January last year when the city received 26 centimetres over two days and crews couldn't keep up.

Blais asks residents to drive according to conditions and to be prepared for winter driving conditions to persist for the next few days.

She also reminds residents of their responsibility to clean sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses, as spelled out under the Good Neighbour Bylaw.

Blais says the Snow Angel program is also underway again this season. The city program encourages Penticton residents to be good neighbours and help their neighbours in need with snow removal; all you need to do is adopt a sidewalk and keep it clear.

“Watch for people in your neighbourhood who could use help removing snow and ice from their sidewalks and driveways and ask if you can lend a hand,” Blais says.

To nominate a Snow Angel call 250-490-2500 or visit the city's website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.