City set for windrow clearing service this winter

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 6, 2024.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman City transportation operations manager Juliane Ruck talks to reporters earlier this week in front of snow removal equipment.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The City of Lethbridge recently announced a new program aimed at helping residents with mobility challenges who live along snow routes, to clear the windrow along their driveways and curbs that results from plowing the roads.

Juliane Ruck, transportation operations manager with the City, says the program will help residents with mobility challenges re-gain access to their driveways, or their vehicles from the curb after snow has been plowed.

“This program was created because when we went back to council in July and reported on those challenges, council directed us to create an assistant service that allows these residents to have easier access to their property,” said Ruck.

She explained that this service will be free of charge to residents who sign up for the program and it will be based on an honour system.

“Residents can call 311 starting Sept. 16 until Sept. 27 to sign up for this assistance program. It’s especially geared towards people with mobility challenges, so we would ask residents to consider and really assess their situation, because program is designed for people in need,” said Ruck.

She said registration will only be accepted during a specified time period because the City needs to know in advance how many houses along the snow routes will require assistance and what resources would be needed to accomplish the task.

“This will allow us to have the resources available during the first snow route declaration so we can create openings either on your driveway or along the curb so people can navigate a passage to their car where it’s parked on street,” said Ruck.

According to a press release from the City, one windrow passage will be created per property and service may be delivered up to three days after snow routes are plowed. Residents will continue to be responsible for clearing sidewalks, pathways and other snow on their property.

“If a faster level of service is required, or if you need your entire driveway cleared, you may prefer to hire a private snow-clearing company as part of your property maintenance or identify family, friends, or neighbours who can assist with shoveling,” reads the release.

When asked about options for residents who get injured or who begin facing mobility challenges after the sign-up period, Ruck said those will be assessed case-by-case.

Following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 winter season, feedback will be sought from those residents who signed up and the findings will be reported back to City Council for review.