Town of Caledon roads were in good hands over a tough winter

With a seasonal snow fall in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that is expected to beat the Ontario record set in 1938-39, this winter has been extremely demanding for the Town of Caledon's public works and engineering (PW&E) staff.

Last year, approximately 60 cm of snow fell, in comparison to the nearly 200 cm of snow received this season, the Town reports. Since Feb. 1, PW&E road crews have cumulatively worked 5,300 hours more on winter maintenance than during the same period in 2007. Frequent freeze/thaw cycles have added to the difficult task of clearing roads for safe travel and parking.

Compared to last year, PW&E road crews have travelled an extra 40,000 km this season to plow, salt and sand Caledon roads. As of Friday (March 28), the Town has spread 66 per cent more salt and sand than last year. The cost of winter maintenance for the season is anticipated to be $1.2 million more than the Town's total expenditures for last winter.

"Our Caledon roads are in good hands, thanks to the tireless dedication and care shown by our Public Works and Engineering staff," commented Mayor Marolyn Morrison. "Our drivers operate in extreme weather - snow, freezing rain, ice and white-outs - they are a committed group of hardworking employees who are very dedicated to the residents of Caledon."

A typical work day for PW&E road crews following a snow fall or drifting conditions begins at 3 a.m., before school buses and commuters venture out, stated the release issued by the Town Friday. Plowing and sanding/salting continues for the next 12 hours (or more) to prepare the roads for school buses and motorists that are making the return trip from school or work. For this season, there have been as many as 12 consecutive days when staff have endured these types of hours to keep Town roads open to traffic.