Banff politicians are taking a closer look at the municipality’s snow removal policy in a bid to do a better job of clearing snow and ice in certain areas, including those frequently used by seniors.
On a 4-3 vote, council has directed administration to bring back potential amendments to the policy that could lead to better clearing of pedestrian routes to and from Cascade House, Mount Edith House, Olympic House and the downtown core.
Marc Breau, the Town of Banff’s streets supervisor, said there have been requests for increased service levels on pedestrian routes from seniors’ housing areas to downtown, including sidewalks into the crosswalks.
“We’ve had numerous action requests coming this year related to seniors and their desire to remain independent and walk downtown and shop and visit the post office, etcetera,” said Breau.
“We take care of our roads, but at a lot of transition areas outside of the downtown, and even inside the downtown core, sometimes take up to a week or more before they’re really in good enough shape for all levels of pedestrian traffic.”
A report coming back to council for its consideration will include costs for increased equipment and staffing, estimated to be about $30,000, or a deferral of other work in other areas to do this enhanced clearing.
Councillor Chip Olver voiced support for making pedestrian routes for seniors a greater priority, noting it would serve all pedestrians who now choose to walk instead of drive downtown.
“Some people, including myself, have been afraid to walk this winter because of the consequences of a fall, and if we can enhance pedestrian movement for all of our residents, I think it’s really worth talking about,” she said.
“I just think making it safer for everyone who walks around our streets, especially our seniors for whom a fall causes such devastation to their lifestyle, is really important.”
Councillors Ted Christensen, Brian Standish and Stavros Karlos voted against the move, arguing requests for increased service is an ongoing battle because of the mountain town’s weather.
“This is a real tough one, but I won’t be supporting the motion,” said Standish. “I totally understand seniors’ concerns and challenges with the issue for better snow clearing, but it’s a losing battle.”
As part of potential amendments to the snow and ice policy, council is also looking at the potential of changing Bow Avenue from a yellow zone to a higher priority blue zone, the second priority on its ranking system.
Breau said increasing the priority determines how soon a road is plowed after a snowfall.
He said there are no budget implications when increasing a priority; however, there would be a delay in reaching one or two roadways already classified as a higher priority.
“To increase priority level, and increase the amount of time and the quickness of when it gets plowed, would make it a little more pedestrian friendly,” he said.
Mayor Karen Sorensen voted in favour of having administration draft potential changes for council’s consideration.
“I think we have made great effort to get our commuters and our residents who are driving to work to park in this area,” she said.
“I want them to be able to park easily and I would prefer that snow would not be a reason they can’t find a stall.”
