Political corner: an update from Halifax West Armdale

Our winter weather started off very well, with no snow or ice storms in November and December, but the recent storms have made up for it! The traditional snow storm seems to have disappeared. These storms have had varying weather, rain, snow, freezing rain and flash freezing, then very cold temperatures for days. In temperatures under -15C salt does not work on our asphalt streets and as concrete sidewalks do not retain the heat like asphalt (much like a white car in summer versus a black car) salt doesn’t work on sidewalks when the temperatures dip below -9. Despite crews being out prior, during and after each storm and utilizing all available equipment, they have not been able to keep the streets and sidewalks in appropriate conditions. Some of our storms have started with heavy rains and crews could not apply salt or sand as it would just wash away and cause issues with our storm water systems but have no effect on our roads.

The complaints of the state of snow removal have been not only on sidewalks, but active transportation corridors (such as the Chain of Lakes Trail), bus stops, intersections and streets. At several times this winter, the majority of our priority two streets were not up to our standards. During major storms, the focus was on priority one streets and by the time operators got to the priority two they faced icing conditions. Personally I have not seen our streets in these poor conditions. Despite diligent efforts, even resident’s cannot keep their driveways clear of ice.

Climate change is making our winter conditions worse. My concern is that the past two atypical winters may be the “new normal” and our current practises have not been sufficient to address these public safety issues.

In order to address these challenging winter conditions, I brought a motion to Council requesting a staff report evaluating the best practises for management of our streets and sidewalks during icing conditions when salt does not work and to assess options for on street parking such as longer enforcement of the winter parking ban and/or alternate side of the street parking during the winter.

Although our processes have improved and we apply brine as a precaution, this preventative measure does not work in very cold temperatures. Many cities throughout North America augment traditional rock salt application with by products such as calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, and organic compounds such as beet juice, cheese brine, pickle brine, and sugar cane molasses. These products act as a gooey substance to which salt adheres. The organics increase the ice melting capacity at cooler temperatures when mixed with salt. The salt doesn’t bounce off roads into ditches and minimizes the likelihood of runoff to watercourses. Secondly, when organics are combined with the syrup it sticks within the top layer of the pavement. It stays there when the pavement dries and the next time it snows the road is already pretreated. It takes longer to accumulate and allows the plows to do their work before it has a chance to freeze. Less salt on the road is also better for the environment and less expensive. The report would include considerations of combining other abrasives with sand.

Although Council is not responsible for operations we are in charge of formulating policy, such as the snow service standards (time frames). We should evaluate the time frames to clear sidewalks, bus stops and priority two streets. Shortening these standards will enhance public safety but would also come at a cost. We must consider improved standards and the associated financial implications.