Snow-clearing and clean-up operations continued throughout Durham yesterday, but several areas were still not cleared by last night.
Municipalities said this was because snow plow crews had to have a mandatory eight-hour rest between shifts.
Operations are to resume today, they added.
“Most roads are now in good shape; however, there are a few areas in Bowmanville that have not yet been plowed and may be delayed until tomorrow [Friday] morning to allow our plow operators to have a mandatory eight-hour rest period,” said a statement from Clarington yesterday.
Crews are expected to be out early. “A full callout of all available staff will begin again at 4am on Friday to continue with clean-up operations. A small crew of staff and night equipment operators will be on duty overnight to continue plowing and respond to emergency calls,” said the statement.
The municipality warned residents to keep children away from working snowplows.
“Snow plow drivers cannot see children when they are playing in ditches, near the side of the road, or in snow piled in the centre of cul-de-sacs. Plows push heavy snow and pose a hazard. Stay safe and keep kids away!”
Clear Windrows
Meanwhile, the City of Pickering said its crews have been working through Wednesday night to clear city streets.
It reminded residents to do their bit.
“Did you know it is your responsibility to clear any snow that may have been left by the plow at the end of your driveway (also known as a windrow)?” it said.
Garbage Etiquette
The Town of Whitby reminded its residents to consider collectors when placing curbside garbage for pick up.
When setting out your waste and recycling bins, remember to place them on the snow cleared part of your driveway or on a snow-cleared portion of the boulevard. Bins placed on snowbanks can pose quite the challenge for our collectors!https://t.co/fov0cN4Xv3 pic.twitter.com/DseUo2ZH2Y
— Town of Whitby, ON (@TownofWhitby) January 26, 2023
Helping Hands
When times are tough, help is always welcome – and the innate helpfulness of Canadians was in evidence yesterday with Durham residents helping those in need, like pulling cars stuck in snow or clearing their neighbours driveways.
Oshawa Power yesterday said apart from fixing electrical issues, it’s crews yesterday were required for “other duties”.
“Huge shout out to our crew members who pitched in to help clear the snow from an elderly community member’s property today.
“We’re incredibly proud of our people and all that they contribute to our community,” said an Oshawa Power tweet.
Buses Affected
Durham Transit reported several delays and some cancellations of its buses due to snow on the roads.
School buses were cancelled across Durham yesterday, even though there was no ‘snow day’ for students. Schools remained open.
Durham District School Board (DDSB) said buses were cancelled in all zones due to inclement weather. However, all its elementary and secondary schools remained open.
All Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) buses were cancelled but schools were open.
Durham Catholic District School Board said Durham Student Transportation Services cancelled buses in Zone 1 (Brock Area), Zone 2 (Uxbridge Area), Zone 3 (Scugog Area), Zone 4 (Southern Area) today (Jan 26) due to road conditions resulting from inclement weather. All DCDSB schools remained open.
