What might have been a strange sight for some was actually a purposeful attempt by city administration to get ahead of the spring melt.
With temperatures climbing up to record-setting highs of 21°C over the weekend, some residents might have noticed snow crews operating around the city salting the roads, and working to get ahead of the inevitable slushy season when temperatures get more consistent.
Deputy Mayor Gladys Blackmore says taking advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures helps mitigate some of the hazards on the road that come with springtime.
“It is very helpful if we can get ahead of spring by getting rid of some of the ice ahead of time, or opening up those places that get ice and are prone to flooding,” she says. “When we have the resources, the staff available to do that, I think we would always try to do that in the Spring.”
It is not uncommon for crews to begin operations when the weather warms up; however, city officials noted how unusual it might have seemed to residents so early in the year.
“There’s been lots of years where spring has been a lot more difficult to deal with, so people might notice things this year they might not have noticed previously,” Blackmore says. “It would be happening anyway, but perhaps later on, our administration is just getting ahead of the curve on that.”
Blackmore says whenever the next opportunity presents itself, and resources are available, crews will continue operating to ensure an easy transition into the warm season.