As I write this on Monday morning, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Okotoks. Last night’s snowfall set the stage for Friday’s Light Up Okotoks, arguably the most popular event of the year in a town where events are an important part of community life.
I took an early morning walk around the block while the blanket of white was still fresh. As I watched cars, trucks and school buses going about their business, I was struck by how hard our road maintenance crews must have worked throughout the night. A big snowstorm isn’t just an inconvenience; it can halt daily activities, close businesses and endanger public safety.
Maintenance crews are unsung heroes who often put in herculean efforts to clear our thoroughfares, allowing life to continue as seamlessly as possible.
Even before snow starts falling, they monitor weather forecasts and, based on the predictions, deploy resources where they’re likely to be needed most. They stockpile sand, prepare snowplows and schedule extended shifts to ensure there are enough hands on call. They train workers, sometimes months in advance, maintain equipment and put contingency plans in place so the Town is prepared for the ongoing job of keeping the streets clear throughout the winter.
And when the storm does hit, municipal crews are among the first on the scene, plowing, sanding and loading snow onto trucks in severe conditions. Main roads, emergency routes and high-traffic zones are cleared first to allow emergency services personnel to travel safely. Heavy storms may require them to work around the clock.
Operating heavy machinery in snowy and icy conditions is demanding, physically taxing work with hazards that include slippery conditions, low visibility and extreme cold. It’s work that requires strength, endurance and concentration.
Once the main roads are cleared, they turn their attention to side streets and sidewalks, so people can walk safely, and the elderly, or those with limited mobility, can receive essential and emergency assistance.
But clearing the snow is only the start of the job. Our municipal crews are also responsible for managing the logistics of snow removal. Snow isn’t just left on the main streets to hopefully melt during the next chinook. Hundreds of truckloads are hauled away after every major storm, a laborious process that can take several days – even longer if another snowfall occurs in the meantime.
The dedication of our road crews to keep streets open goes beyond simply doing their job, it’s a commitment to public safety and the smooth functioning of our town. Their efforts allow us to carry on our daily lives with minimal disruption, ensure emergency services respond promptly and help businesses remain open all winter.
Next time you pass a municipal road crew, give them a beep to say thanks. Without them, Okotoks would grind to a halt every time there is a winter storm. Their hard work, resilience and dedication make our weather manageable, transforming snowy townscapes into safe, navigable spaces.
Bless ‘em all.