Published: January 18, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield remains committed to providing safe and efficient snow and ice control operations throughout the winter season.
Background
At a Council meeting on June 13, 2022, Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council unanimously approved the transition of contracted snow and ice control operations to an in-house model with the Town’s Public Works Department conducting operations beginning in the 2023-2024 winter season. While this transition will increase snow and ice control costs by $160,000.00 annually, it is significantly less than the increase of $411,000.00 annually by remaining with a contracted service. For details, visit HERE.
Winter Weather Event on January 16-17, 2024
On January 16-17, 2024, the Town (and region) was subject to a weather event which caused abnormal road and sidewalk conditions.
Despite your Public Works team working long hours during and following the weather event, there were a culmination of factors which contributed to the Town’s snow and ice control operations at that time.
Some of these factors included:
•The weather event included snow, which then turned to rain. Temperatures then rapidly dropped, freezing the rainwater on roads before it could drain off. This weather change took place over a short period of time. Despite the efforts of your Public Works team, there was insufficient time to clear all roads and sidewalks of the snow which fell, before the temperatures dropped.
• Not all types of trucks can safely be used on all types of roads
• Per the Town’s Snow and Ice Control Plan:
– Priority 1 and 2 roads were serviced according to the Plan
– Priority 3 roads experienced delays in service as a result of two (2) trucks out of service
Sidewalks
Residents are reminded that sidewalks will not be serviced until after winter weather events, to allow crews to focus their full attention on widening roads.
Town remains committed to snow and ice control operations
The Town is committed to reducing similar impacts with future weather events, while following its Snow and Ice Control Plan.
The Town extends appreciation to its residents for their patience and cooperation with the Town’s first winter season of snow and ice control operations in-house.
The Public Works Department continues to work hard to keep our roads and sidewalks safe throughout the winter season.
Resources
To learn more, including the Town’s Snow and Ice Control Plan, By-law Respecting Snow and Ice Control, and tips for how residents can help, visit https://grandbaywestfield.ca/snow-and-ice-control/
Snow and Ice Control Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding the Town’s snow and ice control operations, Ward 1 residents may contact (506) 738-2230 anytime.
Ward 2 roads (portion of the former Local Service District of Westfield West focused on areas along and off Brittain and Campbell Road) continue to be maintained by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. For contact information, visit https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/dti.html
Town Contact Information
Phone: (506) 738-6400 (Option 3 for after-hours urgent matters)
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register for Grand Bay-Westfield Emergency Alerts
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield encourages residents to register for the emergency alert system (CodeRED by OnSolve). This is to ensure that the Town can notify residents in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. To register, visit HERE.
Stay Informed
Follow the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) or visit www.grandbaywestfield.ca
