I think almost everyone would agree on the need for an "enough already with the snow" movement. I've lived in Battleford for 20 years and this is the most snow I've ever seen. My back yard, which is divided into two distinct levels with a long staircase leading from one to the other, is starting to look level.
The almost daily deluge is certainly a challenge for municipalities who are tasked with keeping the streets and roads clear. This week at least two rural correspondents are singing the praises of municipal grade operators for their diligence in keeping major thoroughfares open, while in one case a community is mourning the death of an operator involved in a collision with a train.
Urban dwellers are more likely to gripe about the lack of snow removal than sing the praises of the City and Town employees, but I think if they were really paying attention they would see the crews are doing their best to keep ahead of Mother Nature.
On any given day you can take a drive and find the big front end loaders and dump trucks working away, beginning early in the morning, on some street or avenue in both communities. A recent press release from the City indicates these workers may also be toiling away at their own peril, as arrogant motorists ignore barricades put in place for their protection. Hey, people, if you see a snow removal at work, take an alternate route. It isn't like this is New York.
When you consider that almost every day more of the white stuff tumbles down, I think the City and Town are doing an admirable job of helping us get around. Take a drive in the Broadway area of Saskatoon if you want to see what really bad streets look like.
It would be nice, however, if the town operator would change his method so "he who grumbles incessantly about winter" wouldn't have to clear the ridge off the end of the driveway every time the operator clears the street.
Take heart, only 27 more days until March.
