Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 05/02) - With a truck's body and a full array of cleaning gear, the city's new $190,000 street-sweeper is set to tackle roadway gravel and trash this summer.

Delivered earlier this year, the Freightliner Road Wizard can sweep a three-metre wide swath of road while spraying from a 1,285 litre tank.

The city already has two street-sweepers, but one is on its last legs. That older, more decrepit one will be used sparingly this summer, as a backup and when needed during busy times.

Sean Mailloux, the sub-foreman for roads and sidewalks, said each newer street-sweeper has gotten more comfortable to use.

"This (new) one looks like it's going to ride even nicer yet," he said.

City streets are swept all summer. A major push to clean off winter road gravel starts when solid melting weather begins.

"It's got to be warm enough that the water doesn't freeze," said city public works director Greg Kehoe.

"If you go too early, you'll pick up stuff but leave an ice rink behind."

The city will take delivery of a number of new vehicles this summer, including a new bobcat for the city's baling facility and D5-CAT to spread garbage at the dump.