Yellowknife (Feb 13/04) - Public works crews continue to clear a path this winter on Yellowknife's streets and walks.

Heavy-duty equipment has been running throughout the night at various locations around the city, grading and removing ice and snow. But removing tonnes of the white stuff from one location means finding another place to put it, said Dennis Kefalas, manager of public works.

"Currently the snow they remove goes to the landfill site and to Kam Lake, at the end of Enterprise Drive," he said.

"We'll also be doing a study to see where else we can bring the snow."

With the snow also comes the debris which previously littered the streets before being scooped up by road crews.

"We do a spring clean-up. It's part of our land use permit," he said.

Because snow packs down solidly, it takes longer to grade and remove.

During cleaning, he urged caution, as certain areas, such as curbs, will drop off anywhere from four to 12 inches during to process.

While public works is clearing streets, the city's community services department is responsible for ensuring the public has safe, clear parking lots and walking trails.

Andrew Morton, facilities manager, said employees are busy clearing as soon as the first flakes fall.

"We first clear the City Hall parking lot and then go over to the park on 43rd Street," he said. The Frame Lake Trail is cleared from the hospital to the ceremonial circle by way of Bobcat. Gravel is added when necessary.

Walkers on the Niven Lake Trail may have to don their snowshoes, however.

"We don't have the resources to maintain that," he said.

snow

removal facts:

d This year's municipal budget for snow and ice control is $722,000.

d Public works operations and maintenance employs 39 people this time of year.

d Equipment used by any given snow removal crew generally includes one grader, one loader and three dump trucks.

The fleet:

Keeping winter from freezing out Yellowknife residents is a specialized job that takes some heavy-duty tools. Public works operations and maintenance winter fleet features:

d Two loaders for snow removal.

d One backhoe for emergency water main repairs.

d Two graders for street maintenance and snow removal.

d Two bobcats (only one is employed for sidewalk clearing).

d Five medium to heavy trucks for sanding and sidewalk clearing.

d Three steamers for thawing frozen pipes.

d Two flusher trucks for clearing blocked sewers.

d 21 crew trucks.