Expect snowplows, graders and other winter maintenance vehicles on Greater Sudbury streets from Nov. 12 to 18.
This, regardless of whether any white stuff and ice has accumulated (and there has, in fact, been some snowfall in the city overnight, although the main roads appear to be clear).
The city is conducting its annual test run for more than 50 municipal and contract operators, who are completing training exercises to familiarize themselves with routes.
“These test runs allow crews to identify potential hazards, obstacles and operational challenges before the winter weather arrives to ensure effective and timely snow removal services throughout the winter months,” according to a media release issued by the city.
“This training takes place at the same time every year to align with the beginning of external contracts for winter maintenance activities.”
Last winter, the city launched a snow plow tracking map to keep residents informed about snow-clearing operations. This interactive tool, available by clicking here, provides near real-time updates on the last service times of the road and sidewalk network.
The city’s winter control plan follows council-approved service levels, including a requirement that all city streets, sidewalks and bus stops are cleared to desired levels within 24 hours of a snowfall event ending.
Despite hosting annual test runs, the first snow event tends to include missed streets. The city urges residents whose area hasn’t received at least one pass from a plow within 24 hours of a snow event ending to report the oversight by phoning 311 or filing a complaint online at 311.greatersudbury.ca.
The city’s full winter control plan can be found at greatersudbury.ca/winter.
Meanwhile, the city media release urges residents to remove portable basketball nets and hockey nets from the road and shoulder during the winter months to allow snowplows and salt/sand trucks a clear path.
They also ask residents to ensure garbage cans, recycling boxes and green carts are placed at the end of the driveway and not on the sidewalk. Items left on sidewalks or in the roadway can create obstacles for plows and make it difficult for crews to properly clear snow.