March 17th is supposed to be all about the green. This year, it’ll be white in our neck of the woods.
Environment Canada has upped its prediction of potential snowfall from the storm headed our way to 50cm. Some modelling indicates 60cm – that’s two feet — by noon Saturday.
The Town of Cochrane has declared a Significant Weather Event. Infrastructure services director Jared Alcock says it’s mandated under the minimum maintenance standards of the Municipal Act.
“It extends our timelines to address the accumulated snowfall and the blowing snow,” he explains. “As much as the snow we’re going to get, we’ll also have very strong wind gusts, which is going to create significant drifts, which are a problem as well.”
Alcock is asking you to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. He says that will help plow operators keep vital streets open. They are Fifth St., Railway St., Genier Rd. and the routes to the hospital on Ninth Ave. and the fire hall on Fifth St.
“We keep those open as much as we can, and keep the snow accumulation reduced to allow unfettered access to those emergency services,” Alcock notes, “as well as a pathway for them to get out and get to where they need to go.”
Once the storm ends, a total clean-up begins. Alcock asks you to park your car on the street only while you shovel your driveway, then move it back in, to make it easier for the plows.
More from Jared Alcock in this audio link: