Snow removal or lack thereof, is a constant topic of discussion in Timmins.
Northern cities that have the annual snowfall of this region have difficulty keeping up.
Timmins receives an average of 300 centimetres annually. It is a challenge year after year.
However, a lot of chatter on social media in recent days has been in regards to poor snow removal in Timmins.
Many residents have posted photos of snow banks up to six feet in height.
One area of concern is the lack of shoulder along Highway 101 in South Porcupine.
In the area directly in front the of the South Porcupine detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and The Beer Store, there is currently no shoulder at all.
The outer line of the highway has disappeared underneath the snow bank.
This is a dangerous situation for motorists and pedestrians in the area.
On December 23, TimminsToday sent an email to all members of city council and all relevant city departments, including Health & Safety and Public Works, in regards to the lack of snow removal in the area.
To date, the only response received has been from Director of Public Works and Engineering, Luc Duval.
“The City of Timmins will review its plowing activities in and around this location. With regards to pedestrian safety, we recognize that the locations you have pointed out do not have a sidewalk” said Duval.
He says maintenance of a highway is mandated by the province.
“We understand the safety issue brought to our attention and we will look into the matter. There may be an opportunity to perform an activity for the area immediately east of the Beer Store. Any other activity would be going way above the standards of maintaining a highway to provincial standards. It is ultimately up to the pedestrian to decide if they wish to walk along a highway in accordance to the rules prescribed in the Highway Traffic Act (Section 179-1). We recognize that walking along the highway in summer can be performed safely. Not so, in the winter. Ideally, we hope that residents who must attend to business in South Porcupine call a friend or call a local taxi service for this commute” said Duval.
Currently, there are no taxi services in South Porcupine.
Residents of the area can usually expect wait times of 15-20 minutes while their cab commutes from Timmins.
Highway shoulders not only provide a safe walking area for local residents but a safe zone for motorists who experience vehicle troubles, such as flat tires.
The issue is not new in the area.
The snow banks have become dangerously high.
Visibility at corners is a serious challenge.
On December 23, a motor vehicle collision occurred at corner of Bruce Avenue and Highway 101 East.
Later that afternoon, city crews had pushed back the snow banks at that intersection.
At the corner of Legion Drive and Highway 101 E, where OPP cruisers enter the highway, the snow banks have been pushed back as well.
This provides police with clear views.
