As the weather outside gets colder, the debate on snow removal in Prince George heats up.
After the city conducted a survey to find out what residents thought of the snow removal policy, 80 per cent said they wished to keep the same level of service as previous years.
The city acknowledged the results during Monday's council meeting, and passed the new snow and ice control policy.
The survey received 600 responses, of which 39 people said they wanted an increase in the level of service and 30 said to lower the amount of service. Several councillors agreed the poll was a great example of finding a way to hear what people had to say.
"The outreach we sent to the community brought back the message we were looking for. At the end of the day, they said it's the right thing to do and they're OK with maintaining the standard with snow removal," said councillor Dave Wilbur, adding it's important to note that the city will continue to look for improvements along the way rather than simply keeping the service at status quo.
The policy gives first priority to main arterial streets, streets and lanes in the Downtown Central Business District, major and problem hills, as well as civic facilities' parking lots, entrances and pathways.
Second priority includes all remaining bus routes, and commercial/industrial roads, selected parks facilities, parking lots and pathways. Third priority is given to residential streets and lanes.
Councillor Don Bassermann said much of the original plan came from close co-operation with the people who were on the roads and doing the job first hand.
He said this is an important thing to keep in mind, as the front-line people are there to ensure that the roads are as safe as possible for the people.
