Estevan’s city council held a detailed discussion on public works initiatives during the budget meetings, where Hayley DeConinck, the manager of public works, presented a comprehensive overview of snow removal and sidewalk maintenance plans for the year.
As winter approaches, one key focus of public works is snow removal and ice control. Councillor Shelley Veroba raised concerns about the snow buildup on Kensington and Souris Avenues, particularly how it forces pedestrians closer to traffic.
“My fear is that with heavy traffic in these areas, this poses a risk,” Veroba noted.
DeConinck addressed the issue, explaining that parks staff handle the clearing of these areas because public works equipment is too large to access them. She assured the council that this would be reviewed with the parks department to ensure safety.
DeConinck further detailed the city’s proactive snow removal strategy, which involves early snow clearing to prevent water damage to the pavement and the formation of potholes. Additionally, DeConinck spoke about the city’s innovative approach to managing icy conditions. Public works now uses a blend of salt and sand and is testing liquid de-icing agents, which have proven successful for traction.
“This is the first year we’ve tried liquid salt de-icers, similar to those used on highways. It’s been working well,” she said. However, she noted that salt is ineffective when temperatures drop below –20 C, so sand is used to provide necessary traction on the roads.
Councillor Matthew Dubowski expressed concerns about the potential damage salt might cause to vehicles. DeConinck acknowledged the issue and suggested that residents wash their vehicles frequently to prevent damage.
The snow dump site on King Street also received praise for its effectiveness, with DeConinck reporting no complaints from residents regarding its operation.
During the meeting, discussions also turned to the city’s sidewalk maintenance program, with a particular emphasis on addressing tripping hazards. Safe Sidewalks Canada has been hired to assist with this effort at a cost of $10,000 to $15,000 annually. A list of sidewalks requiring service will be compiled in the spring. City Manager Jeff Ward called the program beneficial and highlighted that in the past, entire sections of sidewalk had to be replaced, which is costly. Now, alternative methods like rubber paving are being explored in some areas.
“We’ll monitor these sections over the next few years to ensure they’re effective,” Ward noted, adding that pedestrian-friendly sidewalks are essential for strollers, wheelchairs, and others.
Councillor Kirsten Walliser raised concerns about a missed opportunity to include proper depressions for wheelchair users in a recent sidewalk replacement project. DeConinck reassured the council that accessibility needs will be addressed in future sidewalk upgrades, noting that curb cuts are part of the strategy moving forward.
Another important topic during the meeting was the potential long-term effectiveness of snow clearing on sidewalks, particularly on busy avenues. Veroba reiterated concerns about pedestrians being pushed too close to traffic in these areas. Public Works will collaborate with the parks department to resolve the issue.
Councillor Dave Elliot mentioned permanent ridges and drainage issues on Devonian Street caused by recent dust treatments. DeConinck noted that she is considering narrowing the roads and improving crowns that should help address water drainage problems.
“We need to make roads narrower with proper crowns to prevent these issues,” DeConinck explained. The dust control treatments could also be scheduled earlier in the spring to address potential issues earlier in the year.
While public works plans for the upcoming year remain ambitious, there is a firm commitment to balancing infrastructure upgrades with the feedback of the community. DeConinck’s comprehensive overview covered the ongoing investment in asphalt crushing and fleet renewal, along with the growing emphasis on ensuring safe and effective pedestrian spaces for the public.
The full budget package will be made public in the next couple of days, and the budget will be voted on during the council meeting scheduled for February 10, 2025