I am compelled to respond to all the negative feedback being generated over the last few weeks by some Red Deerians.
I live in a smaller, older neighbourhood, not too far off the beaten track. I am always impressed how quickly that main road is plowed and/or sanded.
The connector roads, bridge decks and hills are done usually overnight, proficiently and adequately, all things considered (e.g., the plus or minus 100 cm of snow we have received over the last month or so — surely a record and, if not, close to it). I do not remember a November/December like this for a very long time and I have lived in Red Deer for many years.
Instead of unleashing on city council (who are, in my opinion, trying their best to find reasonable and workable balances between all the needs and wishes of the populace, plus costs and revenues) and public works personnel, I suggest that people get outside and do their best to ameliorate the snow buildup in their own personal use spaces — and perhaps their neighbours’, while appreciating and thanking all those involved in the planning, co-ordination and execution of the removal of the many thousand of tonnes of snow from our hundreds of kilometres of roadways, alleys, sidewalks, crosswalks, bridges, hills, pathways, etc.
I would personally like to thank all those involved in the remedial action regarding snow and streets in Red Deer. May the upcoming holiday season be snow-free, merry and bright for everyone, including the Scrooges and Grinches among us.
Pete Weddell
Red Deer