The Town of Cochrane budget for snow removal may once again come out on the positive side if we see less snow than anticipated.

There is a budgeted amount every year but no one can predict what Mother Nature will bring.

Laurie Drukier, Town of Cochrane, Senior Communications Advisor says there is a difference between snow clearing and snow removal but they both require man power and equipment."

"The budget is $80,000 a year  but that also includes the purchase of sand and salt that we put down. The snow isn't always removed, sometimes it is pushed to the side, and sometimes just sand/salt mixture is laid down just to increase traction and mobility on our roads."

If the budget is not all used, Drukier, says money will go into reserves for a later date.

"Sometimes we need to draw on those reserves when there is a large snow event, an unexpected snow event, or an unseasonable snow event. We also use that money if we need to purchase extra materials like the sand and salt or if we want to buy it ahead for next season."

When it does snow, their is a priority system in place.

"The main emergency routes are always dealt with first, emergency vehicles need to be able to get where they need to go. Then the secondary roads, the feeder roads, and residential areas last. Of course the highways are maintained by by Alberta Transportation and they contract Volker Stevin to take care of that for them."

Eight full time workers, and three part time relief workers, work on a rotating schedule to cover 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Cochrane has three tandem axle plow trucks, one front end loader,  one 1 1/2 tonne plow and sander, and one grater, which are used to keep all interior arterial roads and residential areas maintained and safe throughout the winter season.

If you would like more information on snow removal for the Town of Cochrane you will find it here.