A record amount of white stuff in the month of February has snowballed into the creation of a new city council working group that will review Orillia's winter control policy.
Wave after wave of lake-effect storms blanketed Orillia to a depth of 180 cm of snow in February, setting a new monthly record, according to Orillia weather watcher David Brain, who reports his findings to Environment Canada.
This winter's total snowfall of 460 cm, or 15 feet, is the third highest on record, after 490 cm in 1995/1996 and 478 cm in 1874/1875.
Orillia's crews and equipment have been pushed to the limit in an effort to clear snow from city streets and sidewalks. The city has hired outside contractors to remove snow.
Council also held a special meeting on Feb. 20 to approve $416,000 in spending, from reserves, to purchase a new tractor-mounted snowblower and four replacement sidewalk blowers.
Significant weather events were declared Feb. 8 and Feb. 17 as the city was hit with more than 40 cm each time and couldn't keep up the required safety standard for roads.
City Hall has heard plenty from residents complaining about high snow banks in the city, causing safety hazards for pedestrians and drivers, and snow covered roads and sidewalks.
In response, Orillia passed a motion at Monday's council meeting to establish a winter control policy review working group to study the issue and make recommendations to better align it with community needs.
"I want to make it very clear that I think staff have done an amazing job particularly with the challenges that we've had this year with that amount of snow," said Coun. David Campbell.
"They do an excellent job within the policy we've established and this is us having a look at that policy and making sure that it's still appropriate based on the weather we're experiencing," he added.
Mayor Don McIsaac was one of the city politicians pushing for the working group.
"As the community continues to provide feedback, it is crucial to evaluate whether our current policy adequately addresses their concerns and needs," noted a report present to council.
McIsaac said the group can "provide recommendations to address any gaps" in service.
Councillors Tim Lauer, Campbell, Jeff Czetwerzuk and Ralph Cipolla have agreed to be on the working group, representing each of Orillia's four wards. They are to report back to council April 7.
