Response came fast and (in some cases) furious to a small story we published online Wednesday morning and in today’s paper.
It was intended as a public service reminder to home and business owners that they are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their property. What it quickly became, however, was a jumping off point for many to suggest that, when it comes to snow and ice removal, local municipalities have taken a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ position.
Several complained that snowy or icy roads have made driving difficult, while others wondered who, if not the municipality is responsible for stretches of walkway that don’t immediately front a home or business.
At the same time, trying to buy de-icing salt has been an exercise in frustration for many.
What’s clear is that when it comes to winter we are all out of practice. Our default position when it snows is usually to simply wait a day or two and watch our problems melt away before our eyes.
In other towns and cities across Canada, after a snowfall it’s not uncommon to see a small army of residents emerge, armed with shovels, snow blowers and pre-purchased bags of salt, to clear driveways and sidewalks in front of not only their own homes, but those of neighbours who can use a helping hand as well.
No doubt, that’s been happening here in Langley, too, but it’s human nature to notice the stuff that gets in our way.
The walkway that more closely resembles an icy moguls course on a ski hill is going to grab our undivided attention quicker than the clean, well-salted path that we can tread along, worry-free.
Right now, there are too many of the former. Presumably many residents have decided to wait it out. How far off can the next rainfall possibly be?
For those in good health, shovelling is great exercise. And if you know someone who’s not, it’s an excellent opportunity to do them a good turn and, in the process, maybe even make a new friend to complain with about the state of the roads.
