This past winter was District of Clearwater's first experience with snow-plowing and the cost was higher than expected.
“The 2013/2014 winter season saw snow levels and well as snow frequencies greater than what was anticipated for 'snow events' as outlined in the District’s road maintenance contract with Borrow Enterprises Ltd.” reported Jared Brounstein, public works superintendent.
Total cost to the District for the winer was $357,000, which was $86,000 over the contractual requirements.
Brounstein noted that this translated into $5,200 per kilometre, which is still lower than neighbouring communities at $7,700 per kilometre
As a result of the cost overrun, town council decided during its June 17 meeting to set up a $32,000 operational reserve for roads.
The councillors directed staff to draft a roads operational bylaw for that purpose.
“We obviously had an exceptional year this year – but we could have an exceptional year next year as well,” said councillor Merlin Blackwell.
Exploring mountain biking's potential
Wells Gray Outdoor Club plans to build 12 km of mountain bike trails at its Candle Creek ski trails this summer, club member Sabine Cooperman told Clearwater town council.
Once completed, the club hopes to have a network of 30 km of trails developed.
Wells Gray Community Forest is working in partnership with the club in how it logs nearby, she said.
Mountain biking is a fast growing sport, Cooperman said. One town in Colorado now derives a large portion of its income from mountain bike tourism.
Councillor Jon Kreke noted that the District recently set up a trails committee to plan and develop a network of walking, biking and riding trails within Clearwater. He invited Cooperman to speak with the committee as well.