BARRHEAD - Murphy's Law has struck the County of Barrhead at the most inappropriate time.
Infrastructure director Ken Hove told councillors during their Dec. 3 meeting that public works will rent a snowplow because multiple units are now in the shop waiting for repairs.
"We had two graders out of service due to the last snowfall event due to transmission and emission issues," he said, adding that, fortunately, both required only minor repairs.
However, he said the county's snowplows are not as lucky.
"One is out of service with a suspected fuel injector issue. [On Dec. 2], we took the second snowplow out of service with a suspected turbo issue," Hove said. "It is a bit of bad timing as we expect snow in the next few days."
He added that the issue isn't plowing the snow off the road, as they could deputize graders for the job.
"But we also need something to put salt and sand down in icy conditions," Hove said.
Engineering for 2025 bridge and culvert work
Hove said the municipality's engineering firm has completed about 70 per cent of the preliminary engineering needed for its 2025 bridge and culvert replacement program.
He noted that the bridge file, a culvert south of Misty Ridge Ski Hill, would require a Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada request for review due to its proximity to the Athabasca River.
Hove added that initially, their engineers had marked the review as optional, but since then, they have confirmed the $2,245 expense is required.
"To make sure we are not damaging the fish," he said.
Road ban update
Hove said the municipality had effectively removed all road bans or weight restrictions as of Nov. 29, stating that 100 per cent of axle weight is now allowed.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
