Environment Canada reported that the snowfall in the Timmins region on December 29 exceeded the typical amount for the entire month of December. Monica Vaswani, a warning preparedness meteorologist, stated that approximately 50 to 60 cm of snow fell with winds reaching 74 km/h during the peak of the storm. The area usually receives 63.8 cm of snow in December, but after the recent storm, it had already surpassed a meter of snow accumulation for the month.
Public works crews are still clearing snow a week after the storm, leading to school bus cancellations in Timmins, Cochrane, Ramore, and Iroquois Falls. Ryan Hartling, the supervisor of transportation for Northeast Triboard Student Transportation, highlighted the challenges faced by bus drivers due to narrow streets and high snow banks reducing visibility. He emphasized the importance of clear intersections and safe waiting areas for students.
Efforts to address the snow accumulation include city crews pushing back snow banks, removing snow, and clearing sidewalks. Repairing stop signs and shoveling out hydrants are also part of the ongoing tasks. Residents have raised concerns about narrow residential roads and limited snow disposal space, causing difficulties in navigating the area.
Businesses, such as the Fishbowl restaurant in Timmins, had to contend with snow-related disruptions. Despite facing challenges, co-owner Lise Cantin appreciated the community spirit and assistance in clearing the snow. The city has reminded residents not to push snow onto roads to avoid fines.
Council members are scheduled to discuss the snow clearing operations at a meeting on January 6, which will be live-streamed for public viewing. Environment Canada has issued warnings of temperatures rising to near zero before returning to seasonal norms in the coming days.
