Miserable winter takes toll on roads budget

Last winter not only seemed endless, it also hit the city hard in the budget, with costs running more than $1.5 million higher than forecast.

Broken down, the city went $1.191 million over budget salting, sanding and plowing the roads; $292,000 more removing snow; $55,223 more on winter roads maintenance; and, $3,855 more plowing sidewalks.

On the plus side, they spent $55,562 less than planned on the spring ditching/cleanup program.

Winter snowfall for January, March and April all exceeded normal amounts, particularly in March, when 60 cm of snow fell, almost double the normal amount.

Deficits in the winter maintenance budget are funded through a reserve fund, which is topped up by surpluses in milder winters.