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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 12, 2007 - 13 Let it not snow By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER It may not be good for snowboarders or skiers, but this winter's mild weather is saving Oakville taxpayers about $60,000 a week in snow removal costs. The Town budgets about $3.5 million a year to pay for staff, contractors, equipment and salt to help keep Oakville's roads and sidewalks clear between the end of November and the beginning of April. "We base our annual budget on an average year," explained Dan Cozzi, director of the Town's Roads and Works. In 2006, which included mild weather at the end of last winter and a lack of snow in November and December, the Town saved $1.2 million. Cozzi said the Town typically budgets for about five or six snowfalls of more than 10 cm ­ the threshold that calls for townwide plowing of all streets. Not only hasn't that occurred this winter, it also didn't happen in the first three months of 2006. The last storm of that magnitude hit last December, during Oakville's 2005 fiscal year. Although the Town still has to pay its own staff, and standby fees to contractors, it has saved money on overtime costs and additional fees for contractors. The mild winter was also good for the Town's Winter Control Reserve fund, which will be topped up to $800,000 ­ or 25 per cent of an average winter budget ­ as a result of the savings from 2006. "In a bad year, we'll borrow from the reserve, and in a good year, if the reserve isn't at its max, we'll top it up," said Cozzi. The department has also invested $200,000 of its savings into the purchase of two de-icing units. The units apply a brine solution to pavement in advance of forecast bad weather. It deters ice from bonding to pavement and reduces the amount of salting needed in the midst of, and following, winter storms. "It saves a lot of money, because you don't use as much salt," says Cozzi. "And because it saves a lot of salt, it's good for the environment." The mild winter has however made it harder for the Town to evaluate a pilot project that removes windrows from residential driveways. Windrows ­ piles of heavy snow created at the end of driveways when residential streets are plowed ­ are daunting for seniors or physically challenged residents. Last winter, the Town started a threeyear pilot project, offering removal of the windrows for a flat fee of $80 a year. Just over 200 people signed up. The Town hoped to increase participants to 500 this year, and to 1,000 next winter, to make the service viable and selfsustaining. However meagre snowfall has seen about 200 residents sign up this year despite aggressive marketing. Cozzi said it's tough to evaluate a snow removal program when there is no snow. These special Momento Pages will appear in The Oakville Beaver on January 20, 2007. If you would like your child (or grandchild) to be included, just fill out the ad form below and submit, along with a photo, no later than Friday January 12, 2007. Baby's Name (please print clearly): Burlington's Oakville's 2006 Newest Arrivals Newest Arrivals If you were, have your little "Bundle of Joy" listed in _____________ Middle _____________ Surname Were you blessed with the arrival of a child in 2006? _______________ First _______________ Mom (first name) Date of Birth Parent's Names (please print clearly): _____________ _____________ Dad (first name) Surname _________ Day ___________ Month Please mail or drop off your picture along with this form and payment to: The Oakville Beaver, Attn: Mrs. Jones, 467 Speers Rd. Oakville ON L6K 3S4 Deadline for receipt of order is January 10, 2007 Ordered By:___________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________ ______________________________Phone:_________________ Payment: Visa/ MC/ Amex #:______________________________ Expiry Date:____________ Cost: $61. + G.S.T. = $65.27 Cheque Enclosed Payable to The Burlington Post Note: "No Charge" if.... your baby's birth announcement already appeared in The Burlington Post 2006! Please drop off picture before January 12, 2007 Attn: Mrs. Jones Call 905-632-4440 for more details Jakob Michael James Couture born to Mike Couture & Kristen White April 27, 2006