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Snowed in by blast of winter By John Bkila OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The biggest snowfall of the year -- possibly the last five years -- had Oakville's plows in overdrive Friday trying to clean up. Oakville's Director of Roads and Works Operations Enrico Scalera said Friday, approximately 50 plows were working to keep primary (i.e. Trafalgar Road) and secondary (i.e. Glenashton Drive) roads clear. It was not easy, he said, due to the intensity of the storm. "We started plowing the roads at 6 a.m., as soon as the snow started coming down. We've been at it ever since," Scalera said. "We're not going to take a break. Crews are going to work continuously." The storm ended Friday night after dumping more than 30 centimetres of snow on Oakville. At the peak of the cleanup Saturday, 85 pieces of snow removal equipment were out to clear 1,900 kilometres of town roads and 900 km of sidewalks, stated a Town press release. Nearly 2,000 tonnes of salt was sprayed. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton thanked snow crews for their "diligent work" during Monday night's council meeting. "It takes a community to get things back to normal after such a large snowfall," he said. "I'd like to thank all the snow crews and Town staff for their dedication to getting our town back up and running safely, and residents of Oakville for their patience and their community spirit in 3 · Wednesday, February 13, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com helping neighbours and strangers alike." Town Hall and Halton's Catholic and public schools and board offices were closed Friday. Buses were cancelled. The Town also closed its facilities and cancelled programs. Halton police advised anyone who didn't need to be on the road, to steer clear. Those who did venture out, often returned with tales of having become stuck on a variety of side streets, parking lots and even their own driveways. The Town called it the worst snowstorm Oakville has had in the last five years; the fallout of which was evidenced by metre-high snow ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog banks along major roads. Friday's storm is estimated to have cost the Town approximately $500,000 -- the total 2013 snow-clearing budget is set at $4.65 million. The Town also took to Twitter Friday to send out snow and transit updates, and news of town closures -- receiving close to 200 tweets from residents throughout the weekend. ServiceOakville received approximately 350 snow-related phone calls between Friday and Sunday, while residents were able to follow the Town's clearing schedule using the online Snow Tracker on its website (www.oakville.ca) or by calling the Snow Line at 905-815-5999. Residents can still help with the snow cleanup by clearing catch basins and fire hydrants covered with snow. RIZIERO VERTOLLI / OAKVILLE BEAVER ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER -- with files from Oakville Beaver reporter David Lea. Snow day: A major snowfall blanketed Oakville Friday, closing schools, municipal facilities and canFor photos of how local residents are celled many community activities. At top, Tony Hall snow blows his neighbour's driveway. At left, a man enjoying this season's snow, see page 9. walks his bicycle on Kerr Street. At right, Patricia Fram of Write Impressions shovels in downtown Oakville. HUGE SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE VISIT OUR 15,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM LUNCH AND LEARN ABOUT INVESTMENT FEES DATES Wednesday, February 13th Thursday, February 14th Lunch : 12:00pm - 12:45pm LOCATION Peter Watson Investments 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Various sizes and colours · Patio Furniture · Gazebos · Awnings · Patio Umbrellas · Bedroom · Dining · Bar Stools · Office Chairs · Sofas · Home Theatre Seating DESTINATION FURNITURE OPEN EVERY DAY! Peter Watson Free Parking 584 Kerr Street @ Speers, Oakville 905.337.3653 www.destinationfurniture.ca To reserve your seats email us at info@peterwatsoninvestments.com or call us at (905) 842-2100 Ext: 2 (24 hours) www.peterwatsoninvestments.com