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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, February 13, 2013 · 6 Opinion & Letters The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 905-845-3824 Fax: 337-5566 Classified Advertising: 632-4440 Circulation: 905-631-6095 -- 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Canadian Circulation Audit Board Member THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Suburban Newspapers of America Canadian Community Newspapers Association ATHENA Award Neil Oliver Vice ­ President and Group Publisher of Metroland West The OakvilleBeaver is a division of David Harvey Regional General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief, Halton Region Daniel Baird Advertising Director ANGELA BLACKBURN Managing Editor Riziero Vertolli Photography Director Sandy Pare Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production Manuel garcia Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Digging out Well, that certainly was a wake-up call, wasn't it? Friday's storm that buried most of southern Ontario in more than 30 centimetres of snow was a blunt reminder to area residents of what to do (and not to do) when Old Man Winter decides to flex his muscles. We haven't seen that kind of snow activity in five years and, by the time the flakes stopped falling late Friday, Halton and other regions were left under a blanket of white stuff that left many with aching backs from shovelling. However, the storm certainly reinforced the fact that, yes indeed, we live in Canada (despite the mild winters in recent years) and there are certain precautions to take when it comes to a storm of this magnitude. First, when weather forecasters are suggesting driving in a storm is not a wise choice and police are urging residents not to drive unless absolutely necessary -- heed their advice when possible. Unnecessary vehicular traffic only adds to the problems a storm brings -- specifically it makes the job all the more difficult for snow-clearing road crews. And as for those road crews, here's a tip of the hat to the beleaguered workers we are quick to blame when roads aren't cleared fast enough to our liking. They did a stellar job last week, for the most part, both in prepping for the onslaught of snow and dealing with it when it came. Most streets were passable by early Saturday. As we said, there are little things that can be done during a snowstorm that make a big difference: digging out any fire hydrants near your property, ensuring your outside dryer vent area is clear of snow, helping to shovel out an elderly neighbour's driveway/walkway or ensuring your vehicle isn't in the way of a snowplow. On the roads, stay at least 50 feet from the rear of a plow so its driver can see you. For your own sake, it's also important to make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit in the event you do venture out on the road and get stranded in a storm. And make sure your vehicle is ready for winter, a topped up gas tank, a battery that works, windshield wiper fluid filled, and winter tires that can make all the difference. Be nice and clear the snow from sidewalks and be cautious where and how you walk. It's also wise to teach children to stay well away from the road when they see snow plows coming or vehicles trying to drive through deep snow. And remember not to forget your neighbours and how much a helping hand to those who may need some assistance -- for a variety of reasons -- digging out, will be appreciated. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. Canadian, eh? I thought you might be interested in hearing about how a bunch of Oakville residents spent Friday night while the rest of Oakville spent countless hours digging out of the massive snow storm. Friday at 8 p.m., six of Oakville's diehard hockey fanatics gathered at the Our Lady of Peace tennis courts to dig out our ball hockey arena of local lore. White fluffy stuff everywhere and sub-zero temperatures did not deter this crazy group of middle-aged men dedicated to keep a year-round game of ball hockey alive for the traditional Saturday afternoon game. This game of ours has been in the River Oaks area played on the same surface, same time, with essentially the same group of 12-16 guys slightly past their prime for the last 14 years. It took us 90 minutes to clear a playing field of approximately two-thirds of an ice rink in preparation for our two-hour Saturday afternoon game. Over the years, our group has cared for and maintained our home turf and even as of last year obtained a permit for our exclusive use of the area off season. Our game is for fun, for fitness, and for camaraderie within our neighbourhood. What could be more Canadian? Nicholas Ng, Oakville Letter to the editor Common sense needed when snow plowing Editor's Note: This letter was sent to Mayor Rob Burton and Ward 4 Councillor Roger Lapworth, and a copy filed with The Oakville Beaver. Several years ago, following a succession of snow storms, which combined for many days of snow removal, I expressed my dissatisfaction with the process for clearing our narrow street (Montgomery Drive) due to the method; large plows come down the middle of the road with blades positioned to move at least two-thirds of the snow onto the righthand or south side and then return, moving the remainder onto the opposite side. This results in those on the south side consistently having to lift and move many more kilos of hard-packed snow than our neighbours on the other side. The head of road operations explained crews were "unable to handle an alternate routing for each plowing circuit." I didn't, and still don't understand how someone capable of maneuvering a huge vehicle like that was incapable of rationalizing an opposite run down each street. I wrote an open letter to the Town suggesting those of us receiving the majority of the snow should have to pay onethird of our taxes. A couple of years ago, one caring and thoughtful plow driver used common sense and decency to angle the plow blade so half of the snow was moved onto our side and the other half onto the opposite side. Today, my wife and I, both seniors, had to face the problem again after spending several hours yesterday trying to keep the snowfall in check -- following, what my neighbour states were two consecutive passes by a large earthmover plow after 1 a.m. Imagine if we'd had an emergency during the night or this morn- Letters to the editor The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. ing? What if either one of us had a heart attack moving this Everest? The huge pile of snow took us more than an hour to move. I am positive those living on residential streets all over Oakville feel just as I do, so it is now time for someone to do something constructive about this major problem. Thank you. Bruce Barnden, Oakville Editor's Note: Mayor Rob Burton responded promptly in an e-mail by saying, "Thanks, Bruce, for your note. It is encouraging to hear there was at least one time the operator did it in the even-handed way one might always prefer. I'll discuss it with staff and let you know where I get with it. I'm always glad to hear ideas that might make things better. Please let me know whenever I can be of assistance."