Keep sidewalks clear and safe this winter in Picture Butte

In an effort to ensure the Town of Picture Butte has safe, clean and clear sidewalks for pedestrians this winter, Tyson Lommerts — the town’s contracted bylaw enforcement officer — would like to remind residents the Town of Picture Butte requires owners and occupants of properties within the town they are required to maintain any public sidewalk located adjacent to the property owned or occupied by them — whether deposited by natural or unnatural means, within 24 hours of deposit.

“Based on last year’s experiences I had to call in a contractor to do a few cleanups for people and that’s the last thing we want to do. We want people to do it themselves, so we don’t have to go to that measure and bill them for it. I’m trying to get it out there now before it becomes a problem, so people are aware we are going to go to that measure if we need to and to make sure everyone is doing their part and making sure the sidewalks are clean and clear for pedestrians,” said Lommerts, adding snow and ice will be considered removed when the sidewalk is cleared of snow and ice to the sidewalk surface as completely as reasonably possible for the entire width of the sidewalk, including private driveway crossings.

Lommerts noted — where a sidewalk is below grade resulting in repeated coverage by ice or water through drainage of melted snow or rain — the sidewalk must be cleaned as completely as reasonably possible and a non-slip, non-corrosive and salt-free material, such as sand, must be scattered on the surface of the sidewalk, as frequently as required to maximize traction for pedestrians.

“Where an owner or occupant reasonably anticipates being absent, the owner or occupant must make arrangements to ensure the sidewalks are maintained in accordance with the town’s bylaw. I would encourage residents to help neighbours in need, especially seniors, with snow and ice removal this winter. Take a few extra minutes when shovelling your own sidewalks to shovel a neighbour’s sidewalk — to keep them clear, ice-free and safe,” said Lommerts, who is employed by the Town of Coalhurst, as a bylaw enforcement officer but the Town of Picture Butte and the Village of Barons contract his services to provide bylaw enforcement services for both of the communities. Lommerts explained Picture Butte, Coalhurst and Barons have different bylaws, in regards to snow removal.

Lommerts visits Picture Butte once a week. Other bylaws in Picture Butte in effect include animal control, traffic and unsightly premises but clean and safe sidewalks are a top priority. “This time of year, it’s probably the number one thing in Picture Butte that council and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mike Derricott want me to be on top of,” said Lommerts. For more details on this bylaw or any other bylaw visit the town’s website at http://www.picturebutte.ca.

“Stay warm and safe this winter,” he added.