LETTER – A happy story about windrows and a City snow plow operator

Re: Editorial – It’s time to take a new look at getting rid of snow windrows

I very much appreciate that you have brought up the issue of “windrows” again this year.  I for one would be more than happy for the City to increase taxes (or put in place a “Windrow Equipment Tax”) for a year or so in order to purchase the appropriate equipment.

I was out clearing “our” windrow the other day when a City plow happened to come down our street.  I caught the eye of the young driver, waved and gestured coming closer to the the curb with the plow.

The driver actually stopped the truck, got out and explained that the truck only had a straight “belly blade” and, while it was not possible to clear out the actual windrow, they could come closer to the curb and clear as much snow as possible.

The driver then backed up the truck to get a better angle and came in as close as possible to the curb.  This not only removed a lot of the snow, it also broke up the remaining snow making it far easier for me to clear.

With a “toot” the truck was on its way.  I then noticed that the driver stopped and cleared a neighbour’s windrow on the way back up the street!

I have never seen or had this happen before, but after reading your timely editorial, I felt that I should share this unique experience.  I was SO impressed with the courtesy and helpfulness this driver!!

I have not mentioned my location or the gender of the driver as I suspect that such courtesy is not included in the City’s snow ploughing schedule.  Be that as it may, it is gratifying that at least one City employee is aware of and sympathetic to the issue of windrows.

DICK TAYLOR
Kamloops