'Snowmicron': the city tackles the first big snowfall in the time of COVID-19 Omicron variant
It was shaping up to be the biggest storm of the season and the first big test for road maintenance teams under COVID-19 Omicron conditions.
While they didn’t get the brunt of the storm that pushed into Ontario on Monday, City of London officials say the response went well for the first significant snowfall of the year.
There was a steady stream of trucks moving through the Exeter Road Operations Centre.
John Parsons, the city’s division manager of road operations, says it was “all hands on deck.”
Parsons says keeping equipment available has required early planning as they try to ensure supply chain issues don’t become a problem, "If some equipment goes down it could be hard to get some parts, but we've ordered extra parts so we are ready for those types of situations."City of London Exeter Road Operations Centre, Jan. 17, 2022. (Gerry Dewan / CTV News)There were no serious accidents on area roadways during the overnight snowfall Sunday into Monday, including the 401 and 402 highways but police believe drivers could do better, with a few ending up in the ditch.
West Region OPP Sergeant Ed Sanchuk says it starts with making the decision not to travel or allowing more time for the journey.
"We're just asking people to make sure they slow down, drive according to the road and weather conditions, put their safety as a priority," said Sanchuck.
Looking at other forms of travel, there were a number of flights out of London International Airport that were cancelled Monday morning, but that had more to do with the storms impact on Toronto.
As for more localized snow clearing operations, Clari Thornicroft had to shift to the shovel to clear her driveway after the snow blower ran out of gas, but she did so grudgingly, "I don't like it. I like summer but we live in Canada so that's how it is," she said.
Parsons says, while staffing wasn't an issue Monday morning, the city will be monitoring the impacts of Omicron.
He says the pandemic, along with provincial government limits on shift lengths, may impact future snow clearing efforts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.