Environment Canada reported that the snowfall in the Timmins region on Monday, Dec. 29 was equivalent to the area’s typical snowfall for the entire month of December. Although official numbers were unavailable due to recording issues at the Timmins airport, an estimated 50 to 60 cm of snow fell with peak winds reaching 74 km/h during the storm.
The region usually sees an average of 63.8 cm of snow in December, but after the recent storm, the snow accumulation for the month had already surpassed one meter. Public works crews are still working to clear the snow a week later, and school bus services in Timmins, Cochrane, Ramore, and Iroquois Falls were canceled on Monday morning.
Ryan Hartling, the supervisor of transportation for Northeast Triboard Student Transportation, highlighted the challenges faced by bus drivers due to narrow streets and high snow banks affecting visibility. He emphasized the importance of clear intersections and safe waiting areas for students, noting the unprecedented scale of the recent storm in his 18 years of experience.
City crews continued efforts to push back snow banks, remove snow, and clear sidewalks as of the end of Monday. Repairing stop signs, shoveling out hydrants, and cautioning against tunneling into snow banks to avoid potential hazards from heavy equipment passing by were also part of the city’s ongoing operations.
Residents expressed concerns about the limited road access in residential areas, with Dean Hachey from Timmins highlighting the challenges of snow disposal in densely populated neighborhoods. The city urged residents not to push snow onto roads to avoid fines and emphasized the need for businesses to maintain clear access despite the snow.
Lise Cantin, co-owner of the Fishbowl restaurant in Timmins, shared the challenges they faced during the storm but also highlighted the community’s support and cooperation in clearing the snow. She emphasized the positivity of people coming together to help during difficult times.
City councillors will address the snow clearing issue at a meeting on Tuesday, January 6, which will be streamed live at 5:30 pm for updates. Meanwhile, Environment Canada warned of warming temperatures nearing zero before returning to seasonal values in the coming days.