Book Description

Information is presented on the cost of snow removal. In small urban areas the cost ranges from 5 to 30 cents per ton; in larger urban areas from 30 cents to 1 dollar per ton or 10 or 35 cents per cu. yd. The annual average cost in Canada per mile of street is between 500 and 1,000 dollars. For the City of Montreal it is between 6,000 and 7,000 dollars. It is estimated that snow removal from highways costs from 2 to 36 cents per ton. The direct cost of snow removal and ice control in Canada is estimated to be between 60 and 110 million dollars per year. Trends indicate that by 1980 it will be between 2 and 10 dollars per capita. We can anticipate improvement in our ability to remove and dispose of snow and ice, but not a reduction in cost. It is emphasized that the key to minimizing costs is proper organization, planning, training of men, and control of operations. Attention is drawn to the increased use of chemicals for ice control, and to the damage that may be associated with their use. The need for close co-operation between snow removal organizations and the Meteorological Service is mentioned, as well as a manual on snow removal in urban areas that is being prepared. (Author).