Some slippery sidewalks in Regina immune to warm weather

Many streets in Regina are bare and dry – free of ice and snow. However, there are some residential areas that seem to be immune to the mild weather.

Certain sidewalks and streets in Whitmore Park are a patchwork of ice, making walking or driving challenging at times.

Out walking her dog near Dufferin Road and Manor Road, Angie Yarnton said she learned her lesson after slipping last winter.

“I’m glad that I have cleats on my boots.”

Regina’s winter maintenance policy states crews are responsible for clearing some sidewalks, such as along city-owned buildings and around parks bordering main streets. While there isn’t a bylaw that states homeowners must make sure walks in front of their properties are clear, the city tries to provide encouragement.

“We really ask the residents to do their best to keep those sidewalks clear and free of any ice to help the community,” said Chris Warren, manager of winter road maintenance.

He said there are nine locations throughout the Queen City where residents can pick up free sand from yellow bins to use on their driveways or walkways. Those locations can be found here. 

As far as streets, Warren explained how crews will sand and salt residential neighbourhoods at intersections, curves and areas that have an incline.

“The expectation is that the sand and salt that we’re applying at those different locations would track through with the vehicles that pass over it,” he continued.

Even though that may be the case, those like Yarnton are still cautious when walking or getting behind the wheel.

“There is a few areas around here that can be consistently bad,” she said.

And until the ice melts, she’ll continue wearing her trusty cleats.

“I use them very regularly and I think in this neighbourhood, and maybe everywhere, you have to.”

Since snowy and icy roads aren’t common in the city this winter up to this point, Warren said maintenance crews have been able to work on some spring and summer duties, such as finding and filling potholes, along with fixing water main breaks.