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Snow crews get an early start

Nov 19, 2010 | 7:15 AM

The first big snowfall of the season has left Prince Albert streets and sidewalks a mess.

City plows and graders worked through the night to clear streets of about eight centimeters of snow that started Thursday and continued late into the evening.

When the snow finally stopped private contractors mobilized their fleets of trucks and loaders.

“Yeah it’s a normal one. We’ve had a lot more in other years,” said Chick Gunville, with Dmyterko Enterprises.

Todd Merasty’s day started at 5:30 a.m.

“I hate it,” said Merasty as he shoveled and chipped snow in front of the Northern Spruce Housing building on 12th Street West.

Some bad luck the day before made Merasty’s job extra grueling.

“It’s a bad day to have the snow blower broken down, that’s for sure,” said Merasty as he continued to chip away at the snow-covered sidewalks.

Merasty had to shovel the sidewalk in front four buildings.

“I’m only going to last until noon and then I’m going to bed. I’m not going to kill myself.”

The City will be prioritizing their plowing operations. Emergency routes take highest priority, with school and city bus routes being second highest. The downtown core is third on the list and the residential areas throughout the city are last.

bbosker@panow.com

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