Letters section in today's Ottawa Citizen (7 January 2009)
"The past month has given me new cause to remember Ottawa's dependable and efficient snow clearing, snow removal and salting-sanding of streets and sidewalks. I moved to Scotland from Ottawa after retiring 12 years ago. Where I live, we usually receive only a dusting of snow during the winter months. This past month, we have received about 18 inches of snow, not a lot compared with Ottawa's snowfall.
The chaos that has developed in Britain, particularly in Scotland, contrasts greatly with the Canadian experience. Many councils across Britain, especially in Scotland, have low levels on hand of salt and sand, and have been totally unprepared for the latest weather conditions.
Main streets receive priority for treatment, but sidewalks and side streets receive no ploughing, little salt or sand treatment, even on hills. The older people are reluctant to leave their homes to walk to the corner store due to the build-up of snow and ice. Our residential side streets are so impassable that the garbage trucks are unable o navigate the streets. Since each household has three different large garbage wheelie bins (recycling, kitchen waste, garbage), the bins are piling up at the curb.
Driving is a challenge. No one removes snow from the top of the car so, of course, it slides off eventually onto the car behind. Not being used to driving in snow, drivers tailgate and use their brakes too often. Roads all over the country are closed due to too many accidents.
Then we also lack the implements with which to remove snow. I have seen my neighbours use a garden spade, an outdoor broom, and a dustpan to dig out their cars. I have watched my neighbours remove considerable snow from their cars with their bare hands and forearms.
The forecast Tuesday predicted continuing cold and more snowstorms to come in the next week or two, and perhaps even longer.
Global warming? Rather the term should be global change
DIANE MCLEAY
Perthshire, Scotland.
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