Penetanguishene is altering its snow-clearing efforts due to an “unexpected” staffing shortage.
Town clerk Stacey Cooper said the staffing shortage is “fluctuating” and that the town is currently hiring. (A posting for a four-month contract for a winter patroller/operator can be found on the town's website.)
Cooper said there’s no danger to public safety as a result of the shortage, which has led to the town moving to a single-shift model for road crews.
“(With) these slight operational changes, there will be no noticeable difference to the road maintenance generally seen on our roads,” Cooper said.
“The town will continue to perform winter patrolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and dispatch crews when and where required. The goal is to return to a two-shift model while meeting and exceeding the required service levels as soon as possible.”
In the event of a snowstorm, operators will be deployed accordingly at 3 a.m. to begin snow clearing on town streets and continue clearing snow as required.
The town noted that when skies are clear, the roads department will work a standard 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift.
“In the event of multiple weather events, the town is prepared to bring in a contracted service to provide snow clearing as required,” public works director Bryan Murray said.
“Removing snowbanks from the sides of the streets may see a slight delay compared to our usual road operations. The two shift winter operations model will be reinstated once staffing resources are available.”
