By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Red Deer helping Calgary deal with record-breaking snowfall

Oct 2, 2018 | 2:57 PM

The City of Red Deer is helping its neighbours to the south dig out from record-setting deluge of snow.

Snow-clearing and sanding equipment is heading to Calgary from Red Deer, Edmonton, Okotoks and Medicine Hat to help make their roads passable.

Calgary was walloped by up to 25 centimetres of snow overnight, followed by more throughout the day Tuesday. Their previous record for Oct. 2 was set in 1954 with about five centimetres.

“Just as Calgary has lent a hand to our neighbours in crisis in during events such as Slave Lake or the Fort McMurray wildfire, they’re now providing the additional support we need to manage these extraordinary, unseasonable weather conditions. It’s also a reminder to lend a hand to those in need of assistance in our own communities,” says Chief Tom Sampson of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

The City of Red Deer is sending eight Public Works department staff with two plow trucks and two graders. 

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“Our crew will be able to run our equipment around the clock, helping to clear Calgary’s streets as quickly as possible,” said Greg Sikora, Public Works Manager, “Just like we do in Red Deer, the goal is to help restore essential services to Calgarians, establishing mobility on arterials and transit routes across the city.”

Emergency Management Coordinator Karen Mann says they are monitoring the situation here in Red Deer and will recall their crews from Calgary if and when they are needed.

“Based on current conditions and freezing temperatures in the forecast, we came to a decision to send two plows and two graders, along with eight operators. If Red Deer’s conditions change, we will ask our crews to come back home,” says Mann.

Snowfall warnings are in effect this afternoon for much of the province:

Airdrie – Cochrane – Olds – Sundre

Banff National Park       

Brooks – Strathmore – Vulcan     

Cardston – Fort Macleod – Magrath

City of Calgary

Crowsnest Pass – Pincher Creek – Waterton Lakes National Park

Drumheller – Three Hills

Jasper National Park      

Kananaskis – Canmore 

Lethbridge – Taber – Milk River 

Nordegg – Forestry Trunk Road Highway 734     

Okotoks – High River – Claresholm

(with file from The City of Red Deer)