With city streets and sidewalks covered in more snow than most people can ever remember, it comes as no surprise that City of Cranbrook council last night unanimously agreed to add $150,000 to the 2017 budget to address “anticipated extraordinary and/or emergent” issues.

“The 2017 snowfall, to date, has been record breaking. Staff feels it would be prudent to provide for funding to address any extraordinary or emergent issues that may result from the amount of snow that has accumulated this winter,” a Finance and Computer Services report to council stated.

Two particular concerns were pointed out to council: collapsing roofs and spring flooding.

“In 2014, the city experienced significant flooding throughout the community, particularly around Elizabeth Lake. The city had set aside $150,000 to deal with the expenses that arose from this and other related events. The final costs came in at $230,000. Emergency funding of approximately $140,000 was secured through the province’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program as well as the Provincial Emergency Program,” the city report outlined, adding emergency funding from higher levels of government would again be pursued if needed.

The city Finance and Computer Services report to council explained the funds will come from a general accumulated surplus fund.

Lead image: 10th Avenue downtown alongside Rotary Park as of Feb. 17. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photo 

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