LAC LA BICHE - During the cold winter months, removing snow from sidewalks can be challenging for some residents, particularly seniors.
For the past 15 years, Lac La Biche County has operated a free sidewalk clearing program for seniors living in the hamlets of Lac La Biche and Plamondon. According to information from the municipality, the program also acts as a fundraising opportunity, and community groups receive $20 per residence cleared, per snow event.
Jihad Moghrabi, a spokesperson with Lac La Biche County, said the program runs throughout the winter from the first snowfall to the last of the season. The quantity of snow that falls determines how much money groups will receive.
“The amount of money raised annually is dependent on the amount of snow we get,” he explained to Lakeland This Week.
Typically, Moghrabi continued, there are one to three community groups that sign up to participate in the snow clearing program, while over 50 residents are registered to have the sidewalks in front of their homes cleared.
Any non-profit group, he explained, can register for the program. Organizations that are interested in helping seniors in Lac La Biche and Plamondon can contact the County and provide officials with a copy of their certificate of insurance.
Moghrabi explained that the program got underway in 2009. The program helps residents abide by the community standards bylaw, which stipulates that sidewalks in front of residences must be cleared within 72 hours of a snowfall.
“We are happy to assist our seniors and other residents in need, while keeping our sidewalks safe and traversable for all County residents and visitors,” said Moghrabi. “Providing a funding opportunity to non-profit groups at the same time makes the program a win-win for our municipality.”
As stated in information from Lac La Biche County, the program only includes snow clearing on County-owned sidewalks in front of residences, and not the clearing of private walkways.
Groups that are interested in participating can either fill out an application online at Lac La Biche County or contact the municipality at 780-623-6811.
Residents who would like to join the program are asked to stop by McArthur Place or the County Centre to fill out an application or contact the County.
Forms will be mailed to those who have previously participated in the program.