LAC LA BICHE - Pedestrians in downtown Lac La Biche have noticed differences in old sidewalks and the new ones that are part of the ongoing $32.5 million downtown makeover. It’s not just the colour of the new architectural stonework that is getting attention; it’s the significant difference in traction on the old downtown sidewalks compared to the new ones.
Recent freeze and thaw conditions have left the new sidewalks with a significant ice-covering, while the older sidewalks have far fewer slippery spots.
Sand not salt
According to Jihad Moghrabi, a spokesperson for Lac La Biche County, the new architectural stones in the sidewalks along Main Street require a bit more care. To ensure that no damage is done to these stones, and to keep the municipality’s infrastructure in good repair for years to come, no salt is allowed for ice control along the community’s main drag, he explained.
Because salt cannot be used for keeping sidewalks clear of ice and snow, the County is providing sand in red bins throughout Main Street. All business owners in the area are encouraged to take advantage of the sand.
“This is not only better for maintaining infrastructure, but also more environmentally friendly and more effective at improving traction,” Moghrabi told Lakeland This Week. “Salt can melt and lose effectiveness at extremely cold temperatures, but sand remains effective because its purpose is to provide traction.”
The sand boxes are dotted along the Main Street sidewalks. Each box has an attached scoop allowing users to fill buckets to sprinkle the sand. While some business owners along Main Street said the sand does help traction, they say the sand is tracked into their businesses by the feet of customers and staff. Others also point out that in some sand boxes, the chain holding scoop is very short and restrict how much sand can be removed from the box.
Walking and working together
Under Lac La Biche County’s current policy, Moghrabi continued, the responsibility to keep adjacent sidewalks clear of ice and snow falls on business owners. The municipality clears and sands the bulbouts – the large, rounded areas of the downtown sidewalks – along Main Street.
Recognizing the concerns, Moghrabi said municipal officials continue to work with the local business community to make sure that they all work together to keep Lac La Biche County accessible and safe in the winter months.
