Residents continue digging themselves out of piles of snow

People continue to shovel themselves out of piles of snow.

It was snowing hard again Monday morning. It may be a new year but it’s the same old thing for people and their shovels.

It was also another challenging trip to work for many. The repeated days of new snow is starting to add up. Barrie has accumulated almost 200 centimetres of snow already this season.

Dave Friary, director of operations with the City of Barrie says, “This is by far one of the worst years we’ve ever seen and it’s only January.”

“A couple of years ago, all we got was 220 centimetres so it’s certainly been an epic year,” he continued.

Massive, view-blocking snow banks are becoming an issue in many communities in the region. People are running out of space for the unwanted snow.

Those snow banks in the downtown are making it difficult for foot travel and even spaces for recycling and garbage collection.

The city of Barrie will be back in the downtown Monday night to clear away these ever growing snow banks. Normally, a two-day job that started Sunday night will now take four nights to do this time.

Professional snow clearing companies are very busy trying to keep up with demand.

“It seems to be non-stop. We’re getting calls left, right and centre all day,” says Michael Ainger of Ainger Group Roofing and Exteriors.

Michael Ainger’s company clears roof tops professionally. He says it’s not just the amount of snow on roof tops people need to worry about.

“The snow covers the vents so heat can’t escape. They get condensation and you get mould growth. It’s a big problem that people don’t even realize,” Ainger adds.

Ainger says if people hire someone to clear their roof top, make sure they are a professional with insurance.