Hamilton crews continue to clear snow near schools, businesses and waterfront trail

Snow removal operations are continuing this week, the City of Hamilton says, following significant snowfall over the weekend that dumped about 31 centimetres of snow in the area in two days.

A spokesperson for the city says crews have begun removing snow around schools and in business improvement areas. 

In an email to CBC News Tuesday afternoon, city spokesperson Lauren Vastano said an estimated time for complete work, including snow removal, was still under review. 

It typically takes 48 hours to get roads plowed and in good shape, but she said clearing is taking longer due to the amount of snow.

There were no Environment Canada alerts in effect for Hamilton and surrounding areas Wednesday morning.

Shortly before noon, the medical officer of health for the city cancelled a cold weather alert that was initiated on Feb.16.

Part of Waterfront Trail closed 

"Road crews are working around the clock to clear roads, sidewalks, transit stops, and school zones," Vastano wrote in the statement. "Snow clearing will continue into this week." 

The city is urging residents to use caution near schools and allow extra time for travel. 

"Where possible, residents are reminded to keep vehicles off the road following snowfall to allow plows and emergency vehicles to get through more easily," Vastano said.

Coun. Maureen Wilson (Ward 1) said Wednesday there is also an emergency trail closure in place due to the snow, which caused the "floating bridge that connects the Waterfront Trail to the Desjardins Recreation Trail to close." The trail is closed from the Princess Point entrance to Bayfront, she said on social media. 

She said staff will work to clear the ice and snow Thursday.

Meanwhile, environmental group Green Venture is giving residents advice on preparing for when the snow may melt. Icicles can tear off gutters, loosen shingles and cause water to back up in homes, the group said. It recommends people help keep catch basins clear, remove ice from eavestroughs and clear out window wells, among other tips.  

It's mainly cloudy in Hamilton on Wednesday with a 40 per cent chance of flurries. Wednesday's forecast high is -7 C, but it feels like -16 with the wind chill, Environment Canada said.