Whether you use a shovel made from plywood, a state-of-the-art ergonomic shovel, or a snow blower, snow removal season is upon us. Often it is hard work, even more so for those that have difficulties. Thank goodness for the kindness of those who help their neighbours and the less-able by helping them remove their snow. In Kelowna, these good Samaritans are proudly known as Snow Busters.

The City of Kelowna encourages residents to nominate Snow Busters that donate their time and strength in making our community a better place during snow removal season. From now until the end of March 2013, you can fill out an online form or submit a letter or email to snowbusters@kelowna.ca and explain why you would like to nominate your neighbour or friend as a Snow Buster. At the end of the season, your Snow Buster will be entered to win a $500 travel voucher.

The City of Kelowna advises residents under the City's Traffic Bylaw #8120, Section 2.5.1, that the owners or occupiers of properties are responsible for clearing snow from their driveways and the sidewalk fronting their properties within 24 hours of a single snowfall that is excess of 2” (5 cm). But, you can’t just push that snow anywhere, pushing snow out onto the travelled portion of the street is a punishable offence. It creates a potentially dangerous situation for motorists and you could be held liable if an accident was caused by the buildup of snow.

If you’re not removing snow by mechanical means, then you may be removing it using commercially available ice and snow melting products.

Several different agents are used to melt ice and snow. De-icing products melt through ice, while anti-icing products keep snow and ice from forming or sticking to pavement, making removal easier. Some products can handle both anti-icing and de-icing functions.

(Photo: Hugh Cairns) Ice on sidewalks and decks is a problem for many especially the elderly. Each year, seniors slip and fall causing them injury. You can help by assisting the less-able by helping them remove their snow.

For more information on snow and ice removal and ice melt do’s and don’ts – click here.