DAWSON CREEK -- For years, challenges with snow removal around Dawson Creek have prompted concern from residents. Issues with timely clearing have led to pushback against the contractor, Argo Road Maintenance, and the city.
Now, the MLA for Peace River South, Larry Neufeld, is raising concerns about the company’s contractual requirements.
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Neufeld will be joining opposition MLAs in Prince George next week, who have invited the Minister of Transportation to join a public consultation to bring attention to the ongoing issue.
Neufeld says he has heard from residents who believe the current approach may not be working.
“There is a concern and perhaps a wider conversation around whether that one-size-fits-all contract is sufficient or is appropriate for us in the North, and I would agree that it is not appropriate for us in the North,” Neufeld told CJDC-TV.
While Neufeld acknowledges that Argo is upholding their current contract obligations, he points out that issues remain regarding what their actual requirements should be.
Those include timeliness and the ice removal materials used, which may not be suitable for the climate.
“I believe that the issue that lies ahead of us is with the contract and not necessarily the contractor,” said Neufeld, who has met with Argo to discuss resident concerns.
Neufeld says he is looking to understand the root cause of the issue in an effort to move forward.
On December 9th, the MLA held a public meeting with the City of Dawson Creek and Emergency Services personnel to discuss the current contract requirements highlighting that the issue isn’t specific to Dawson Creek.
“We are not the only area that is experiencing this,” said Neufeld, who also shared a personal story with constituents on an accident involving a tractor trailer that left his eldest daughter severely injured.
“My plea to the people of the South Peace would be, please slow down, please drive to road conditions,” says Neufeld, “Please stay off your cell phone and please be mindful of yourself and others that are on the road.”
CJDC-TV reached out to Argo Road Maintenance for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.