This winter's snowfall has resulted in a greater degree of snow build up on roofs than is normally observed. In response to public concerns, the Department of Transportation and Public Works is pleased to provide an update on efforts to monitor this situation.
"As a preventative measure, our staff and local school boards have been inspecting building roofs during January and February," stated Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon. "These inspections include weighing samples of the snow buildup to accurately determine the load imposed on the roof system and evaluating these results in relation to the design load. Excess snow has been removed in locations where localized drifting has resulted in unacceptable snow loads," MacKinnon added.
Based on this work by Transportation and Public Works staff and the school boards, the Department is convinced the snow loads on the buildings inspected are well below the load capacity of the roof structures, with the exception of isolated cases where some excess snow has been removed.
In response to community concerns recently expressed about snow buildup on the roof of the Southern Kings School, both school board and department staff reviewed the situation and determined that the load was significantly below the design load capacity of the roof structure. Following discussions with parents, it was agreed to accept an offer of volunteer assistance from the parents to remove some of the snow. Although Transportation and Public Works staff is convinced the snow removal is not required, the spirit of cooperation between the parents, the Eastern School Board, and the Department is appreciated.
Work by both the volunteers and Eastern School Board staff is to be carried out in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
Both the Department and school boards will continue their inspection programs for the remainder of the winter. As a further preventative measure, the Department has made staff available as a resource to all government agencies to inspect snow buildup on any government structure.
"Public safety is the primary concern for my department and action to remove excessive snow levels will be implemented in any situation where inspections indicate that they are warranted," said Minister MacKinnon.