The Prince Edward Island government's Transportation and Public Works department and local contractors are joining forces to send 120 volunteers and 60 pieces of snow removal equipment to Toronto to assist in the emergency clean up of that city's streets.
"Having watched the news coverage of the snow disaster in Toronto on television last night, I felt our province had to take action and send help right away to Ontario," said Mike Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We have been working non-stop not only with our own employees, but also with private contractors across the Island who have generously agreed to loan staff and equipment, to pull together our team."
Commenting on the storm conditions in Ontario, Minister Currie stresses that you have to pitch in when people need help. "That's the Island way."
The offer of assistance follows Minister Currie's telephone call to the City of Toronto yesterday to offer assistance. City officials extended their deep appreciation to Minister Currie and all Islanders for their generosity.
The convoy to Toronto will include both workers and equipment and is scheduled to depart Charlottetown today at 3:30pm from the Government Maintenance Garage in Charlottetown. A total of 20-25 employees from the Department of Transportation and Public Works and close to 100 volunteers from various contractors across the Island are participating.
"Toronto officials indicated they desperately needed snow blowers and qualified manpower," said Minister Currie. The PEI convoy will include 15 snow blowers, 22 tandem dump trucks, seven Tri-axle dump trailers, and nine tractor float trailers. The plan includes sending two service vehicles and three mechanics to help maintain equipment. Crews will be working around the clock on 12 hour shifts to help clear the streets of Toronto.
The minister emphasized the offer of equipment will not interrupt snow removal services provided by the department. "Weather forecasts at this time predict mild conditions for PEI over the next seven days. Sending blowers and staff will not affect our department's snow removal capability, as this type of equipment is only used when there is a substantial accumulation of snow. Fortunately, we do not face this situation at this time and I anticipate the volunteers will return after approximately seven days."
The minister paid a special thank you to the management and workers of all of the private sector companies that are volunteering equipment and staff.
For more information, contact Dennis King, Public Relations Coordinator, Department of Transportation and Public Works, (902) 368-5023.