Sidewalk clearing in Shakespeare keeps pedestrians safe after weekend snowfall

Perth East operator Scott Pettapiece works long hours to keep sidewalks cleared and safe in all towns and villages across the municipality, salting walkways when necessary. Gary West photo

By Gary West

After two straight days of heavy snowfall, sidewalks in Shakespeare were quickly made safe again thanks to the steady work of Perth East operator Scott Pettapiece.

Pettapiece was out through the weekend clearing walkways with the municipal sidewalk blower, ensuring residents had safe footing despite the early-season blast of winter. He says he’s normally behind the wheel of a plow truck, but with accumulating snow across Perth East, he’s also putting in long hours on sidewalk duty in several communities.

Pedestrians have been grateful. The blower strips snow and ice right down to the cement, preventing the slippery, uneven conditions that often make winter walking dangerous.

Keeping sidewalks clear and salted when needed is a priority for Pettapiece, who lives in Monkton, and for Perth East staff as they work to stay ahead of changing winter weather.