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An anti-icing brine will still be used on sidewalks, bike lanes and active paths as well as on the sand and salt so it sticks to the snow and ice better on road surfaces. The brine won’t be used directly on roads.

Grant said the city has been using this brine solution for the past 30 years.

“(Calcium chloride) was an addition to our toolbox,” he said. “We have a number of different tools that we use throughout our program. We’re still prepared to keep the roadways safe and reliable this winter season.”

Grant said his operational budget hasn’t changed since calcium chloride was cut but expenses during the season depend on the weather. A report on any changes including a possible alternative to calcium chloride is expected to come to city council next year in June.

Photo by Shaughn Butts / Postmedia

‘We’re prepared’: Iveson

Last month prior to the provincial budget, Mayor Don Iveson said the city has roughly $116 million in the bank to protect against a big dumping of snow. He estimated a bad year could cost the city between $20 million and $50 million, depending on how much snow there is, which the reserve will be able to cover.

With possible flurries coming later in the week, Grant said the city is constantly watching the forecast.

“Winter is going to poke its head out here right away,” he added. “We’re prepared.”

Parking ban trial

Meanwhile, the city is also looking at parking ban trial in Gold Bar and Silver Berry this winter to see if it will improve snow clearing.

The plan is to have two snow clearing days, which will fall on Mondays and Tuesdays. Half of the road will be cleared each day. Edmontonians parking on the street will have to move their vehicles, depending on what day the clearing takes place.

Grant said the city held a few public information sessions and heard about parking concerns from residents.

“The city understands the parking situations, that’s why we opted to go with the odd/even parking ban to allow people to park on the street but also allow our city crews to get into those neighbourhoods and plow in an efficient way,” he said.

jlabine@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/jefflabine