City calculating how much ice storm cleanup will cost

The city expects post-ice storm cleanup to last for the next month, but the cost is still unknown.

Forestry crews are out on Monday clearing and chopping up branches inthe areas hardest hit by last weeks wicked weather, said Mike Kirkopolous, the citys manager of communications.

There have been 2,244requests for cleanup since rain and snow turned to ice last Saturday night.

Most efforts are being paid where most of the damage is, he said.

Crews are focusing on the central and east Mountain and Flamborough which Coun.Judi Partridge of Ward 14 was pleased to hear.

Ive never seen anything like it.- Coun. JudiPartridge.

Its a mess, she said of her ward, particularly Carlisle, Millgrove and Freelton. The damage is so overwhelming.

Looking out into her own backyard in Carlisle, Partridge described huge fallen branches piled along her property line. Out the front window, a six-metre line of branches piled more than a metre high waits for pick-up crews.

Still today, the buzz saws are going, she said. This isnt something were able to pick up in a few hours.

Despite Kirkopolouss clean-up projection of about a month, Partridge believes its going to take longer than that.

Ive never seen anything like it, she said.

Some of Partridges constituents just had their power restored Sunday, leaving them in the dark for a full week. But her residents are in good spirits.

People are banding together and cleaning up, Partridge said.

They have also found creative ways toslow-cooka pot roast on the barbecue. They ate by candlelight.

Its humbling, she said.

Kirkopolous said the city isnt sure how much cleanup will ultimately cost. Toronto projects that each day of cleanup is costing the city about $1 million.

Were in the process of pulling that together, he said. Were still in preliminary stages.

Horizon Utilities, who had employees working around the clock and hired extra contractors to remove tree branches, also wont ballpark a cost to date, said spokesperson Larry Roberts.

Kirkopolous said the city will look into how much, if any, funding Hamilton can get from the province.

Coun.Sam Merulla also gave notice of motion Monday to ask city staff to determine if Hamilton is eligible for funding under the Ontario Disaster and Relief Assistance Program.

City crews will pick upcollected branches placed curb side that are 1.2 metres (four feet) or shorter and seven centimetresin diameter or smaller. Pick up for storm debris will continue for as long as needed, Partridge said.

If branches are larger than the specifications, Kirkopolous said residents can call 546-CITY and request a pick-up from forestry crews.

Waste collection wont happen on New Years Day (Wednesday), but any garbage or tree debris will be picked up the day after your scheduled day this week.