‘We’re out there. We’re doing the best we can’: Snowplow operators, emergency services battle winter conditions alongside Londoners

The second day of major snowfall across the region led to crashes, closed schools, and kept emergency services and snowplow operators busy.

Another day of heavy snowfall in the region has caused everything from crashes to school cancellations to shoveling backaches.

On the highways, the sudden return of bitterly cold temperatures created havoc.

A jackknifed tractor-trailer on Highway 401 east of Wonderland Road was just one example. Five hundred metres away from it, another multi-car crash, which included a vehicle leaking hazardous material.

Thankfully, it is believed that injuries were not life-threatening in either case, but the pair of collisions has forced the closure of eastbound lanes.

Back in town, main roads are moving thanks to city plows and independent contractors.

Operators, who put in long hours on Wednesday, were doing their best to clear the winter wallop.

The west end of London was said to have seen the highest snowfall amounts.

“With these successive snowfalls and the squalls, it is unpredictable. So, we’re out there. We’re doing the best we can,” said Chris Harrison of Elite Lawn Care & Snow Removal.

For the second day in a row, there were no classes in schools surrounding London. In the city, classes went ahead.

But that doesn’t mean things went smoothly.

A school bus off the road in Byron was just one example of the challenging commute. There is no official word on injuries, but it is believed no one was hurt.

Meanwhile, safety was a priority for school crossing guard Betty Wade.

Knowing city sidewalks crews were swamped, she cleared her corner with a shovel in one hand, and her stop sign in the other. Admitting her arms were sore, she says she not seen a start like this to winter in years.

“No, certainly not like this,” she said. “This is early.”

Early or not, the snow had to go. Many were using snowblowers.

But not along Notre Dame Crescent, where a scoop shovel was the method of choice for resident John Capstick.

Not a fan of winter, he was both looking forward to and dreading the arrival of city plows clear his street.

“Well, he’s going to come by and plow me in,” he told CTV News.

While Capstick finished scooping, his neighbours Jim and Heather Kicks were both using shovel power. They’ve never owned a snowblower.

“I’m 78. She is 71,” explained Jim. “Between the two of us, we are sensible about it. We don’t go crazy at it. And we get it done!”

Pam added, “If you need a break, you’ve got to stop. And if, you know, you have a heart condition, get a snowplow.”

Because after all, if you can’t beat Mother Nature, Jim says you might as well embrace it.

“It’s a good old-fashioned winter!” he said with a smile.