Quebec City has been blanketed by substantial snowfall, raising concerns among residents and city officials alike. Over 81 centimeters of snow fell at the airport since the start of the month, with similar amounts reported across the region, leading to worries about heavy accumulation on roofs and the safety of structures.
Joe Della-Savia, owner of Inside Out Contracting, shared insights about the situation, stating, "We have a very large amount of snow here. I don't know the exact centimeters recorded, but it’s significant for early December." He noted how this year's snowfall is unprecedented compared to recent years. "I haven’t seen this much snow at the beginning of December since 1995," he remarked.
Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist at Environment Canada, corroborated Della-Savia's observations by referencing past records. He explained, "It was back in 1995 when the highest amount of snow was measured at Sault-Sainte-Marie during December. A total of 207 centimeters was recorded back then." The weather conditions this year have been exacerbated by the interaction between cold air masses and the still unfrozen waters of Lake Superior, resulting in heavy snowfall across the region.
According to Della-Savia, emergency snow removal services have been overwhelmed, and he is concerned about the risk of structural collapses. "It has been snowing for 17 days now, and it’s starting to wear people down. While we haven’t declared a state of emergency yet, we're approaching the threshold. We’ve seen many small tin sheds collapse here and there, and fortunately, no houses have fallen—just some carports so far," he explained.
This year’s relentless snow has not only tested the limits of community endurance but has also strained municipal budgets. Dan Perry, the city’s director of public works, noted, "The budget for snow removal for 2024 looked promising before November because we had experienced quite a mild winter. But with the significant snow now, we’ve faced numerous snow removal efforts." He expressed optimism about meeting the current budget but acknowledged uncertainty for the following year, saying, "We’ll start over with budgeting for 2025, and it will largely depend on what the remainder of this winter looks like."
Flisfeder cautioned local residents to be careful due to changing weather conditions, indicating, "A snow squall warning is currently active for the Sault-Sainte-Marie area. Conditions can vary widely, so it’s important to exercise caution, especially if you're on the roads today." He described how unstable air currents formed clouds over the lake, contributing to heavy snowfalls.
Residents are being encouraged to take heed of weather advisories and to prepare for more snow. The city has been proactive, contracting additional snow removal services to manage increasing snowfall. Perry acknowledges the need for vigilance and adaptability to effectively respond to winter’s whims.
Overall, the significant snowfall near Quebec City has unveiled the vulnerabilities of local infrastructure and prompted urgent attention from both citizens and city officials. Preparedness, community support, and municipal resources will be pivotal as the winter progresses.
