Ice on Sidewalks

[oneh2obabe]

Canadian Tire sells contraptions to put on your boots for easier walking.

Shoppers Drug Mart sell them as well.

[Poindexter]

I got a pair at work wear world and they're a life saver - at least a hip saver. We have a steep driveway and without those little metal spikes shovelling it's hazardous, with them it's a walk in the park.

[cv23]

I got a pair at work wear world and they're a life saver - at least a hip saver. We have a steep driveway and without those little metal spikes shovelling it's hazardous, with them it's a walk in the park.

OMG
Someone who takes a pro-active approach to their own safety

[Steve-O]

Lots of energy spent discussing an issue that impacts us for what? a week, maybe two a year.

There will always be people that take the time and effort to clear their walks. There will always be people that do not.

bylaws in Kelowna are pretty much the same as any municpality. It will not be policed unless someone complains. Nothing unique here.

[Otter]

Canadian Tire sells contraptions to put on your boots for easier walking. I see a lot of high-heeled dress boots around that aren't made for this weather too.

You can buy various ones - same basic design - lots of places. I bought some at Costco just before Christmas, but have also seen them at Walmart and some other stores.

Only downside with these are that they are VERY slippery on tile floors and some of the sidewalks (when there is no ice) so you have to remove them or find some ice to walk on. Also, they don't work well in deep snow. A couple of years ago I was walking across a wide snow-filled area (I had my Sorels on) and I lost one of the grippy things in the snow.

Just a FYI.

[Otter]

Lots of energy spent discussing an issue that impacts us for what? a week, maybe two a year.

There will always be people that take the time and effort to clear their walks. There will always be people that do not.

bylaws in Kelowna are pretty much the same as any municpality. It will not be policed unless someone complains. Nothing unique here.

Umm...considering it's been about three weeks since the real snow started and most sidewalks (in the downtown core, anyway) are still covered in frozen snow and/or skating rink worthy ice, I'd say this is a timely discussion.

[Fancy]

What do you use on ice to remove it? Salt isn't an option.

[cv23]

What do you use on ice to remove it? Salt isn't an option.

Is there a particular reason salt isn't an option?

[Fancy]

I've been warned it eats away at the concrete.

[johnhenry]

I've been warned it eats away at the concrete.

You can buy salt that is safe for concrete. If you don't want to use salt you can try Nitrogen fertilizer.

[oneh2obabe]

I use Alaskan ice melter.

Formulated with Calcium Chloride
Melts down to -31°C/-24°F
Pet friendly
Safe on concrete and vegetation (When used as directed)

http://icemelter.chost.ca/products/alaskan_e.php

[cv23]

I use Alaskan ice melter.

Formulated with Calcium Chloride
Melts down to -31°C/-24°F
Pet friendly
Safe on concrete and vegetation (When used as directed)

http://icemelter.chost.ca/products/alaskan_e.php

Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is a salt of calcium and chloride.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_chloride

[cv23]

You can buy salt that is safe for concrete. If you don't want to use salt you can try Nitrogen fertilizer.

Be careful what you use if you have pets. Some chemicals can be very harmful to exposed paws

[Fancy]

That's exactly what I'm after - pet friendly stuff. Thanks for the replies. I would imagine Home Depot or Rona sells it.

[Steve-O]

Umm...considering it's been about three weeks since the real snow started and most sidewalks (in the downtown core, anyway) are still covered in frozen snow and/or skating rink worthy ice, I'd say this is a timely discussion. [/quote]

About 3 weeks is a little more than 2 and we will be seeing positive temps the rest of the week. Point being; snow is not much of an issue here in Kelowna. Can be an annoyance for a few weeks a year? Sure. But its not like we are living in a snow belt by any stretch. likely the reason we have issues with the plow operators is they don't get enough practice! maybe we should send them to the eastcoast for refreshers every year.