Public Works Department
The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and supporting the essential infrastructure that keeps Watson Lake moving. This includes the upkeep of local roads, seasonal snow removal, and general road maintenance throughout the community. The department also manages a diverse fleet of vehicles and equipment used for daily operations and emergency response. Whether it's grading gravel roads, clearing streets after a snowfall, or ensuring our equipment is running smoothly, Public Works plays a hands-on role in delivering dependable service year-round. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the department is dedicated to safety, efficiency, and keeping our transportation network in working order for all residents.
The Municipal Services Building
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The Public Works Department operates out of both the Municipal Services Building (MSB) and the Old Public Works Building. The MSB, shared with the Watson Lake Fire Department serves as a key operations hub for Public Works, housing equipment, vehicles, and workspaces that support daily and seasonal activities. Sharing this space helps improve coordination and resource management across departments. While the Old Public Works Building still supports some functions, the MSB has become the main base for many of the department’s services and fleet operations.
Snow Clearing
Clearing the Way, Who Does What?
Snow removal in Watson Lake is a shared effort between the Town and property owners, and this section aims to clear up a few common misconceptions. The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing snow from public roadways, but clearing the end of driveways and the space between the roadway and property line is the sole responsibility of the property owner. To help make this easier, the Town's grader operators may use snow traps when conditions allow. This is not a guaranteed service, but rather a courtesy that can help reduce the snowbank left behind at the end of a driveway.
The Town is responsible for:
•Clearing main roads, side streets, access to fire hydrants, and public roadways
•Using snow traps where possible to limit snow buildup at driveway entrances
•Maintaining municipal access routes and key infrastructure
Property owners are responsible for:
•Clearing snow between the edge of the road and their property line, including driveways and entrances
•Avoiding the placement of snow from private property onto roads, nearby fire hydrants, sidewalks, or across opposite and adjacent streets
•Keeping nearby fire hydrants clear of obstructions for easy emergency access
•Maintaining the grade difference between driveways and the road surface (as outlined in the General Maintenance and Nuisance Bylaw)
The General Maintenance Bylaw states that, pushing snow onto public roads or obstructing hydrants, manholes, or storm drains may result in penalties.
Understanding the Snow Trap
The snow trap is a blade adjustment feature on the grader that allows operators to lift the blade at just the right moment, reducing the windrow left at the end of a driveway. When engaged, it “traps” or lifts snow before it builds up at a property’s edge. When disengaged, the blade continues along its normal path, leaving the typical ridge of snow behind.
Whether the snow trap is used depends on:
•The equipment being used (graders only, not plow trucks)
•The location and shape of the driveway
•Road and snow conditions at the time of clearing
While helpful, the snow trap is not always practical or possible during every pass, and residents should always plan to clear their driveways and entrances as part of their seasonal responsibility.
