Following suit with Calgary, Coun. Ange Qualizza has proposed introducing a Snow Angels program into the City of Fernie.
The program would entail helping older adults and others with limited mobility issues shovel sidewalks and scrape ice off of vehicles.
“It can create really good will,” Qualizza said. “It’s an opportunity for people to get out in their neighbourhoods. It’s a good opportunity to teach their kids some lessons in helping their community.”
In order to initiate the program, the city would be required to provide information on the program through the City of Fernie webpage, Qualizza said, noting that, “These [programs] are things that really trickle start.”
The City of Calgary introduced the community to the Snow Angels program in 2004 and it has been successful ever since, but several councillors expressed concern over the mechanics of the program and the ability for it to do good in a small community, where individuals already provide assistance to those in need.
“Calgary is not quite as connected as a small town like Fernie,” Coun. Dan McSkimming noted, adding, “I would suggest councillor Qualizza get this all sorted out [details] and bring it back to us.”
Despite not understanding the mechanics of the program and how the City of Fernie would go about matching individuals in need with their snow angels, several councillors embraced the general idea.
“I believe this would be a great idea,” said Coun. Jon Levesque.
Qualizza said she would look further into the program and provide council with more details in the New Year.