Tuesday, March 5, 2019 ~ LANGFORD
~ West Shore Voice News
Two Langford teens were formally recognized by Langford Council at their March 4 meeting in council chambers.
Appreciation for Alex Meikle and Michael Smart “for their contribution to bettering the city” comes for their selfless and self-motivated project to clear snow away from in front of bus stops around Langford.
Snow began falling on Friday February 8 and by February 12 had accumulated in many areas, yet to be cleared. On February 12 and 13, Alex and Michael managed to get around to 60 bus stops with their shovels. At one point they even used a borrowed snowblower.
Acting Mayor Denise Blackwell made a short formal presentation: “While we were struggling with the record-breaking snowfall, two young men from Belmont Secondary saw to it to help as many people as they could. The idea started by helping out their neighbours. Then this grew as they calculated how many people in the community take the bus every day. This was the start of their heroics to manage to remove the snow from over 60 bus shelters and from their own estimation were able to help about 3,000 people.”
Councillor Blackwell quoted Oscar Wilde: ‘The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention’. And concluded: “Thank you Alex and Michael for contributing to the betterment of your community and showing such kindness.”
With beaming smiles, Alex and Michael each accepted an engraved plaque and gift bag from Blackwell on behalf of council. There was hearty applause.
“A significant amount of snow fell (during those days),” said BC Transit media rep Jonathon Dyck last week. “Alex and Michael took that initiative. BC Transit sent a thank you card and monthly pass for taking on the initiative. “It’s not something we would ask people to do. It was a selfless good deed,” said Dyck.
BC Transit contacts local governments or the Province (depending on who has jurisdiction for a bus depot or roadway) if they see any problems for access.
Most BC Transit buses ran during February 8 through 14 — sometimes with detours and delays; a few routes were cancelled during the worst of the snow accumulation.
“These types of scenarios get discussed continually internally. We will look (at the management of the snow phase) and how we can improve in the future,” said Dyck.
~ report by Mary P Brooke