Snow clearing is a very important aspect of both urban and rural life over the centuries. In long, severe winters, the skill of clearing ways, lanes and eventually highways has not only been a matter of convenience but also of survival. Snow removal nowadays has become a multi-billion-dollar business with specialized machinery and professional services, with regional leaders like commercial snow removal Calgary where winters require a reliable and efficient solution.
Early Methods of Snow Clearing
During the pre-industrial period, snow removal was easy, but labor intensive. The societies used shovels, brooms and brute force to maintain roads and foot paths in use. Horses dragged primitive plows over primary roads and moved the snow to the edges instead of clearing it completely. Citizens in most towns had the civic responsibility of clearing snow in front of their homes, which at times resulted in imposition of fines in case of default.
Snow Removal in the 19th Century
The urbanization of the 1800s introduced new problems. Snow-covered streets stalled business, mail service, and emergency services. The municipal governments started to arrange formal snow removal programs. In New York City, gangs of men with shovels cleared streets, dumping snow into rivers or heaping it up at crossroads. The richer families and companies tended to employ their own crews, similar to the modern snow removal companies in Calgary that are available to businesses that want to have secure and easy to access premises.
The Advent of Mechanized Snow Removal
Towards the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the process was changed through mechanization. Snow plows powered by steam were attached to trains to keep the railways running during snowstorms. Plows pulled by horses were replaced by motorized trucks fitted with blades in the cities. This innovation enabled clearing to be faster and more efficient, which kept up with the swift increase of car traffic.
The snow blower was invented in the 1920s and 1930s and it was a revolutionary machine that was able to pick up the snow and toss it away. This technology has continued to lie at the core of residential and commercial snow removal in Calgary and other cities in the north.
Post-War Expansion and Professionalization
Suburbanization and car ownership increased exponentially after World War II. Snow plow armies in cities were increased and individual firms started to provide business, school and industrial services. Not only plows were needed in parking lots, loading docks, and large commercial properties, but also sand, salt, and de-icing chemicals were the new tools.
It was also during this period that snow removal became a professionalized and contracted service. Similar to the modern Calgary commercial snow removal companies, which provide seasonal contracts and 24/7 services, the companies of the mid-20th century started to ensure the availability during the storms.
Snow Removal in the Modern Era
Snow removal today is very organized, technologically advanced and environmental friendly. The industry now has GPS-controlled plows, heated sidewalks, and environmentally-friendly de-icers. Companies in cities where winter snow is much like Calgary need contractors to take care of snow and ice effectively to ensure safety of employees, clients and liability insurance.
Firms that deal in commercial snow removal in Calgary do not only plow and haul snow, they also offer ice management, salting and risk assessment. The safety and compliance in the industry is a reflection of a long history of community shoveling to advanced, round-the-clock operations.
Since the 1600s with hand shovels and the 21st century with advanced fleets, the snow removal services have reflected the development of the society itself--they have been changing in accordance with the needs, technologies, and urban settings. In such a place as Alberta where the snowy season is an annual guarantee, commercial snow removal in Calgary is both the past and the present of this vital service: a mixture of tradition, innovation, and professionalism that make sure that communities still prosper even during the worst winters.
