Using beet juice to combat icy roads and sidewalks is going well in the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie.

Public Works Supervisor Ron Kowalchuk says he was approached last year and asked whether he would be interested in using an alternative product on the roads. Kowalchuk notes he approached council and it was approved to pilot on a few in-town roads, paved rural roads, and sidewalks. He says it's a combination of beet juice, water, and salt. The beets are white sugar beets and are non-staining.

Public Works Supervisor Ron Kowalchuk showing how La Broquerie helps combat icy roads and sidewalks."It's good until -30ºC, according to the contractor," notes Kowalchuk. "It's eco-friendly so it doesn't damage any of the pavements, doesn't damage any of the vegetation like your grass, flowers, or trees. So, that's a good thing."

Kowalchuk says they rigged up a system to use behind the sidewalk clearing tractor to ensure a safer, slip-free walk for pedestrians.

"The idea is, you're supposed to apply it before you get the snow. For example, if you have some snow coming, put it down ahead of time and the idea is, when it does snow a little bit, it will melt. If you get a larger amount [of snow], it will slush up so when you come through later with the grader or the plow, you clean if off and you don't get that icy build up on the roads. That's a big advantage."

He says there isn't much of a cost saving initially, however, in the spring crews won't have to go back over those roads to pick up sand, which would be a reduction in that municipal expense. Kowalchuk adds he hopes to continue using beet juice on roads and sidewalks in the winters to come.