Advertisement

Out in the cold: how workers battle the conditions

When we moan about frigid temperatures, there are those who venture outside because it's part of their job. Taryn Snell / Global News

REGINA – It may be cold, but in a growing city, the work of a residential framer has to be done – no matter the temperature.

Jason Blundell of JTL Builders says you have to move around.

“Don’t stand there,” said Blundell, taking a break from his work on a new home in Harbour Landing.

“Once you stand there, you’re going to freeze up.”

That’s what happens to the tools. Any equipment that uses oil needs to be kept warm.

“Compressors, air nailers, it’s hard on the saws with the gears,” said Blundell.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

There are no gears for Rick Monaghan to worry about.

He patrols the street for expired metres – which presents its own challenges.

Story continues below advertisement

“The eqipment we use tends to freeze. Metres fog over and we can’t read them,” said Monaghan, a parking enforcement site supervisor.

Meet the woman who makes sure our furry friends stay warm.

Tricia Zaphe’s job as an animal control officer requires her to head out into the cold to do routine checks for pets that have been left outdoors.

“If I’m cold, then I have to think about how cold the animals are going to be outside,” Zaphe said.

The biting cold can be tough to handle for anyone, but there’s one thing these workers can agree on – layered clothing is the best way to stay warm.

Monaghan wears a fleece vest, a parka and an outer layer jacket that is windproof.

Blundell counted six layers on himself, while Zaphe even had toe warmers.

“You can do anything if you have enough layers on,” said Zaphe.

They’ll need them to take on one of the coldest winters in recent memory.

Sponsored content

AdChoices