Lethbridge- They say “April showers bring May flowers”, but so far this month that’s not the case.
Today’s dump of spring snow was the talk of southern Alberta, as many continue to await that much anticipated jump in temperature.
The lingering snow and cold is costing businesses big bucks. Canadian Tire sells a number of seasonal items and this snow is putting a damper on spring sales.
“It’s nowhere near the volume that it should be, plant wise people are picking through the odd flower and tree that they want to plant when they can actually get a shovel in the ground, but right now it’s definitely slow,” says Barrie Ferguson, the General Manager of Canadian Tire.
Typically seasonal items would by flying off the shelves, but with most yards still covered in snow, it’s more likely to see a snow shovel carried out the door than a patio set.
“We are off to a slow start there is no doubt about it, but it’s early yet so it’s not time to panic,” adds Ferguson.
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Even though this snow seems never ending, its not even close to the worst in Lethbridge’s history.
Between April 21 and 29th 1967, almost six feet of snow was dumped across the prairies. By May 6th there was still 20 centimeters on the ground.
Thousands of cattle perished on the open range, the army airlifted supplies into the province and the tax deadline was even pushed back because of the winter wallop. The Spring blizzard of ’67 will never be forgotten by those who fought through it.
“I’m a retired farmer, that year it delayed us quite a bit but we finished harvest in November,” remembers Larry Oseen.
1967 was one for the history books but, all we can hope is history doesn’t repeat itself.
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