March storm clogs Hamilton streets

In Hamilton, the late winter storm is getting the cold shoulder from a lot of people — tired of what this winter has had to offer.

Even though this was expected, the way it came in was a bit of a surprise. Many of us got to work when things were relatively clear, and then we were hit with more snow than expected. After Tuesdays nice weather, this just feels like a slap in the face.

The day began like so many others this winter. The snow started light, but got heavier as the day went on. Just when we thought spring was here, now we’re just spinning our wheels.

People were happy to offer an opinion: “I hate it, and I’m over it, I want summer.” “Look, this is terrible — now I gotta shovel when I get home.

Crews worked to clear as much as they could of the between fifteen and twenty five centimeters that fell — while shop owners did the best they could to keep things clear.

But much like this season, it looks like a losing battle. Cars slid across the roads while blowing snow and covered sidewalks made travelling by foot a nightmare.

People also freely offered their opinion on the outside temperature: “Freezing cold.” “Just freezing cold, freezing cold.”

The usually busy James Street North was deserted Wednesday. Post-secondary school was in session. McMaster University campus was shut down by 11:30 in the morning. And within the hour, the campus was virtually deserted. The only ones you could find are a group of 8 students who are sleeping outside for five days to raise funds for the homeless.

Alex Duffield is one of the organizers: “This morning when I woke up, there was actually a layer of snow in my face.”

They’ve been outside since Sunday. Their goal is to live as the homeless do, which means they sleep outside, and only eat what has been donated. They’ve raised over two thousands dollars so far. But Jay Krause says this weather has posed a challenge: “Our plan now is to stay outside as long as we can. If it becomes dangerous or a health risk, we’ll move inside to the student centre.”

As the afternoon wore on, and the snow continued to fall, they were forced to move inside. The group got an offer from Notre Dame House to spend the night, but they don’t want to take up any room — so they will be sleeping inside the student centre tonight. If anyone wants to donate online, click on the link.