The volunteers are performing sometimes strenuous physical activity in the course of their involvement in the program and are also working on snow covered, possibly icy sidewalks. This gives rise to a potential risk of injury. This risk to the volunteer is mitigated by providing a comprehensive health and safety training package specifically designed for this program. Volunteers are required to sign their acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of the health and safety training program as well as their guarantee that they will abide by the information given.

Once again, there is no way to guarantee that volunteers are truly abiding by this information, and ultimately, choosing to volunteer is a risk willingly assumed by the volunteers.

Risk to the Corporation

Many of the corporate risks assumed have been outlined in the previous sections. The risk of harm to a resident can also translate into a liability risk to the Corporation. The City’s insurance will defend and indemnify the City and its volunteers in cases of liability where the volunteer was acting under the direction of, was answerable to and performing duties on behalf of the Corporation. As is the case with any allegations that fall within the City’s general liability policy, this is subject to the City’s $250,000 deductible.

The risk that a volunteer is injured and seeks compensation from the Corporation is mitigated by the signing of a Waiver Form releasing the Corporation of liability if injury were to occur. Although the waiver form is in place, this still constitutes a moderate risk going forward.

There are also risks associated with not continuing the program from a corporate standpoint. The Corporation, in attempting to market itself as a retirement friendly community, uses programs such as this to attract potential residents as well as allow residents to stay in their homes longer.

A number of residents have expressed their belief as to the importance of Snow Angels and the public may not be amenable to ending the program. Due to the contentious nature of this issue, it should be seen as a moderate risk going forward, with the need to look into potential consequences and remedies if necessary.

Some of the above risks are the reasons that Volunteer organizations we have discussed the program with do not want to lead or take over running this program.

Financial Matters:

The Snow Angels Program has an annual budget allotment of $25,722 with total expenses of $25,990 for the 2019/2020 season. It should be noted that this Program has operated with this $25,722 budget allotment since 2014. Program costs include wages for a temporary Program Coordinator, printing of advertisement material, reimbursement for volunteer police clearances and the items for the draw.