The annual snow-clearing budget has stayed at around $15 million in recent years, but last winter a string of storms and heavy snowfalls pushed the Transportation Department well over what it budgeted.

Vessey said last winter was unusual and if there is more snow than planned for this winter then the government will just end up having to spend more.

“It doesn’t mean that Islanders will receive less of a service,” he said.

Despite going well over budget last year, Vessey said it’s impossible to predict exactly how much will be spent from year to year.

“When you’re dealing with Mother Nature...you can’t predict what she’s going to throw at you.”

The department also faced another issue last year when it bought salt later in the season than usual because of problems at its storage shed in Charlottetown.

Vessey said that won’t be a problem this winter because the province already bought some to store in a new facility.

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