The snow fence looks like its been battered by a recent hurricane or its upkeep has been severely neglected over a period of years. The broken slats create an exciting and chaotic pattern in contrast to the dull winter scene behind it. The purpose of the fence is to limit the amount of snow that drifts across the Commons, an open space in the heart of the city, whose playgrounds and footpaths are widely used by pedestrians crossing from the downtown core to other areas of metro.