Update: Snow maintenance
02
2011
Last month, I received more snow-related calls and emails than I have received in any month since being elected. Residents from all areas in Ward 12 have said that their expectations are not being met by the City’s current plan. I agree, and we must do a better job in the future.
While the amount of snow has been unusual—30cm from January 7-9 alone, the biggest snow storm since 1989—disruptions to civic services have been unacceptable. Cars have navigated deep ruts. On-street parking has posed challenges for crews and residents. Garbage pick-up was delayed. I am sincerely sorry for these and other difficulties residents have faced.
I have heard loud and clear that Council needs to consider changes to our snow policy. We have asked Administration to answer the questions constituents have been asking, such as:
- How can we plan for emergency snow removal so we are prepared for major snowfalls in the future?
- What potential timeframes could be implemented for residential areas?
- What ‘trouble spots’ need to be prioritized in future efforts?
- How can we better communicate with residents?
- What additional funding/equipment could improve snow maintenance?
Another question residents have asked is how staff determine which neighbourhoods to clear first. The City is divided into five Roadway Maintenance Districts (separate from the 12 municipal wards), and crews establish cycles within each district. Unfortunately, some areas must come before others. I understand that this is frustrating—my area, Silver Berry, was among the last in Ward 12 to be cleared. But, in the end, Ward 12 has been cleared at a rate comparable to that in other areas.
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