Clearing the Path towards a Safe and Accessible Winter

The City has about 7,029 km of sidewalks and the City mechanically clears approximately 5,785 km (about 82%) of these sidewalks. In February 2020, Transportation Services began testing eight new pieces of equipment in selected areas across the city where existing contractor's sidewalk plows cannot operate. The trial will continue throughout this upcoming winter season with an additional machine (bringing the total to nine sidewalk plows) that will operate along 230 km of sidewalks that have not previously had mechanical sidewalk snow clearing services. The sidewalks included in the trial were selected by prioritizing locations that serve the seniors and residents with disabilities program. Staff will use information from the trial and report back in spring 2021 on the operational and financial considerations that would be required to expand mechanical sidewalk plowing on a permanent basis in the future. Other winter maintenance enhancements this winter season will include expanded multi-purpose trail snow and ice clearance in collaboration with Parks, Forestry and Recreation; enhanced inspections, on a complaint basis, to address locations where sidewalks are not cleared by the adjacent property owner within the time specified in the bylaw; and, continuance of the education campaign launched in 2019.