Bowman says he doesn’t support making Winnipeggers shovel own snow
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/06/2015 (4076 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Mayor Brian Bowman attempted to downplay suggestions that Winnipeggers could be required to shovel their own walks this winter.
Bowman said there is no proposal under consideration that would end the city’s practice of clearing residential sidewalks and requiring residents, under a threat of a fine, to do so.
Bowman told reporters Wednesday morning that just because the councillor in charge of public works – Coun. Janice Lukes – and the administrator in charge of public works – Brad Sacher – openly said it’s time to consider the policy change, doesn’t mean council will go there.
“It’s something that has been considered year after year, from my understanding, yet there hasn’t been a change,” Bowman said. “There is no report that is being brought to council nor would I be supporting it at this time, that people go buy more shovels and get ready.”
Bowman said the sidewalk snowclearing recommendations are merely part of a comprehensive report detailing pedestrian and cycling strategies to be considered over the next 20 years – with no guarantee any of the recommendations will be implemented.
Sacher, director of public works, said Tuesday his department is under intense pressure to cut costs and requiring homeowners to shovel their own walks should be a policy change under consideration, explaining that most Canadian cities have a similar policy.
Lukes, chairwoman of the public works committee, said if Sacher doesn’t include the issue in a cost-benefit analysis on snowclearing his staff is bringing to city hall in the fall, she will find a way to bring it to council’s attention.
But Bowman said public concern is premature and unwarranted, adding he’s not aware of any other councillor who supports this change.
“Winnipeggers should know it’s a recommendation – it’s not something that will be adopted with the pedestrian and cycling strategy,” Bowman said. “There hasn’t been any discussion (by councillors) on it.”
Bowman said council will consider the proposal if it’s contained in the public works report coming in the fall.
“This is not a report that’s being voted on,” Bowman said. “That’s not something that’s being considered right now by council.”
aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca
