City could plow ahead on clearing residential streets sooner

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This article was published 26/06/2024 (508 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Residential sidewalks could be cleared of snow days sooner this winter in an effort to improve accessibility.

A proposed policy change would require the city to “normally” complete plowing on its “Priority 3” (residential) sidewalks within 36 hours after the work begins. The current completion target is set at five working days after clearing starts.

“That’s huge … We’re hearing what the people want. They want more accessibility on walking with (enhanced) snow clearing and we’re delivering on that,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of council’s public works committee.

The Waverley West councillor said the changes will make it easier to walk around during the winter, following repeated requests from residents to ramp up plowing efforts.

The work will be funded through money approved during the 2024 to 2027 multi-year budget process, which added $551,803 in 2024 and similar amounts in each of the following three years, according to a city staff report.

The city’s total snow-clearing budget is set at $40.45 million for 2024.

The new report reveals exactly how much more quickly sidewalk clearing can be completed as a result of that funding, estimates that were not previously available.

Some residents say they would love to see the city clear snow off residential sidewalks that much faster but fear the target won’t actually be achieved.

“I think if it (proves) true, that would be great. I find it hard to believe that it’s true that they’ll do it in 36 hours,” said Lori Ross, who uses a wheelchair.

Delayed sidewalk clearing has triggered complaints in the past, with snow sometimes staying put for several days after a snowfall ends.

Ross said the wait can strand people with mobility challenges at home on the worst winter days, especially those who rely on wheelchairs, walkers and other devices.

“For a lot of people, that means they don’t get out to get to work, they can’t get out to the doctor’s, they can’t do anything because it’s not like we can levitate over the snow,” she said.

City staff tracked sidewalk clearing operations last winter to help determine the new target. Since last winter saw lower-than-average snowfall, the report cautions snowier weather could yield different results.

“I will be the first one to cheer if it actually works,” said Ross.

The report also highlights the city’s struggles to cope with repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which climate change has made more common during Winnipeg winters.

“The mild winter season of 2023-2024 introduced challenges in keeping sidewalks passable during prolonged melting periods. The melting and lack of proper drainage traps water on the sidewalk, which then freezes again when temperatures drop and causes slippery conditions,” writes Michael Cantor, the city’s manager of streets maintenance.

Cantor notes using sand to improve traction isn’t effective in those conditions because it sinks to the bottom or mixes in with slush.

Lukes said she will call for a report on how best to cope with that problem, which would include gathering feedback on how other winter cities address it.

“Ultimately, the reason we are having a challenge with it is because we don’t remove all the snow that’s captured on the boulevard side. So we create a trough and it freezes and thaws in that trough. But I’m going to ask the department (to find out what other cities) … do and what the costs would be (to address it),” said Lukes.

Meanwhile, the city is also set to enhance its online snow clearing map, which would offer live updates on parking bans and track snow clearing progress on streets and paths.

Lukes said the information for sidewalks and pathways will be updated every 10 to 15 minutes, while road status will be updated at least twice a day, starting sometime this winter.

“This will be incredible for improving accessibility,” she said, noting Winnipeggers could then choose a cleared route to walk or cycle on before leaving home.

City-owned sidewalk plowing machines are now equipped with automatic vehicle location devices to support the updates.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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