Time to see winter as season of opportunity

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This article was published 28/10/2023 (739 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The first snowfall of the season often comes with a sprinkling of dread. Anyone who’s spent at least one winter in Manitoba will be keenly aware of the coming forecast: long dark nights; neverending shovelling; shivering in sub-Arctic temperatures; snowbank mountaineering; and a rotating cast of colds, flus and general seasonal malaise.

It’s easy to approach winter as a slog — an annual five- to six-month sentence served through chattering teeth and layers of bulky outerwear. It’s harder, but arguably necessary, to look at the province’s defining season as a time of ample opportunity.

For governments, it’s a chance to improve winter infrastructure management and social services over previous years. For citizens, it’s a chance to share resources and spread communal warmth. There’s plenty of room for improvement, as well as reason for hope, on many fronts.

Winnipeg is a winter city. And yet, municipal snow clearing continues to be a major sticking point. In recent years, record amounts of snow have wreaked havoc on transportation routes and city finances.

Last winter, council spent more than $87 million on clearing efforts, overshooting the allotted budget by a cool $52 million. Snow clearing deficits have been an annual affair since 2013. Despite the excess spending — which typically gets covered by general operating surpluses — service delivery has remained lacklustre, especially on sidewalks and pathways.

While the executive policy committee recently punted a request from public works to substantially raise snow removal funding to next year’s budget talks, there is a silver lining. At the same meeting, members voted to increase spending on residential sidewalk and pathway clearing this winter and into the future.

The additional funds — as well as the rollout of 15 new sidewalk snow machines — should result in improved accessibility for pedestrians and mobility aid users. Perhaps this winter we won’t see residents taking up shovels to clear pathways neglected by city crews.

While it’s disappointing the city’s overall snow budget hasn’t yet been boosted, incremental improvements are still an achievement. Let’s hope the 2024 discussions are fruitful. Sustainable funding could greatly improve quality of life during an unpredictable weather season — one that is likely to become even more unpredictable as the climate crisis progresses.

For many Manitobans, winter is more than an inconvenience. It’s a life-threatening season for those experiencing homelessness.

Chronic homelessness has worsened in Winnipeg in recent years due to an insufficient supply of affordable housing, inflation and an ongoing drug crisis. The scope of the issue was impossible to ignore last winter with unhoused residents braving the elements in bus shelters and temporary encampments across the city. Two people died of exposure.

Again, on this file, there exists a glimmer of hope. Addressing homelessness was a top priority during the first meeting between Mayor Scott Gillingham and newly installed Premier Wab Kinew. A co-ordinated, multi-level approach is needed to fix such a complex issue.

It will take time to draft policy and design programs. The arrival of winter, however, increases the urgency. Winnipeg needs more 24-hour warming spaces and frontline services providers need more government support. Without it, additional deaths are likely.

This is where everyday citizens can make an impact. Agencies across the province are gearing up for another difficult season of serving a growing clientele. Those with the resources to donate money, clothing or food can help improve the immediate circumstances of their neighbours while the wheels of government turn.

A fresh blanket of snow is an opportunity for a fresh start — for governments and citizens alike.