What can you do about windrows?

Shawn Nason By: Shawn Nason Posted:

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/02/2022 (456 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

This year we have already seen more snow than recent memory in Winnipeg — third-highest on record at time of this submission — and by the time you read this article I am hoping we are on the spring side of winter, or can at least start thinking about it. 
Our snow clearing crews have cleared thousands of kilometres of our roadways, back lanes, sidewalks, and pathways thus far. 
With all the snow we have seen fall on our city this year, windrows have been a bone of contention for many residents. A windrow is a ridge of snow left behind after a snow plow or grader has passed by and, when they are piled up a few feet high they can become quite troublesome. As per city policy, it is the responsibility of homeowners to either remove the windrows or clear pathways on their properties. This applies to both the front of properties and their back lanes. 
This has been the first winter since I was elected in 2018 that we’ve had repeated snowfalls which block up curbsides, sometimes with some serious ice chunks. This resulted in many calls, emails and follow-ups with residents from my office. 
While investigating this challenge, my office discusses the challenges with our 311 contact for councillors and what we have learned is that residents can request an application form for a windrow-clearing service by using 311. The application is mailed to residents and must be filled out and returned with a copy of a doctor’s certificate. (Properties with front driveways do not quality for this service.) 
The following criteria must be met to qualify for this special service: 
1. The property owner/occupant has an accessibility issue and is physically incapable of shovelling snow (copy of medical certificate is required for all new applicants). It is not provided for those with short-term disabilities or handicaps (such as knee surgery); 
2. No other able-bodied person resides in the property owner’s/occupant’s home. 
3. The property owner/occupant is unable to arrange to have this work done by others due to financial circumstances.
Snow clearing concerns can be easily reported by submitting a request through the Public Works website https://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow 
As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at city hall, and I hope you will find my articles informative. 
I currently have a Facebook page, Instagram account and website — www.shawnnason.ca — to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please contact my office by calling 204-986-8087 or emailing snason@winnipeg.ca 

 

This year we have already seen more snow than recent memory in Winnipeg — third-highest on record at time of this submission — and by the time you read this article I am hoping we are on the spring side of winter, or can at least start thinking about it. 

Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Fre This year’s tremendous snowfall has created huge snowbanks and windrows. Unfortunately, homeowners are responsible for clearing windrows in front of their homes or in their back lanes.

Our snow clearing crews have cleared thousands of kilometres of our roadways, back lanes, sidewalks, and pathways thus far. 

With all the snow we have seen fall on our city this year, windrows have been a bone of contention for many residents. A windrow is a ridge of snow left behind after a snow plow or grader has passed by and, when they are piled up a few feet high they can become quite troublesome. As per city policy, it is the responsibility of homeowners to either remove the windrows or clear pathways on their properties. This applies to both the front of properties and their back lanes. 

This has been the first winter since I was elected in 2018 that we’ve had repeated snowfalls which block up curbsides, sometimes with some serious ice chunks. This resulted in many calls, emails and follow-ups with residents from my office. 

While investigating this challenge, my office discusses the challenges with our 311 contact for councillors and what we have learned is that residents can request an application form for a windrow-clearing service by using 311. The application is mailed to residents and must be filled out and returned with a copy of a doctor’s certificate. (Properties with front driveways do not quality for this service.) 

The following criteria must be met to qualify for this special service: 

1. The property owner/occupant has an accessibility issue and is physically incapable of shovelling snow (copy of medical certificate is required for all new applicants). It is not provided for those with short-term disabilities or handicaps (such as knee surgery); 

2. No other able-bodied person resides in the property owner’s/occupant’s home. 

3. The property owner/occupant is unable to arrange to have this work done by others due to financial circumstances.

Snow clearing concerns can be easily reported by submitting a request through the Public Works website https://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow 

As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at city hall, and I hope you will find my articles informative. 

I currently have a Facebook page, Instagram account and website — www.shawnnason.ca — to regularly inform our community on items of importance. Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please contact my office by calling 204-986-8087 or emailing snason@winnipeg.ca 

Shawn Nason

Shawn Nason
Transcona ward report

Shawn Nason is the city councillor for Transcona ward.

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