Toronto expands sidewalk snow clearing to all neighbourhoods

By Michael Ranger

The City of Toronto says it is expanding its snow clearing operations to remove snow from every sidewalk in Toronto.

Crews currently clear snow from 85 per cent of sidewalks using mechanical plows and the city says the new plan will bump that up to 91 per cent. The remaining 9 per cent would be cleared manually.

City staff have recommended the expansion of this service following a successful trial program over the last two winters. It means more than 100,000 additional households will now receive sidewalk snow-clearing service.

Mayor John Tory says the city was able to expand the service because of new smaller plows, that can operate on more narrow older streets in the city’s core. The city bought nine plows and tested them on routes that primarily serve seniors and persons with disabilities.

“Providing city-wide sidewalk snow clearing is the right thing to do and we are able to proceed thanks to the diligent work of City staff,” said Tory.

“This was the right and responsible thing to do. I look forward to supporting this expansion…so that we are ready for next winter.”


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The expansion still needs to be cleared by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee next week, and city council next month.

Chair of the committee, Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, says she is looking forward to learning more details and the impacts it could have on the community.

“Mobility and safety, especially in winter, is important for everyone,” said McKelvie. “I look forward to learning more about the results of the trial and how this could impact safety, accessibility and equity during the winter.”

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