Mayor Olivia Chow has initiated a review of Toronto’s snow clearing and removal procedures, expressing disappointment with the condition of the city’s roads and walkways following two recent winter storms. Chow expressed frustration over the incomplete snow clearing on many sidewalks despite assurances from city officials that they were fully cleared.
In response, Chow has written to City Manager Paul Johnson and Toronto’s auditor general, urging an immediate assessment of ways to enhance snow plowing and removal strategies. This review will examine how to optimize existing city resources, equipment, and winter maintenance contracts, potentially leading to renegotiations or terminations of these agreements, as stated by Chow during an interview with CBC Radio’s Metro Morning.
Despite acknowledging the significant snowfall of over 50 centimeters starting from February 12, Chow criticized the city’s snow removal efforts as a “failure.” She emphasized the impact on individuals like her late mother, who used a wheelchair, highlighting the challenges posed by uncleared sidewalks.
Barbara Gray, the city’s general manager of transportation services, acknowledged the mayor’s request and affirmed their commitment to enhancing winter maintenance services. Gray clarified that all city sidewalks had been plowed at least once during the recent storms but noted the need to verify their records for accuracy.
Regarding concerns about snow removal contracts approved in 2021, reports by CBC Toronto revealed issues with service quality and cost overruns in subsequent winters. Council members, including Scarborough Coun. Paul Ainslie, expressed dissatisfaction with the current snow clearing situation and stressed the importance of accountability and effective service delivery.
Beaches–East York Coun. Brad Bradford defended the awarded contracts, attributing the challenges to a lack of accountability rather than contractual issues. Meanwhile, the Toronto Transit Commission was also urged to assess its response to extreme weather conditions, addressing issues such as snow accumulation at transit stops and operational challenges on specific transit lines.
The matter will be deliberated by Mayor Chow’s executive committee in their upcoming meeting, indicating a proactive approach to addressing the city’s snow clearing deficiencies.
