Winnipeg councillor continuing fight to have sidewalks clear

A city councillor feels human rights are being ignored, as Winnipeg stays steadfast in voting down a project that would see sidewalks, plowed down to the pavement.

A few weeks ago, Councillor Allard’s request to write a report on a plow to pavement pilot project was unanimously voted down at the Executive Policy Committee. Last week, he pleaded to Mayor Scott Gillingham that this is a human rights issue.

“I don’t think clearing snow on sidewalks to pavement is realistic across the city. We have a very strong snow-clearing policy as it is already,” said Mayor Gillingham.

Councillor Allard says roads are prioritized, and Winnipeg shouldn’t be giving more rights to drivers than people who choose to walk.

“I use the road, I see people using the road, when the sidewalks are simply too treacherous to use. I mean I’m standing on an icy sidewalk right now,” said Allard.

“Apparently you can make all of the logistical, and public works arguments that you want, but if you get voted down by your colleagues in blocks like that – you’re not having a conversation.

“Clearly there is a different level of service, and what I’m hearing from folks is some people are home-bound during the winter and if we want to be a human rights city – everyone should be able to get around town.”

Debby McLeod lived most of her life as an able-bodied person. After losing her leg to a bone infection during the pandemic, she says she never thought about the condition of sidewalks before, but now, feels this city isn’t inclusive for her.

“Now that I’m in a wheelchair I can’t go up and down my sidewalk, up and down my block, just get out for a little fresh air and sunshine. Even with my husband pushing me, it’s a real chore for him as well. Clearing the sidewalks down to the pavement would be so beneficial not just to me, but anyone with a disability,” explained McLeod.

“Most definitely a human rights issue – because I don’t have that accessibility.”

According to stats Canada, one in six Manitobans live with a disability. McLeod says disabled people are tax-paying citizens, who aren’t getting their fair share of benefits.

Hillary Rosentreter has been clearing cycling infrastructure of snow with a group of volunteers – claiming the city needs to do a better job of that as well. She loses hope when EPC won’t even greenlight a pilot project to benefit those with mobility aids.

“This is just not at all catering to what we deserve, and what we need to see in the city. I understand that it’s not the easiest thing to clear the 3,000 plus kilometres of sidewalks that we have throughout – but it absolutely has to be done.”

Councillor Allard says there are at least 50 kilometres of sidewalks in Winnipeg that could be used for this pilot and he says he won’t stop fighting to get this project approved.