Winnipeg snow budget might be spared with late start to winter

The snow is here to stay, but its late arrival could see the City of Winnipeg’s 2023 snow-clearing budget spared, as the man leading the charge says November and December delivered a bit of a break when it comes to the white stuff. 

“Those months, we’re obviously better financially, but the exact impact, that’s being calculated right now,” said Michael Cantor, Manager of Streets Maintenance.

“Obviously, less snow, usually means less cost, because there’s less clearing to do.” 

Every time the snow flies in Winnipeg, city and city-contracted crews take to the streets to ensure streets and roads are clear, with between $30 to $40 million allocated annually for the task and Cantor, the man leading the operation, says crews on the streets are executing a tough task.

“Lots of work, long hours, at night.” 

He says while 2023 is an odd one when it comes to snow delivery, as it’s not uncommon for crews to be out clearing the streets as early as November, they have been keeping busy de-icing, sanding, and salting as needed, with the most recent snowfall — which according to Environment and Climate Change Canada dropped between 12 to 25 centimetres on parts of the city — marking what Cantor says was the first significant dump of the season. 

“It’s a bit all over the place. Every winter is different. Every event is different,” said Cantor.

Cantor says those utilizing the city’s active transportation corridors will likely notice an improvement in clearing this year, as the number of sidewalk-specific plows operating has increased, jumping by15 from 31 to 46, saying when plows are doing their work — whether it be on the sidewalk or the roadway — residences are asked to take extra caution around the heavy pieces of equipment. 

“First of all, slow down. Drive to road conditions. Stay away from the equipment and make sure you slow down and let them pass when they need to pass and stay away from them. That’s the biggest thing,” said Cantor. 

Spare some pockets of light snow at the beginning of this weekend, Environment and Climate Change Canada says for the most part, the snow is done for now and will likely stay away for the next week.