City of Winnipeg cancels planned changes to snow-clearing thresholds
Posted January 16, 2025 2:01 pm.
Last Updated January 16, 2025 2:08 pm.
Proposed changes to residential snow-clearing thresholds have been put on ice.
On Thursday, a news release from the Mayor’s Office indicated Scott Gillingham would support a motion from city councillor Janice Lukes halting a pilot that would have seen snow clearing on residential streets start after 15 cm of snowfall, a jump from 10 cm.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from Winnipeggers that maintaining our current snow clearing standards is important,” said Mayor Gillingham in a news release. “While the pilot was intended to explore potential efficiencies, it’s clear it does not align with the needs of our residents, so we’ll make that change.”
Lukes, who is chair of Winnipeg’s Standing Policy Committee on Public Works and councillor for Waverley West, said in the release cancelling the pilot does not change the city’s commitment to keeping streets clear.
“Our city has one of the most comprehensive snow and ice control programs in North America. We clear residential streets, major routes, sidewalks, active transportation paths, back lanes, and even front driveway windrows,” she said in the release.
“Every year, we haul away 1.7 million cubic metres of snow. This reflects the high standards Winnipeggers expect — and that we are committed to maintaining.”
The pilot was set to be cancelled as part of the city’s ongoing budgetary review process, in which the release explained the Public Works Department will “continue seeking opportunities to enhance snow clearing operations and control costs without compromising service quality.”
“Safety and mobility remain top priorities for us,” said finance chair and city councillor for North Kildonan, Jeff Browaty in the news release.
“As a winter city, snow clearing is essential to keeping Winnipeg moving. While we’re trying hard to find operational savings, listening to the concerns of residents is critical.”
Those looking for more information on the snow clearing efforts are encouraged to check the City of Winnipeg’s website.
