Sidewalk Snow Clearing: What’s at Stake?

Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,

We’ve been hearing from many of you regarding the ongoing debate centred around sidewalk snow clearing. With 2403 kilometres of sidewalk citywide, including 201 km in Ward 8, it’s an important matter and one we’d like to address here.

For more details, please continue reading below…

The City of Hamilton currently clears sidewalks on municipally-owned property, along reverse frontage lots, formerly Ward 12 in its entirety, and sidewalks adjacent to school property, owned by either the Public or Separate School Board, in conjunction with Bylaw No. 03-296.

The net cost to clear those sidewalks is included in the winter maintenance program budget ($1.58 M budget) in 2018.

The information update City Council received on February 13 outlined various scenarios the City could undertake to remove snow, the costs associated with removal, the number of snow events, liability issues and comparisons to other municipalities in Canada.

Currently, sidewalk clearing is a homeowner’s responsibility after an accumulation of 5cm or more within 24 hours of the last snow fall. The expectation is that the homeowner (or resident) will clear the accumulation of snow down to the snowpack.

City Council was presented with two scenarios on February 13, the first being the clearing of sidewalks along main roads and bus routes which would add $1.78M to the budget or roughly an annual cost of $7 per year to the average residential taxpayer.

The other scenario would see the clearing of all sidewalks city wide which would add $3.78M to the budget or roughly an annual cost of $15 to the average residential taxpayer.

Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko shared that he has some concerns about adding a new service to the tax levy that could grow with expanded service or future delivery costs. He also shared his thoughts on Twitter about his reservations about the service level proposed:

I have reservations about #HamOnt sidewalk snow plowing ❄️ But the stories of those affected, the impact on seniors, kids, families & people with mobility challenges & the value statement of car vs. pedestrian is profound. I’m worried advocacy & immediacy will melt by August. pic.twitter.com/bfmB96H5dx

— John-Paul Danko (@JohnPaulDanko) February 13, 2020

The service level is sidewalk clearing to snowpack (not bare) only after 5cm of snow within 24h after it stops snowing. Most people currently clear snow right away to bare pavement – a much higher standard. Also does not address windrows left by plows at corners.

— John-Paul Danko (@JohnPaulDanko) February 14, 2020

I’m a strong supporter of active lifestyles and making sure everyone from seniors at risk of slips and falls, kids with little legs, parents with strollers and people with mobility challenges have a safe and clear path to walk wherever they need to go.     – Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

Based on feedback from Ward 8 residents and those who delegated to Council, I would support a pilot on main roads and bus routes to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
– Ward 8 Councillor John-Paul Danko

Council  requested a staff report by August outlining the benefits and challenges of the city with taking responsibility for clearing sidewalks.

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.