SIDEWALK CLEARING REMINDER AS FORECAST CALLS FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL

Current weather forecasts are calling for up to 15 centimeters of snow this weekend and as we get back into the swing of winter, the City would like to remind residents and businesses to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice following a snowfall.

“Clearing sidewalks quickly after a snowfall makes it easier and safer for people to move around, and improves accessibility for wheelchair users and citizens with limited mobility,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to civic facilities, the Meewasin Trail and lit pathways in City parks within 48 hours after a snowfall but we also need help from citizens to maintain clear sidewalks.”

The Sidewalk Clearing Bylaw requires residential sidewalks to be cleared within 48 hours after a snowfall, and sidewalks in certain commercial and suburban areas to be cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the sidewalks are cleared and the snow is placed on private property.

The City will be enhancing enforcement again this year by having parking enforcement Commissionaires report addresses requiring sidewalk clearing. When the City receives a report that your sidewalk has not been cleared, the Bylaw Inspector will investigate and if necessary, a Bylaw Notice will be issued requiring you to clear it within 48 hours. If your sidewalk is not cleared, and the City has to clear the sidewalk, the cost will be charged to your property tax notice. To report an uncleared sidewalk, call Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

“Snow clearing statistics over the last seven snow seasons indicate the percentage of citizens who cleared their sidewalks after receiving a bylaw notice was high,” says Gardiner. “In 2013/14, 550 reports of uncleared sidewalks were received of which approximately 90 per cent complied within the 48 hours requested in the Bylaw Notice.”

In an effort to improve accessibility in high use pedestrian areas, the City is working with the defined Business Improvement Districts (BID) to coordinate snow removal.  This year, certain businesses within the BID may shovel snow into the curb lane of the roadway. This is only for locations where there is no other storage space available on the property. The snow will then be removed as part of the priority street system following a snow event.

Be a Snow Angel! If your neighbour is elderly, has a health concern or mobility restrictions, help them out by clearing their sidewalk. If you receive help from a neighbour/relative, nominate them as a Snow Angel online or by mailing their name and phone number to Public Works. The City will send your Snow Angel a thank you and enter them in a prize draw.

For more information on these and all of our Snow & Ice programs, visit Better Winter Roads.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.