Like many Newmarket residents, Colleen Harack had difficulty getting out of her driveway March 4 after a big snowfall.
The Thornwillow Court resident lives at the bottom of a hill, and she and her neighbours faced a challenge driving out through a massive pile of snow.
Harack said she is upset about just how long the snow remained, causing other issues, before a municipal plow came to clear it: four days.
“They’re creating unsafe conditions,” she said, adding that delayed response has been an issue for several years. “Nothing’s been done, and we’re still having the same problem, and one of these days, someone is going to get hurt.”
Municipal snow clearing was stalled over the weekend after the season's biggest snowfall, at approximately 30 cm. But clearing efforts did prompt a town council discussion, in which councillors asked staff to report back on the prioritization of sidewalks after seeing residents having to walk on the streets for multiple days.
But how town plow efforts are prioritizing courts is also worth examination, Harack said. She said she messaged the town about snow plowing several times over the years, with big snowfalls taking days to get cleared.
“Four to five days to plow a road is unacceptable by any stretch,” she said. “They’re just literally ignoring us.”
Town staff described the snowfall as causing additional difficulties. Director of development and infrastructure Peter Noehammer said the town prioritizes primary and secondary routes. He also told council they do have to follow regulations around work hours.
“The crews that are deployed by our own staff and through contracts worked tirelessly,” he said. "This one was challenging just because of the amount of snow, and as the snow is cleared, where the snow gets deposited.”
Director of public works services Mark Agnoletto said works on courts, cul-de-sacs and elbows start after primary and secondary routes are complete. After a significant weather event, it can take 24 hours or more to complete plowing, he added, but that can be extended based on the type of snow, equipment failures, or specialized equipment needed for certain areas.
With respect to Thornwillow Court, he said records showed cars parked on both sides of the road impeded access when a snow plow operator first got there.
"During situations like these, the plows are instructed to continue on their scheduled routes and to return at a later time. This would have contributed to a longer completion time for this location," he said. "The town would like to thank all residents for their patience and understanding during inclement weather events. Newmarket makes every effort to clear all Newmarket streets and sidewalks in a timely manner while managing many factors."
Other residents in the court, which is in the area of Srigley Street and Carlson Drive, are also upset over the ongoing situation. Agustus Barhan said it can be terrible sometimes.
“People have a hard time getting out of here,” he said. “The past two years, it’s been really bad.”
"The residents here are pretty ticked off," Cindy Bomers, another Thornwillow Court resident, said.
Harack said she understands the need to prioritize areas of town for plowing, but not the length of time. She said many living in the court are elderly, and plows drive past the court when surrounding roads are already clear.
“It’s ridiculous,” she said. “We’re not in an isolated area way out in the country. We’re right here.”
