Newmarket council questioned weekend snow-clearing efforts after reportedly being inundated with messages from upset residents.
Municipalities were challenged by a Friday, March 3 snowstorm that saw about 30 centimetres locally. Crews were working throughout the day and night to move snow around, but councillors said March 6 that some areas were still waiting to be cleared.
Councillor Victor Woodhouse, who raised the matter, said he is not in favour of any hiring or firing action, but the efforts did garner concern.
“I want to make it entirely clear I have witnessed staff and their work, and I have no doubt whatsoever staff is doing the best they can,” Woodhouse said, but added he has had “significant inquiries from residents about why it took as long as it did for some streets.”
The town had made a significant weather event declaration ahead of Friday’s storm, warning of longer-than-usual snow-clearing efforts. The declaration indicates that residents should wait 24 hours after snow stops falling before contacting the town about any uncleared areas.
Director of development and infrastructure services Peter Noehammer said crews acknowledged some areas still needed more snow clearing work today. He noted some locations needed additional work such as moving large piles impacting intersection sightlines or preventing pedestrians from walking.
He added that they also factor in regulations around hours worked and safety for snow plow operators.
“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.”
Noehammer said they will coordinate with customer service to address service requests as best they can.
The warmer weather should make things easier in the coming days, Noehammer said. They are also ready for another expected snowfall to come this Friday.
Councillor Bob Kwapis said they may need to examine the priority list concerning school sidewalks, with some issues experienced Monday.
“It concerns me when I see kids or parents walking on the road because the road was cleared, but the sidewalk was not,” he said.
Mayor John Taylor asked staff to look at resourcing or policy around snow plowing of sidewalks so that there are not multiple days where pedestrians are walking on the roads.
Councillor Christina Bisanz said people should appreciate the workers that are out there clearing.
“These folks are out there in the middle of the night when we’re tucked away in our beds and thankful we don’t have to drive anywhere right away,” she said. “I do want to thank the staff.”
Taylor said that despite some exceptions, most places with road difficulties were still able to be used.
“The vast, vast majority of our residents really are patient and understand the difficulty of the circumstances,” he said. “They appreciate what staff are doing in the middle of the night.”
