Update: Snow & Ice
Summer is in full bloom and the image of a snow-covered city may not be at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. However, Council recently continued the discussion on several options for how to improve Edmonton’s snow/ice clearing service as a core service. Here’s an update on the decision points at this time.
Council was presented with several options for varying service levels and financial implications. While the 2023-2026 Budget is determined in the fall, Council needed to have these conversations now in preparation for the 2022 winter season.
The direction Council gave to Administration was approval of Option B - R1/AP1 for 2022/2023 implementation. This option allows us to put all of the City’s equipment to work by providing additional resources to improve clearing for arterials, residential, active pathways and more.
By taking a phased approach we are able to balance the financial implications. This includes:
Approval of $4.7 million investment in 2022 to hire staff and ensure full use of city-owned equipment for 2022 and beyond
Phased budget and service enhancements through 2023-2026 to improve clearing for roads and active pathways (final decision on this to come during the fall 2023-2026 budget deliberations).
Enhancements will start this year and continue on. Here are a few more details of what City Administration has outlined that Edmontonians can expect once the phased approach is fully implemented:
Improved manual clearing (eg; bus stops and staircases)
In 2022, residential areas will return to being cleared to a 5cm snowpack and will not be bladed to bare pavement.
Prioritized windrow pick-up near schools for enhanced safety
Continuation of the popular community sandbox program. A program review is underway and looking at equipment enhancements to optimize refilling sandboxes and trial large sandboxes in centralized locations.
Enhanced communication strategy on weather events
Greater enforcement of parking bans
Faster response times to addressing concerns
Formalizing the City’s assisted snow program “Snow to Go”
I’ve very much appreciated hearing residents’ feedback on this service as it informed discussion and honest debate on this topic. I think we’re on the right track with opting for a phased approach, but there’s still time to lend your voice to the conversation before the 4 year budget is deliberated in the fall. What are your thoughts on this approach?
