Ottawa promises snowplows will be 'more aggressive' in clearing snow and ice on sidewalks and streets this winter
City of Ottawa snowplows will be responding "more aggressive and proactively" to snow and ice storms this winter, including trying to minimize the snow and ice build up on residential streets and sidewalks.
The transportation committee received an update on winter operations on Wednesday, as forecasters warn Ontario may see the worst start to winter in 25 years.
Director of Roads and Parking Services Alain Gonthier told councillors that the city of Ottawa's operations are always evolving to address both the change in climate conditions and the needs of the community.
"What we've seen over the last two winters is for our teams to provide more focus on sidewalks and also on some of the residential areas, based on the concerns that we were hearing," said Gonthier.
Gonthier says the city will also take a "more aggressive position" in terms of responding to events.
"What we're trying to do through that proactive process is try to minimize the amount of snow and ice that packs onto the streets, which then become very difficult and expensive to remove," said Gonthier.
When it comes to clearing residential streets, snowplows will keep the same residential beats, but will alternate the starting points to even out snow-clearing operations.
"Basically, two key things that residents will see is: One, plows at different times and they should see more consistency in terms of the condition of residential roadways."
Workers clear 13,000 kilometres of roads and 2,400 kilometres of sidewalks and pathways. The city of Ottawa has 535 winter maintenance operators and 575 pieces of equipment.
Other improvements for snow-clearing operations this winter include the city piloting pre-treated salt on sidewalks to reduce icy conditions and salt use and replacing sand with grit on sidewalks and most roads to provide greater traction and reduce environmental impacts.
City staff are still reviewing the winter operations standards, with proposals for enhanced standards for sidewalks and pathways, Winter Cycling Network and residential roads coming next spring.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.