Item - 2015.PW3.14

The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee:

1.  Requested the General Manager of Transportation Services report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on alternate methods of ensuring private snow clearing compliance and a review of Toronto's existing practices. The report to include evaluation of the following:

a.  tracking addresses with repeated snow clearance complaints;

b.  proactive rather than complaint-based enforcement;

c.  comparing with other cities private snow clearing enforcement practices;

d.  clearing the sidewalk immediately upon inspection rather than issuing warnings;

e.  charging a fee per linear metre of sidewalk to fund municipal clearing; and

f.  investigating other methods to increase compliance.

Each winter Torontonians risk their safety navigating snow and ice covered sidewalks. In many parts of the City of Toronto sidewalk clearing is the responsibility of private home owners.

Compliance with the municipal code, which mandates sidewalks be cleared by property owners, is not sufficient to ensure public safety. Fewer than 70 tickets were issued this winter for un-cleared sidewalks despite thousands of reports to Councillors and 311.

Clearly, the City of Toronto needs to investigate new models of enforcement and education to increase compliance with existing bylaws governing snow clearing.

I am asking that the City study employing alternate methods of enforcement to increase pedestrian safety next winter.