Councillor Janice Lukes, with the support of Mayor Scott Gillingham, will introduce a motion at today’s Public Works budget meeting to cancel a proposed pilot project that would have temporarily raised the residential snow clearing threshold from 10 cm to 15 cm next winter. This decision follows strong public feedback highlighting concerns about road safety and accessibility.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from Winnipeggers that maintaining our current snow clearing standards is important,” said Mayor Gillingham. “While the pilot was intended to explore potential efficiencies, it’s clear it does not align with the needs of our residents, so we’ll make that change.”
Councillor Janice Lukes, Chair of Public Works, underscored Winnipeg’s leadership in snow clearing: “Our city has one of the most comprehensive snow and ice control programs in North America. We clear residential streets, major routes, sidewalks, active transportation paths, back lanes, and even front driveway windrows. Every year, we haul away 1.7 million cubic metres of snow. This reflects the high standards Winnipeggers expect — and that we are committed to maintaining.”
The City’s Public Works Department will continue seeking opportunities to enhance snow clearing operations and control costs without compromising service quality.
“Safety and mobility remain top priorities for us,” said Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chair of Finance. “As a winter city, snow clearing is essential to keeping Winnipeg moving. While we’re trying hard to find operational savings, listening to the concerns of residents is critical.”
For more facts and numbers about Winnipeg's snow clearing program, visit: winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow/facts-stats.stm.
For More Information:
Colin Fast
Director of Communications
Office of the Mayor, City of Winnipeg
cfast@winnipeg.ca / 204-803-6406