Since our foundation in 2013, Walk Toronto has been working hard to expand sidewalk snow clearing to the older parts of Toronto where it’s not currently provided. We’ve met with staff multiple times, made deputations (PDF), and prepared reports advocating for universal sidewalk snow clearing.
We’re very pleased that, now, our hard work and that of many other advocates and community groups looks like it is finally coming to fruition. A staff report going to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends a plan to expand sidewalk snow clearing to every sidewalk in the city. Walk Toronto has written to the committee to strongly endorse this proposal:
This snow clearing program will make a huge difference to pedestrians of all ages – children walking to school, commuters getting to their transit stop on foot, dog-owners walking their dogs, runners getting in shape, seniors walking for daily exercise, and everyone walking to the park, to a store, to a local restaurant, or just for pleasure.
The inequity of not providing this service for the many people who live or work in the older parts of the city has been one of the most prominent obstacles to walking in Toronto for many years. We urge the Committee, and City Council, to seize this opportunity to make Toronto a better city for walking.
- Read Walk Toronto’s submission to the committee (PDF)
- See the agenda item on the City of Toronto website
Addendum
The staff report was adopted by City Council with only one vote against. Several councillors thoughtfully gave a shout-out to Walk Toronto’s long-standing advocacy on this file during the debate on the item.
- See the City Hall press release
- Watch the City Council debate on the issue (YouTube). Councillors Paula Fletcher, Josh Matlow and Jennifer McKelvie all thoughtfully thank Walk Toronto, among others, for our work on this issue.
- Read a history of the sidewalk snow-clearing issue by Dylan Reid (Spacing)
