Themes, tags, keywords and great projects

Partially recentralize responsibilities for snow removal, as Bill 22 modifying the Charter of Montreal has allowed since 2008. The principle is for snow removal equipment to be used in a coordinated manner so as to prioritize the clearing of key parts of the city, such as downtown, the city's main commercial arteries and streets used by the city's main bus routes.

Use snow-removal vehicles that are better suited to the increased complexity of our urban spaces. In particular, ensure that vehicles do not damage trees, vegetation, benches and other installations. As well, adopt measures to optimize the use of road salts, which should result in an overall reduction of quantities used.

Follow the example of many Nordic cities by installing snow-melting technologies so as to eliminate the necessity of snow removal in certain key locations. Priority locations are metro stations and other areas with high concentrations of pedestrians, heavily used outdoor staircases, access ramps for people of reduced mobility and steep streets. So as to minimize costs, coordinate installations with scheduled road and sidewalk repairs. Snow-melting methods usually rely on heating wires; the city of Stockholm, however, is evaluating the possibility of using excess heat presently released into the atmosphere by major facilities such as metro lines.

During snow storms and the days following, make it a priority to remove snow and ice from sidewalks. Create a sidewalk brigade responsible for winter maintenance and follow-up between major operations.

Owing to our harsh climate, Montreal has developed considerable expertise in snow removal; foreign visitors who witness these operations are always impressed by them. However, these operations do not lend themselves to scheduling, tied as they are to snow storms. Many days or even weeks can elapse between major storms but light snowfall or periods of freezing and thawing are common occurrences. The roadway quickly dries off in these conditions but it is another story for sidewalks, which often become challenging or unusable altogether. The main role of the sidewalk brigade will be to ensure maintenance during these intervals between major storms.

The sidewalk brigade will be made up of several teams of blue-collar workers, each provided with the necessary equipment (including sidewalk snow removers, de-icing vehicles and street sweepers), all of it identified in a distinctive colour. So as to ensure maximum efficiency, the brigade will be the responsibility of the central city administration, though the boroughs will continue to ensure regular sidewalk snow removal.

The cost of the equipment and operation of the sidewalk brigade (annually, and taking into account the following commitment on cleanliness) is estimated at $10 million a year.

The sidewalk brigade will keep sidewalks safe, comfortable and clean at all times – in winter and summer alike. It will remain in operation year round, with a consistent focus on the state of the city's sidewalks. In winter, de-icing and snow removal will be the obvious priorities but cleaning operations are also possible. Outside the winter period, the sidewalk brigade will assist borough administrations in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of sidewalks, particularly in areas with a high concentration of pedestrians.