Toronto braces for another significant snowfall, with 5 to 10 centimeters expected Wednesday. The city insists it’s prepared, building on efforts to recover from last week’s massive storm that dumped between 22 and 50 centimeters across the region.
The city’s snow-clearing operation is a carefully orchestrated, multi-tiered response. Major arteries like the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway receive immediate salting as soon as snowflakes begin to fall, with each round taking two hours. Plowing follows when accumulation reaches 2.5 centimeters, another two-hour process.
A slightly longer timeframe applies to major roads, transit routes, and streets with hills. Salting begins with the first snowfall, taking four hours per cycle, while plowing commences at 5 centimeters and requires six to eight hours for completion.
Residential streets are addressed after these priorities. Salting starts with initial accumulation, taking eight hours per round, and plowing begins when 8 centimeters have fallen, a process demanding 14 hours each time.
Sidewalks are a shared responsibility. Residents and businesses are expected to clear adjacent walkways within 12 hours of snowfall ending if less than 2 centimeters accumulate. Property owners have 24 hours to clear driveways, parking spaces, and access points for safe passage.
Clearing snow around fire hydrants is crucial, ensuring firefighters have unimpeded access during emergencies. Residents are also asked to keep catch basins clear of ice and debris, preventing localized flooding and aiding drainage.
When snowfall exceeds 2 centimeters, the city takes over sidewalk clearing. This comprehensive effort typically takes 12 hours, but can extend up to 72 hours after the snow stops, covering 98% of Toronto’s sidewalks.
The city also prioritizes bicycle lanes, recognizing the year-round commitment of cyclists. With an estimated 1,200 daily users on Richmond/Adelaide and 1,000 on Bloor Street during winter, these routes are cleared once 2 centimeters accumulate, requiring approximately eight hours per plowing cycle.
But where does all that snow *go*? Crews collect and haul snow to five designated storage sites and three snow-melter locations. Temporary “no parking” signs indicate areas where parking is prohibited during removal operations.
During a declared “major snow storm condition” – recently activated from January 15-19 – parking is banned on designated snow routes, primarily in the downtown core and along streetcar lines, with fines potentially reaching $500.
The city’s approach is constantly under review, with recent discussions focusing on improving efficiency and responsiveness following challenges experienced last winter. The goal is a smoother, more effective response to the inevitable onslaught of winter weather.
