City of Toronto Prepares for Winter with Comprehensive Snow and Ice Maintenance Plans

October 30, 2024 Danielle Larmond 0 Comments 2 min read

Toronto, ON — As winter weather settles in, Toronto is rolling out an extensive seasonal maintenance strategy to keep roads, sidewalks, and trails safe for all. Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, joined City staff today to discuss the 2024-2025 winter readiness plan, which focuses on safety and accessibility for the city’s three million residents.

City of Toronto’s winter maintenance plan is heating up for colder weather

News Release: https://t.co/V3WseZyVUP pic.twitter.com/yIVjfmEXZq

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) October 30, 2024

Winter Snow and Ice Response

The city’s plan includes a coordinated response by more than 1,400 pieces of equipment, available around the clock, ready to plow and salt expressways, major routes, residential streets, and cycling lanes. As snow and ice conditions develop, liquid brine applications begin, and the city deploys plows based on snowfall depth:

2.5 cm: Expressways
5 cm: Major routes and transit routes
8 cm: Residential streets

The city’s dedicated PlowTO map, available online, offers residents real-time updates on which streets have been recently serviced, showing the location of plows and salt trucks. This resource allows Torontonians to better navigate road conditions during adverse weather.

The city has earmarked over $160 million, pending budget approval, to clear 14,700 lane kilometres of roads, 7,900 kilometres of sidewalks, and 486 kilometres of cycling infrastructure.

Residents’ Role in Winter Safety

Residents are expected to help keep the streets safe by promptly clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties and addressing snow on private property. Guidelines require property owners to clear sidewalks within 12 hours if snow accumulation is under two centimetres.

Toronto officials are also encouraging safe winter travel habits, including using public transit, maintaining safe distances from snow-clearing vehicles, and outfitting vehicles with winter tires. More information on safe snow shoveling practices is available on the City’s website.

Addressing Watermain Breaks

The City’s infrastructure team is also prepared to handle watermain breaks, which are more common in winter months due to temperature fluctuations. Investments in infrastructure over the past decade have led to a reduction in break incidents, but the city still sees an average of 700 breaks per year, primarily from November through March. Crews are equipped to repair and restore services as quickly as possible, with further details accessible on the City’s Watermains webpage.

Pipe-Freezing Prevention Tips for Residents

To avoid burst pipes, the City suggests wrapping foam insulation around pipes prone to freezing, sealing air leaks, and disconnecting outdoor hoses. More winter preparedness tips can be found on the City’s Prevent or Thaw Frozen Pipes webpage.

Deputy Mayor McKelvie’s Statement

“As the winter season approaches, I want to assure you that safety is our number one priority. The City of Toronto is prepared for the winter weather that is on the way. It takes time to clear snow and ice from our streets. Please be patient, lend a hand to your neighbours, and give winter maintenance crews space to do their critical work,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie.

For more information, residents are encouraged to visit www.toronto.ca or follow @cityoftoronto on social media.

This year’s winter maintenance initiatives underscore the City of Toronto’s commitment to a safe and mobile winter season, with a proactive approach to managing the colder months ahead.

SOURCE City of Toronto