Let it Snow…Let it Snow…Let it Snow.
By Steve
Johnston
City of
Toronto
It’s
that time of the year again.
Winter. And
a Canadian winter means snow- sometimes a lot of snow. However, the City
of Toronto is ready for anything that the old man winter can dish out.
Here are a
few things that you can expect as we gear up for another winter in
Toronto.
As many of you know, the city’s first priority during a major snowfall is to keep the main roads safe and clear for emergency and TTC vehicles. You can do your part by not parking or stopping on these routes during or following a major snowstorm.
Once the main roads are clear, then our crows can get to the side streets. Ploughing on side streets will usually be completed withing 15-20 hours after the snow stops falling. An additional 24 hours is often required to plough difficult areas where snow has not been completely cleared.
Sidewalks,
bus stops and transit shelters will generally be ploughed within 48 hours
after a snowstorm.
A snow
emergency can be declared by the Mayor if more than five centimeters of
snow falls in eight hours. These emergencies are announced through the
media. In the case of snow emergency, residents should park vehicles on
city streets where signs have been posted. If cars are parked on emergency
snow routes, they will be tagged and towed.
Here’s an
important tip about shoveling snow. Please don’t push snow back onto
road. It’s against the law, hampers snow-clearing efforts and is
dangerous for motorists.
Remember,
you can get current snow ploughing information at 333-SNOW. This telephone
line will be available during snow ploughing operations. Residents can
call this number to find out how ploughing operations are progressing.
Winter, and
the snow that comes with it, is part of what makes us Canadians. By
working together, we can make sure that Toronto continues to be a safe
accessible city in which to live, work and play.
* Steve
Johnston is a Senior Communications Coordinator of the City of Toronto.
