February 13: Ward 22 Snow Removal UPdate

I'd like to provide an update on snow removal activities in Ward 22 following the January 14 to 15 and January 25 to 26 snowstorms, which resulted in approximately 90 centimetres of snow accumulation city wide.

After the first snowstorm, targeted snow removal in priority areas, including Hospital Row, began on January 16. Snow removal was paused on January 20 as crews began salting and plowing ahead of additional snowfall on January 21. Operations resumed on January 22 and were paused again on January 24 to prepare for the January 25 snowstorm.

On January 26, initial targeted snow removal, including Hospital Row, began again. Large scale snow removal started on January 28 and fully ramped up on January 29. Operations were paused to enable salting and plowing for the February 6 weather event and paused again on February 9 for the February 10 event. Snow removal operations resumed on February 11 as crews transitioned back from salting and plowing.

Snow Removal Completed

Snow removal has been completed at the following locations in Ward 22. Completion means travel lanes have been widened and accessibility improved. It does not mean bare pavement conditions.

• Warden Ave from Warden Ave South 401 Collectors West Ramp and Arkona Dr and Cloverleaf Gate to Metropolitan Rd

• Steeles Ave E from Warden Ave to Kennedy Rd

• Steeles Ave E from Midland Ave to Victoria Park Ave

• Warden Ave from Cloverleaf Gate to Metropolitan Rd

• Birchmount Rd from Rolark Dr to Allanford Rd and Scarden Ave

• Steeles Ave E from Kennedy Rd to Midland Ave

• Steeles Ave E from Midland Ave to Birchmount Rd

• Steeles Ave E from Birchmount Rd to Victoria Park Ave

• Finch Ave E from Victoria Park Ave to Pharmacy Ave

• Finch Ave E from Pharmacy Ave to Midland Ave

• Finch Ave E from Midland Ave to Bridletowne Circle West

• Rural Ave from Midland Ave to Glen Watford Dr

• Finch Ave E from Bridletowne Circle West to West Highland Creek Trail East

• Sheppard Ave E from Brimley Rd to Reidmount Ave

• Sheppard Ave E from Palmdale Dr to Silver Maple Gate

• Birchmount Rd from Bay Mills Blvd and Bonis Ave to Sheppard Ave E

• Sandhurst Circle from White Heather Blvd and 1131 Sandhurst Circle to McCowan Rd

• Stubbswood Square from Midland Ave to Glen Watford Dr

School bus loading zones in Ward 22 are now 96 percent complete

Snow removal operations remain focused on restoring emergency vehicle access, improving sidewalk and bike lane accessibility, clearing major snow routes and transit corridors, addressing school bus loading zones and bridges, and responding to 311 service requests and District Communications Centre escalations.

Completion of snow removal on a street does not mean that all snow will be removed or that bare pavement will be achieved. The objective is to create a safe and passable right of way by widening travel lanes, improving sightlines, clearing sidewalks and crossings, and creating space for ongoing winter maintenance. Some snow, slush, and hard packed snow may remain where removal is not required for safety or operational reasons.

Planned Snow Removal Next 24 to 72 Hours

Crews are scheduled to begin or continue snow removal at the following locations in Ward 22 over the next 24 to 72 hours, weather and operational conditions permitting. These represent initial work areas and may expand as equipment moves through the neighbourhood.

• Victoria Park Ave from the South 401 Collectors East Ramp to the North 401 Collectors East Ramp

• Warden Ave from the 401 Collectors West Warden Ramp to Arkona Dr and Cloverleaf Gate

• Finch Ave E from Victoria Park Ave to Midland Ave

• Huntingwood Dr from Warden Ave to Kittery Blvd

• Sheppard Ave E from Victoria Park Ave to Midland Ave

• McNicoll Ave from Harold Evans Cres and Placer Court to Pharmacy Ave

• Warden Ave from Bridletowne Circle South to McNicoll Ave

• Warden Ave from Bridletowne Circle North to Steeles Ave E

• Birchmount Rd from Allanford Rd and Scarden Ave to Bay Mills Blvd and Bonis Ave

• Birchmount Rd from Huntingwood Dr to L Amoreaux Sports Complex Trail

• Kennedy Rd from Sheppard Ave E to the Highway 401 Collectors West Kennedy Rd Ramp

• Finch Ave E from Pharmacy Ave to Warden Ave

Planned locations and schedules remain subject to change based on site conditions, equipment availability, and forecasted weather. If another snow event occurs, crews may be redirected to address immediate operational priorities.

Operational Prioritization

Snow removal continues to be prioritized in areas with very limited space to store snow, primarily in the downtown core and other neighbourhoods with narrow streets and constrained infrastructure. In these areas, snow accumulation can quickly restrict travel lanes, sidewalks, and transit movement.

As conditions improve in wards where snow storage capacity is no longer a significant issue, crews are being redeployed to areas that continue to face challenges. This ensures resources are directed where they are most needed to restore emergency access, maintain transit reliability, and improve pedestrian safety and mobility.

Service Requests and Escalations

The District Communications Centre and 311 continue to work closely to manage and triage snow related service requests.

Non urgent resident concerns should be submitted through 311 escalations where a service request number has not already been provided. Only urgent or escalated concerns should be directed to the District Communications Centre. Submitting non urgent concerns directly to the District Communications Centre may delay response to urgent matters.

Residents Impacts

Drivers are reminded not to park where temporary orange No Parking Snow Removal signs are posted in snowbanks, as snow removal will take place on these streets within 24 to 48 hours. Vehicles left in these locations may be ticketed 100 dollars or towed at the owner’s expense if they interfere with operations. Drivers are encouraged to consider off street parking whenever possible to help crews remove snow more quickly and effectively.

Residents may experience temporary noise disruptions, including overnight work. Road users are reminded to maintain a safe distance from snow removal crews and equipment at all times.