February 27 Snow Removal Update

I would like to provide a brief update on ongoing snow removal activities in Ward 22 as crews continue responding to localized winter conditions across the city.

Over the past week, several snow events required crews to prioritize plowing and salting to maintain safe travel conditions. Snow removal has continued as weather and operational capacity allow.

Snow removal is being undertaken on a targeted basis, with priority given to streets where snow accumulation and windrows are affecting safety, accessibility, or mobility. Locations are identified through validated 311 service requests and routine patrols, with maintaining emergency vehicle access remaining a key priority throughout operations.

As most local roads are now in a condition to accommodate additional snowfall, and with snow related service requests consistently declining, crews will begin transitioning to pothole repairs over the next one to two weeks.

Snow Removal Status

Snow removal operations in Ward 22 remain focused on improving safety and mobility by:

• Restoring and maintaining emergency vehicle access

• Improving sidewalk, pedestrian, cycling, and transit accessibility

• Clearing major routes, transit corridors, school bus loading zones, and bridges

• Responding to validated 311 service requests and District Communications Centre escalations

Completion of snow removal on a street does not mean all snow will be removed or that bare pavement conditions 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 residual or hard packed snow may remain where full removal is not required for safety or operational reasons.

Snow Removal Completed

Snow removal has been completed at the following locations in Ward 22:

• Warden Ave from the 401 Collectors West Ramp, 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

• Birchmount Rd from Rolark Dr to Allanford Rd and Scarden 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

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

• Rural Ave from Midland Ave to Glen Watford Dr

• 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

• Sheppard Ave E between Lapsley Rd and Washburn Way and Midland Ave

• Sheppard Ave E between Midland Ave and Brimley Rd

• Sheppard Ave E between Victoria Park Ave and Allanford Rd

• Sheppard Ave E between Midland Ave and Lamont Ave

School bus loading zones in Ward 22 are now 96 percent complete. A map of completed locations has also been attached for reference.

Planned Snow Removal Next 24 to 72 HoursCrews are scheduled to begin or continue snow removal at the following locations over the next 24 to 72 hours, weather and operational conditions permitting. These represent initial work areas and operations may expand to nearby streets as equipment moves through the area.

• Victoria Park Ave between the South 401 Collectors East Ramp and the North 401 Collectors East Ramp

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

• Finch Ave E between Victoria Park Ave and Midland Ave

• Huntingwood Dr between Warden Ave and Kittery Blvd

• Sheppard Ave E between Victoria Park Ave and Midland Ave

• McNicoll Ave between Harold Evans Cres and Placer Court and Pharmacy Ave

• Warden Ave between Bridletowne Circle South and McNicoll Ave

• Warden Ave between Bridletowne Circle North and Steeles Ave E

• Birchmount Rd between Allanford Rd and Scarden Ave and Bay Mills Blvd and Bonis Ave

• Birchmount Rd between Huntingwood Dr and L Amoreaux Sports Complex Trail

• Kennedy Rd between Sheppard Ave E and the Highway 401 Collectors West Kennedy Rd Ramp

• Finch Ave E between Pharmacy Ave and Warden Ave

As crews transition toward pothole repairs:

• The current planned snow removal list will gradually decrease

• No additional locations will be added beyond those already identified, though high priority requests will continue to be addressed

• Resources will increasingly be reassigned to pothole repair operations

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

Service Requests and Escalations

The District Communications Centre and 311 continue to work closely to manage snow related concerns.

Non urgent issues should be submitted through 311 where a service request number has not already been provided. Urgent or safety related concerns, particularly those affecting emergency access or mobility, should be directed to the District Communications Centre. This approach helps ensure requests are tracked appropriately and urgent matters are addressed efficiently.

Resident 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 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.