Winterpeg residents are gearing up for another season of battling snow on their streets. The city announced a residential plow operation that will involve 300 pieces of heavy equipment and five 12-hour shifts to clear the snow. Residents like Debbi Ristimaki in Bridgwater are relieved that the cleanup is finally starting, as her street has yet to be touched. She believes that clearing the snow more frequently can prevent the accumulation of ice, making it easier to shovel. Ristimaki is also concerned about the city’s proposed pilot project, which would delay plowing until at least 15 cm of snow has accumulated starting in October 2025.
Teresa Cwik, president of the South St. Boniface Resident’s Association, shares similar concerns about the accumulation of snow causing dangerous conditions on the roads. She believes that the city should invest in existing services like snow removal rather than starting new projects. Cwik worries that cutting services while wanting to implement delayed plowing is a dangerous decision. Mayor Gillingham clarified that the pilot project is temporary and the service standard for snow clearing has not permanently changed. However, some residents are skeptical about whether there will be any significant changes as a result of the pilot project.
Michael Cantor, street maintenance manager with the city, stated that delaying plowing until at least 15 cm of snow has accumulated may not make a huge difference, as many weather events result in 20-plus cm of snow. Some residents express concerns that there may be no change in snow clearing practices, and they question if a thorough analysis of the pilot project’s impact is being done. Cantor acknowledges that every winter is different and the effectiveness of the pilot project will depend on the weather events. The city is advising residents of residential streets to be aware of parking bans during plowing times, with vehicles parked in violation facing a $200 fine.
If a street is missed during the plowing operation, residents can report it to 311 or fill out an online form after December 21. The city urges residents to stay informed about when their area will be plowed to avoid parking violations. The snow removal process is crucial for maintaining safe road conditions during the winter, and the city is working to ensure that residential streets are cleared efficiently. Despite concerns from some residents about the proposed pilot project, city officials are committed to evaluating its impact and making decisions based on the outcomes. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through the city’s website for more information on snow removal operations.
