"When three massive storms in February covered Toronto in 50 centimetres of snow, the city's initial snow-clearing efforts left it piled up with nowhere to go. Signed in 2021 under former mayor John Tory, Toronto's snow-clearing contracts contain no provisions for snow removal, which means that once streets are plowed, contracted companies have no obligation to remove the snow. On Tuesday, the city announced new measures aimed at improving its snow response and readiness."
"Johnson pointed to Montreal, which was able to clear itself out of the February snow much faster than Toronto, as a deal the city wants to emulate. Montreal budgets over $200 million for snow operations and it has some 1.7 million people. Toronto budgeted $140 million in 2025 and has more than three million residents. Renegotiating the contract is an option, but would cost the city between $24 million and $130 million, according to Mayor Olivia Chow."
Three February storms deposited about 50 centimetres of snow in Toronto, leaving plowed snow piled with nowhere to go. Contracts signed in 2021 do not require contracted companies to remove snow, so once streets are plowed contractors have no obligation to haul snow away. City staff say a full snow removal operation using heavy machinery to move snow to dumping sites is not budgeted. City manager Paul Johnson said processes and resources have been arranged to improve real-time response, though challenges may remain. Montreal budgets over $200 million for snow operations; Toronto budgeted $140 million for 2025. Renegotiating contracts could cost $24–$130 million, and current contracts end in 2029.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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