Good Afternoon Ward 24!
Here is what is being planned for this weekend across Toronto:
Identifying and addressing winter-storm-related ‘hot spots’
The City’s snow removal crews will be out in full force this weekend to plow and remove snow from residential roads, highway ramps, bridge decks, hospital routes and transit corridors across Toronto. Crews are also removing snow from Gerrard and Queen Street streetcar routes to keep Torontonians moving.
Please note that parking restrictions remain in effect to help prioritize safe and efficient snow removal.
School bus loading zone snow removal blitz
A school bus loading zone snow removal blitz took place overnight and continues throughout the weekend at schools across the city. As the storm lasted from Sunday into Monday, crews have had limited ability to address these areas sooner because this work needs to be done outside of school hours to ensure the safety of students.
Strengthening our on-the-ground response
Transportation Services, supported by additional staff from multiple City divisions, continues to strengthen field operations through internal and external surge deployments. A total of 150 surge staff are in the field today.
As of January 30 at 6 a.m., the City has removed 8,200 truckloads of snow. Some 82,000 tonnes of snow have been removed from 360 kilometres of streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and 120 bridges.
Parking restrictions and notice
While a Major Snowstorm Condition is in effect, parking is prohibited on snow routes.
Where possible, the City provides advance notice of snow removal operations, typically 24 to 48 hours, through:
· Temporary orange “No Parking – Snow Removal” signs placed in snowbanks
· In some cases, door-to-door notification by City staff
Once the Major Snowstorm Condition is lifted, parking may resume on snow routes provided no orange snow removal signs are present.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting problem areas by calling 311 or submitting a service request online. These reports help crews identify locations where conditions have changed or where repeated clearing is required.
What residents can do to help
· Watch for temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs on your street
· Clear snow from and around vehicles
· Move vehicles whenever possible
· Permit holders may park anywhere within their permit area during snow removal operations
· Stay well back from heavy equipment, which has limited visibility and maneuverability
Warming Centres and winter supports
The City’s Warming Centres remain open, providing a warm place for individuals to rest, access meals and get referrals to community services. Further programming is available through the Winter Services Plan. Spaces remain available.
All my Best,
Paul
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