Media Advisory - Snow Clearing Service Levels
Please see the following media advisory regarding snow clearing service levels this winter. For more detailed information please go to the above link to access the Salt Management Plan for the City of Toronto.
Media Advisory
November 28, 2007
Snow clearing service levels
Today in published media reports, including Citytv’s City Online and the National Post, a representative of the CAA suggested changes to city snow clearing of streets and roads could seriously compromise public safety in an effort to save the Toronto Government $5 million. The representative also said the Toronto Government should not be in the weather forecasting business, that the City starts assessing action at 8 cm, and will not clear snow from local roads as part of this plan. That is not true.
Here are the facts:
• The City will continue its long-standing practice of clearing snow from residential streets.
• The City uses state-of-the-art weather forecasting capability, as well as road patrols and temperature sensors imbedded in roads for immediate information on pavement temperatures to quickly and effectively determine present and future action.
• The City’s Transportation Services Division has consistently maintained it could save between $3 million and $4 million by analyzing each snow fall individually, including those well below 8 cm, and determining what level of operation is required, if at all, to ensure safe roadways.
• Public safety will not be compromised in any way.
• Toronto has one of the highest levels of snow clearing service in Canada and residents will see no significant difference in the level of service they receive.
• The City’s snow removal budget for 2007 is $67 million.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
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Media contact:
Steve Johnston, Sr. Communications Coordinator, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca
Media Advisory
November 28, 2007
Snow clearing service levels
Today in published media reports, including Citytv’s City Online and the National Post, a representative of the CAA suggested changes to city snow clearing of streets and roads could seriously compromise public safety in an effort to save the Toronto Government $5 million. The representative also said the Toronto Government should not be in the weather forecasting business, that the City starts assessing action at 8 cm, and will not clear snow from local roads as part of this plan. That is not true.
Here are the facts:
• The City will continue its long-standing practice of clearing snow from residential streets.
• The City uses state-of-the-art weather forecasting capability, as well as road patrols and temperature sensors imbedded in roads for immediate information on pavement temperatures to quickly and effectively determine present and future action.
• The City’s Transportation Services Division has consistently maintained it could save between $3 million and $4 million by analyzing each snow fall individually, including those well below 8 cm, and determining what level of operation is required, if at all, to ensure safe roadways.
• Public safety will not be compromised in any way.
• Toronto has one of the highest levels of snow clearing service in Canada and residents will see no significant difference in the level of service they receive.
• The City’s snow removal budget for 2007 is $67 million.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Steve Johnston, Sr. Communications Coordinator, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca
posted by Ward 33 @ 2:47 PM
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