Snow Cleanup Lagging Weeks After Major Toronto Storm
Toronto residents and business owners are expressing growing frustration after a significant snowstorm hit the city weeks ago, yet many neighbourhoods still struggle with uncleared snow, ice buildup and lingering piles at sidewalks and intersections.
Despite city promises of cleanup and removal, ongoing delays have left many feeling overlooked and inconvenienced.
Storm Hits Hard, Cleanup Falls Behind
The snowstorm, which dropped heavy snow and ice across Toronto, left many city streets and pathways in need of immediate clearing. While major roadways were prioritized, residents say side streets, bike lanes and sidewalks have taken a backseat, making travel difficult and sometimes dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.
Some areas still show large snowbanks that block visibility and access near crosswalks and bus stops, drawing criticism from parents, seniors and people with mobility challenges.
Residents Speak Out on Conditions
Residents quoted by media said they had to navigate narrow, icy walkways or trudge through snow to reach transit stops or local businesses. Making matters worse, some have reported damage to vehicles from hidden obstacles buried in old snow piles that haven’t been removed.
One local business owner said the snow buildup in front of their store has deterred customers, hurting sales and creating a daily headache for employees tasked with clearing entrances.
City Says Work Is Ongoing
City officials say crews have been working around the clock since the storm, prioritizing high-traffic roads and transit routes first. They acknowledge that secondary streets and sidewalks remain a major challenge due to the volume of snow that fell and the limited time and resources available.
Officials have pointed to equipment shortages and ongoing contract limits as complicating the response, and say that temperatures which repeatedly dipped below freezing have made snow harder to move and melt.
Criticism Over Priorities and Planning
Critics say the city should have been better prepared for snow response, especially after recent years of unpredictable winter weather patterns. Some councillors have called for a public report on what went wrong, and are urging the city to rethink its snow management plan before next winter.
Opposition voices are also questioning whether additional private contractors should be brought in to support cleanup, especially in residential areas that have felt left behind.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
Safety advocates say the slow cleanup has increased risks, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities who rely on cleared sidewalks and safe crossings. In some areas, pedestrian access has been pushed onto the road itself because sidewalks remain impassable, creating dangerous interactions with vehicle traffic.
Parents and school staff have also raised concerns about children walking to school in difficult winter conditions.
What Residents Can Expect Next
City staff say snow removal and ice control will continue through the winter months, and that remaining snow piles will be cleared as weather permits. They are also promising more frequent updates on progress and inviting residents to report particularly problematic areas through official city apps and contacts.
Meanwhile, residents continue to weigh inconvenience against understanding Toronto’s massive scale and the challenge presented by a major winter storm.
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