Time to rewrite Kitchener’s snow removal bylaw

It is unfair that those who fail to clear their sidewalk after a snowfall, and those who use a snowblower to clear their sidewalk, be treated the same under the City of Kitchener’s snow removal bylaw.

We can all tell when a sidewalk has not be cleared after a large snowfall. Deep shoe prints are visible, and the sidewalk can become difficult to walk through.

On the other hand, a sidewalk that has been cleared using a snowblower is different. Walking is comfortable and you can tell that someone has made an effort to clear their sidewalk. For the first few days after the snow has been cleared with a snowblower, there may be a centimetre or two of snow compacted on top of the pavement. But that’s it.

However, recent news coverage suggests that the City of Kitchener will subject both these situations to a $300 to $500 fine.

I think the right solution is to create two different options under the Kitchener bylaw.

The first option would apply only if someone does not clear their sidewalk after a snowfall. After a reminder, a $300 to $500 fine would be in order.

The second option would be applied if someone simply has a bit of snow left on their sidewalk because they used a snowblower. In this case, if someone complains about the compacted snow, there should be a friendly recommendation given by bylaw officers to use salt to melt the snow. If after five clear (non-snowing) days, the pavement is not visible on the sidewalk, a fine of $20 may be in order, and a contractor can come by and spend five minutes spreading some salt on the sidewalk.

There are several reasons why I think a two-option strategy is an appropriate solution.

First, my proposed solution provides a clear distinction between the situation where the snow on a sidewalk has not been cleared, and where snow on the sidewalk has been cleared by a snowblower. This makes the bylaw more equitable.

Second, it still acknowledges that people with mobility issues will be more independent and mobile when the sidewalks are completely clear, and aims to reach that goal.

Third, this solution also sets a realistic timetable regarding when we can expect sidewalks to be clear to the pavement, i.e. five days after the last snowfall.

There are two reasons why people may object to this proposed solution.

First, people with mobility issues should not have to wait five days to be able use their wheelchairs or other mobility devices on our sidewalks in the winter. And this is true.

Ideally, people should not even have to wait 24 hours. However, even if every sidewalk in Kitchener was perfectly clear of ice and snow after a snowfall, the roads would still be too slushy and slippery for crossing with mobility devices. Canada is a wonderful country, but the reality is it takes a few days to fully recover from some of our winter storms and snowfalls.

Second, some may argue that a $20 fine is not enough to motivate someone to salt their sidewalk. I disagree.

The person who may get that $20 fine would be the same conscientious person who cleared their snow with their snowblower within the 24 hours of the snowfall. Frankly, I think a friendly note would do the trick.

Kitchener’s city council should modify the city’s snow removal bylaw to create a fairer approach toward residents who use snowblowers.