Here's what it costs to keep Toronto safe in the winter
Weather Broadcaster
Friday, November 23, 2018, 9:58 AM - Plows are arriving, salt supplies are replenished and mapping and communication technology is ready to be enabled as the City of Toronto releases the 2018-2019 winter budget.
The city has announced an annual budget of $90 million to ensure that its roads and sidewalks are clear and safe during the winter season, along with crews prepared to respond to the effects of cold weather on Toronto’s aging watermains and water service pipes.
"Snow and cold temperatures may be around the corner but City crews are ready, " says Mayor John Tory. "Through planning, technology and access to a robust fleet of snow-clearing vehicles, we are confident that residents and visitors will be able to get around safely and effectively all winter long."
It's here! Check out The Weather Network's full 2019 Winter Forecast
The City has the following staff and equipment in its winter operations fleet:
- more than 1,500 personnel (contracted and City staff) on standby 24/7
- 600 snow plows
- 300 sidewalk plows
- 200 salt trucks
- 200 pickup and dump trucks
- 200 smaller pickups
While the operations fleet is similar to last season, the 2018-2019 contracts are more flexible. Snow removal equipment can be released earlier or later depending on the forecast - as was necessarily in the GTA’s ice storm that struck mid-April of 2018.
"Salters are here, more equipment is on its way and staff and contractors are ready 24/7 to keep our roads safe now and into April if needed,” said Barbara Gray, General Manager of Transportation Services. “We have a comprehensive winter operations plan that will help us through the entire 2018-19 winter season."
(RELATED: First significant snowfall of the season blankets southern Ontario)
Toronto has also selected a network of bike lanes and cycle tracks downtown to receive snow plowing, salting and enhanced winter maintenance to keep cyclists safe.
Over the next 10 years, the City of Toronto has committed $1.9 billion to upgrade its aging watermain distribution system, often compromised by winter’s cold temperatures.
