Toronto May Pay Residents to Shovel Sidewalks Following New York’s Success
Toronto is considering a new initiative that would pay residents to shovel sidewalks after significant snowfall. Mayor Olivia Chow is advocating for a structured “surge capacity” sidewalk shovelling program, drawing inspiration from New York City’s recent success. In a letter dated March 3, 2023, to the city’s executive committee, Chow urged for the program to be implemented before the winter season of 2026-2027.
Background on Toronto’s Snow Management
Chow’s proposal follows a previous discussion regarding the need to adapt Toronto’s snow clearing strategies. In 2021, city council decided to expand sidewalk snow plowing to cover all city sidewalks. This shift aimed to relieve property owners from the burden of clearing their own walkways. Chow acknowledged that the current sidewalk plowing system faces challenges during major snowfalls, stating that only 66 to 75 percent of sidewalk machines are functional on any given day due to reliability issues.
The Case for a Paid Shovelling Program
The mayor revealed her ongoing interest in exploring a paid shovelling initiative during recent discussions. Chow noted that previous city staff identified hurdles relating to legal liability and operational concerns. Still, she believes it’s essential to learn from successful models in other cities, particularly New York City.
Insights from New York City
New York City has successfully implemented a program that recruits temporary “Emergency Snow Shovellers.” These workers clear critical areas such as bus stops, crosswalks, and fire hydrants following major snowstorms. Pay rates start at approximately $19.14 per hour and can reach up to $30 per hour during blizzard conditions. The program has gained traction, attracting over 1,400 sign-ups in a single day during a recent storm.
Toronto’s Current Snow Removal Efforts
In comparison, Toronto predominantly relies on contracted plows and city crews for snow removal. This winter, over 433,000 tonnes of snow have been cleared, which is approximately 70 percent more than at the same time last year. Additionally, the city has received over 43,000 service requests through its 311 system since January, with around 90 percent of these requests resolved.
Next Steps for Toronto
Chow has engaged in productive discussions with the city manager and the winter operations team to enhance winter service operations. She has tasked various city departments, including transportation services and the city solicitor, to collaborate on the development of the proposed shovelling program.
- Program Name: Surge Capacity Sidewalk Shovelling Program
- Proposed Implementation: Before the 2026-2027 winter season
- New York Pay Rate: $19.14 to $30 per hour
- Current Toronto Snow Removal: 433,000 tonnes cleared this winter
- Service Requests in Toronto: 43,000 since January
As Toronto moves forward with this initiative, the hope is to alleviate the issues faced during heavy snowstorms and improve overall accessibility for residents.
