Toronto Expands Snow Removal Capacity with Sixth Site
City officials in Toronto are reiterating that the cleanup from Sunday's significant snowstorm will require several days to complete, even with the addition of a new snow removal site. The storm deposited approximately 46 centimetres of snow across the city, creating substantial challenges for municipal crews.
Mayor Chow Outlines Enhanced Response Strategy
Mayor Olivia Chow provided an update during a Tuesday news conference, confirming that the city has activated a sixth snow storage and melting site located in Etobicoke. This expansion increases Toronto's capacity to manage the enormous volume of accumulated snow. Chow emphasized that city staff and contractors have been working continuously since the storm, with over 1,300 personnel mobilized for the response effort.
"Since Monday's update, city staff and contractors have continued plowing non-stop," Chow stated. "We continue to have over 1,300 city staff and contractors mobilized with 100 extra staff redeployed to support the snow response."
Phased Approach to Snow Removal Operations
The cleanup operation is now transitioning to its second phase: actual snow removal. Crews began working around hospitals on Monday night, with plans to expand city-wide starting Wednesday. According to the mayor, residential street clearing will occur over the next 48 hours, with crews notifying residents block by block before removal begins.
City Manager Paul Johnson described the undertaking as substantial, noting that the process will require multiple days to complete. He appealed for public cooperation, particularly regarding staying clear of designated snow routes to facilitate efficient clearing.
Addressing Accessibility Challenges and Equipment Enhancements
The significant snow accumulation has created accessibility issues throughout Toronto, with some residents facing difficulties navigating sidewalks with mobility devices or strollers. Chow acknowledged these challenges, explaining that snow removal around transit stops and major roads is being prioritized to improve accessibility.
Johnson added that the city is exploring alternative equipment for sidewalk clearing, including plows and cutters, to create additional space. "We are looking at using other types of equipment on the sidewalks," he said. "But it's a competing snowpile situation here."
Unprecedented Snow Accumulation and Enhanced Melting Capacity
The combination of January's two major snowstorms has resulted in extraordinary snow depths in some areas, with Johnson reporting accumulations of up to 90 centimetres or more in certain parts of the city.
This year's response includes enhanced snow melting capabilities, with the city having purchased two additional snow melters. Johnson highlighted that the sixth storage site is particularly large, providing crucial capacity for what he described as a "massive dump truck operation."
As Toronto continues its extensive snow removal efforts, officials emphasize that patience and public cooperation remain essential components of the city's winter storm response strategy.
