Toronto residents could soon receive payment for grabbing a shovel and clearing snow after major winter storms, with a potential program set to launch as early as next winter. This innovative proposal is being championed by Mayor Olivia Chow, who is urging city staff to develop a plan modelled after New York City's emergency snow shovellers initiative.
Learning from New York's Model
Mayor Chow has directed Toronto's executive committee to explore creating a similar program to New York's, where residents are paid to clear snow from public areas such as bus stops, crosswalks, and fire hydrants. In New York, under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, participants earn $19.14 US per hour (approximately $26 Canadian), with rates increasing to $30 US (about $41) after 40 hours of work.
"Cities do best when we learn from each other and adopt best practices from other cities," Chow wrote in a letter to the committee, as reported by Toronto Today. "We now have the opportunity to engage our counterparts in New York City and implement lessons learned right here in Toronto."
Overcoming Legal Hurdles
The mayor has faced challenges with legal liability issues in her push to pay residents for snow removal, having pitched the idea multiple times. However, she is now insisting that city staff develop a feasible plan "as soon as possible" with the goal of having it operational by next winter.
Recent Snowstorms Highlight Need
Toronto's vulnerability to severe winter weather was starkly demonstrated in late January 2026, when a major blizzard dumped record amounts of snow across the city. The cleanup efforts by municipal crews took significantly longer than the public expected, leading to widespread frustration.
City manager Paul Johnson acknowledged that Toronto struggled with clearing snow from narrow residential streets and sidewalks, with the city receiving approximately 3,000 to 4,000 daily service requests through its 311 system during the storm's aftermath.
Political Response and Support
While the executive committee considers the mayor's proposal, Councillor Brad Bradford has voiced support for exploring New York's approach. In an email statement to Now Toronto, Bradford called the paid shovelling idea a "wakeup call for Toronto," adding that it "shows a city that is being honest about the scale of the challenge and is willing to try something different to get the job done."
Historical Context of Snow Removal Issues
The need for improved snow management became particularly evident following a major snowstorm in February 2025 that paralyzed Toronto. At that time, Mayor Chow criticized the pace of snow removal as "unacceptable" after some streets and sidewalks remained uncleared for days.
In November 2025, Chow issued another letter to the executive committee calling for a comprehensive revamp of the city's snow-clearing program. "Toronto needs to get better at clearing snow," she wrote. "Good snow removal keeps our city running and makes sure streets and sidewalks are safe for everyone."
Contractual Limitations and Future Plans
The mayor highlighted limitations in the current snow removal contract approved by council in 2021 under then-mayor John Tory, which primarily covers plowing rather than complete snow removal. This contract is set to expire in 2029.
"We need removal included in the 2029 contract, but we can't wait that long," Chow emphasized. "The city will use our own equipment and workers to remove snow after smaller storms so we're ready when big snowfalls hit."
Current Snow Removal Responsibilities
Under existing regulations, Toronto residents are required to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties when accumulations are less than 2 centimeters. For snowfall exceeding that amount, city crews assume responsibility for public sidewalk clearance.
Property owners must also ensure that ice and snow are removed from private property to maintain safe access for pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, the city mandates that fire hydrants be kept clear of snow to ensure emergency access for firefighters.
The proposed paid shovelling program represents a significant shift in how Toronto approaches winter maintenance, potentially transforming residents from passive recipients of city services into active participants in keeping the city functional during severe weather events.
