Last night, the City of Regina moved one step closer to introducing a snow removal bylaw for sidewalks in the city.  Over the past year and some, the city's administration has been reviewing and consulting with the citizens of Regina about the winter maintenance policy.  Although the focus of Monday's council meeting was on street clearing, the discussion was seen by Mayor Fiacco as the first step to meeting all the needs of walkers and transit riders.  All presenters said we need to do more, that a residential sidewalk clearing bylaw is required, for a number of reasons.

In the past, the budget for the winter maintenance plan has been around $3 M.  The first option being considered would have raised that to $3.6 M.  Option 2, which is the one eventually approved with the addition of residential road shaving ($350,000), would come in about $4.61 M.  This option entailed increasing the amount of snow removed around bus stops but wouldn't involve clearing the sidewalks to the bus stops.  It would encourage people to clear the sidewalks but would not give the city the authority to force them to do so, and would obligate the city and schools to clear more of their sidewalks.

Sidewalk bylaw can't wait, advocates say

There were five presentations made to explain simply that we need a sidewalk clearing bylaw now, this year.  "I know that I've mentioned these problems [of snow] previously to city council but until solutions are seriously examined, we will continue to have difficulties in winter," said disability advocate Terri Sleeva.

These difficulties range from snow piled arund walk buttons, windrows along narrow sidewalks and narrow goat trails on sidewalks, to underutilized low floor buses, treacherous curb cuts and snow blowing off parking lots.  These are no go areas for even people with limited mobility shutting in many citizens of this city over the winter months.

"The review has indicated that sidewalk clearing is a high priority within the community," remarked Catherine Verral of Transport 2000. 

On the same day as the committee meeting, another article in the Leader Post stated 'Accidental injuries cost economy a lot'.  Dr. Barry Wellar, a specialist in pedestrian issues, has been called into this province as an expert witness in lawsuits regarding negligence of municipalities to protect the safety of pedestrians.

Helmi Scott questioned the priorities of the city, noting the city has a maintenance bylaw to remove couches and other stuff from people's backyards (and charge them if they don't do it quickly) yet does not have a residential snow clearing bylaw to give all people the freedom and ability to move around the city easily and freely, to exercise, get groceries and shop, visit doctor's offices and participate in programming.

Increasing clearing of sidewalks will increase people walking, increasing activity.  Increased walking will reduce GHG emissions.  Better access to bus stops will make it easier for transit users to use the bus, reducing GHG emissions.  There are 'snow angels' programs to help people in other cities to cope with clearing their sidewalks if they are not capable.

"Increasing walking will improve physical fitness and reduce obesity," said Jim Holmes, spokesperson for the Coalition for a Citizen Friendly Regina.

Environmental challenge

Dr. Mary Vetter, a concerned citzen, explained: "Regina is a forward-looking city with many innovative environmental programs.  A residential snow-clearing bylaw would continue to help Regina become a leader in environmentally responsible actions."

"Climate change challenges require that we think outside the 'box' and encourage alternate methods of transportation, as transportation by cars is one of the major sources of greenhouse gases in Canada."

The Amalgamated Transit Union also added some options to the mix of programs.  They will be proposing a way to clear the snow around bus stops by their maintenance staff.

When later asked about the road maintenance spending in 2006, it was estimated with no additional snow removal and the impending announcement on Tuesday, there is an expected $200,000 deficit this year causing the city to dip into the snow removal reserve again.  When asked if someone has a problem with the snow removal, the windrow, the lack of clearing around bus stops or uncleared business sidewalks, the city administration said that people should call 777-7000.

Photos by Dave Oswald Mitchell

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