Damage Due to Snow Removal Operations

During the clean-up from an extreme snow storm like the one that hit Winnipeg this week, It is inevitable that some damage to roads and lawns will occur due to snow removal.

Snow removal operators do their best to navigate massive pieces of equipment through streets, back lanes and on sidewalks, but occasionally, curbs are hit and sections of lawn are damaged.  As an example, locations where there is no visible curb (road surface runs directly into grass) typically pose a challenge for snow removal operators.

Throughout winter as well as the spring clean-up process, street inspectors check areas for damage and report them for repair.  Occasionally, they may miss a spot where damage has occurred – remember, there are THOUSANDS of km of street curbs and lawns abutting to streets/sidewalks that require inspection across the City.

Residents can assist in this process.  If you see damage, please document it and report it as outlined below.

Damage to Curbs and Public Greenspace

• Take a photo, provide a description of the exact location, and report it to 311 by emailing 311@winnipeg.ca  Please copy me (jlukes@Winnipeg.ca) so that I am aware of the issue.
• The Public Works Department will work with contractors and City staff to have the area repaired.

Damage to Private Property

• Take a photo, provide the exact address, and report it to 311 by emailing 311@winnipeg.ca   Please copy me (jlukes@Winnipeg.ca) so that I am aware of the issue.
• Winnipeg’s 311 Service Centre will provide you with a claims form for completion.
• A claims inspector will come out to assess the area, and investigate your concerns.
• For more info, see Property Damage Claims.

Did You Know?

Winnipeg is one of the very few winter cities in North America that plows ALL roads and sidewalks:

• Regional streets                            748 kms
• Collector streets/bus routes       712 kms
• Residential streets                     1,852 kms
• Alleys/Backlanes                           915 kms
• Sidewalks                                     2,588 kms

Winnipeg’s Public Works Department was the 2008 recipient of the prestigious American Public Works Association’s Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award, recognizing best practices in snow/ice removal while minimizing environmental impacts.

• Winnipeg’s Snow and Ice Control Policy provides one of the top snow and ice control programs in the country, providing services not offered in other cities such as clearing of front drive windrows and plowing of sidewalks.
• While recognized with the APWA award in 2008, these practices continue to be reviewed and improved upon by the City of Winnipeg.

For more information, visit my website:  https://janicelukes.ca/snow-construction/winter-snow-removal/

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