Montreal taking heat over state of sidewalks, roads after slow snow removal

It’s a simple mantra in Montreal politics: win snow removal, win the day.

READ MORE: Anjou reprimanded by Montreal for clearing streets of snow

But these days, the city is getting an earful from residents over tardy snow removal that has left icy, snow-packed sidewalks across town.

WATCH BELOW: Snow, snow, go away

1:50 Anjou mayor reprimanded for snow removal

• Anjou mayor reprimanded for snow removal
• Where does all of Montreal’s snow go?
• West Island snow removal problems?
• NDG residents digging out as snow removal is underway

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Over the weekend, the city’s new administration issued a mea culpa after only beginning snow-removal operations on Sunday, several days after a storm.

READ MORE: Montreal official apologizes for not launching snow removal operations sooner

Mayor Valérie Plante‘s team lost a bet with Mother Nature after they thought a warm late-January weekend would melt the snow and save the city money.

As of Tuesday, Montreal says more than 50 per cent of the snow has been removed, but a thick layer of ice remains on many sidewalks.

READ MORE: ‘It’s substandard for sure’: frustration continues with snow removal in NDG

The City of Montreal budgets about $160 million for snow removal every year, enough for about five major snow falls.