The weather outside is not exactly stormy but Montreal city officials are gearing up for this season’s snow-removal operations.
New safety measures are being established to keep employees safe while the COVID-19 pandemic persists.
Physical distancing indoors will be required to protect workers.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante admits the new protocols may delay snow removal operations — but only at the beginning.
“It might be the case that it will affect snow removal. I think it’s reality. That’s what we’re all now living with,” Plante said during a Monday morning press conference.
Two thousand free additional parking spots are being made available so people can avoid having their cars towed while snow is being removed.
But some people fear that clearing snow and ice off sidewalks won’t be done in a timely manner, especially around bus stops.
“There are often these huge ridges of ice at the stops and on corners, which are probably the biggest single problem for pedestrians when they’re crossing the street or getting off the bus, in particular,” Nigel Spencer, founder of Montreal Pedestrians, told Global News.
The mayor insists that won’t be the case but adds the responsibility sits with the city’s boroughs.
Montreal’s opposition leader complains that Plante is simply passing the buck.
“When she says that she expects the boroughs to take care of the sidewalks and tries to absolve herself of any responsibility, it’s honestly shameful,” said Lionel Perez.
Many Montrealers just want the city streets and sidewalks cleared quickly this season — pandemic or not.
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