Dundas Walks is compiling information to get a better understanding of issues relating to mobility and sidewalks in winter, and the lack of continuous, clear passages.
For example, though their double size driveway was absolutely clear of snow, Saturday evening's snowfall remains at this Creighton Drive address Tuesday evening (photo from Monday, Dec. 3, 2007) , contrary to a by-law respecting snow removal:
The phone number to call at the city is 905-546-2489.
The elderly gentleman pictured above, found it safer to walk on the roadway than on the icy sidewalk (12:30pm Monday, Dec. 3, 2007) in front of Grafton Square Condominiums at 5 Ogilvie Street, Dundas.
This approach to ensuring cleared sidewalks doesn't really work: imagine if the same approach applied to roads.
We are following-up with the city councillor to get a better understanding of snow-removal policy respecting sidewalks, and will report any news here.
For example, though their double size driveway was absolutely clear of snow, Saturday evening's snowfall remains at this Creighton Drive address Tuesday evening (photo from Monday, Dec. 3, 2007) , contrary to a by-law respecting snow removal:
The Public Works Department clears roads and responds to complaints about city sidewalks not being cleared. It does not respond to complaints about private property such as driveways or private parking lots not being cleared. The Public Works Department requests the cooperation of all occupants and owners of buildings throughout the city, in the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within twenty four hours after a snow fall. Failure to comply may result in a charge being laid against property owners under By-law no. 03-296 of the City of Hamilton, which provides a maximum penalty of $5,000.00. [reference]
The phone number to call at the city is 905-546-2489.
The elderly gentleman pictured above, found it safer to walk on the roadway than on the icy sidewalk (12:30pm Monday, Dec. 3, 2007) in front of Grafton Square Condominiums at 5 Ogilvie Street, Dundas.This approach to ensuring cleared sidewalks doesn't really work: imagine if the same approach applied to roads.
We are following-up with the city councillor to get a better understanding of snow-removal policy respecting sidewalks, and will report any news here.
Comments
TheSpec.com - LettertotheEditor - There is a place for people who don't shovel walks
Barry Rueger
Hamilton
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 8, 2007)
Re: Snow
Science fiction writer Jerry Pournelle has been working for the past year on a retelling of Dante Alighieris Divine Comedy.
As part of that work he asked his readers to submit suggestions for people who would inhabit the nine Circles of Hell.
Surely the people who refuse to clear their sidewalks belong somewhere in that story.
An hour of shovelling snow seems to me to be the bare minimum that any homeowner is expected to do.
Still, the innermost circles of Hell must be reserved for the impossibly rude people who shovel only the end of their driveway to pull out their SUV, but leave the sidewalks untouched.
For the tens of thousands of people in Hamilton who walk instead of driving -- a number that will grow with the upcoming HSR fare hike -- this is not about courtesy, it is about safety and mobility.