City will replace turf damaged by snow plows, but be patient

Thestar.com
April 10, 2019
Jack Lakey

Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to get mad about damage to front yards and boulevards from sidewalk snow plows.

Plowing sidewalks is an imprecise business, particularly when it’s dark and the sidewalk is buried under snow, making it all but impossible for the plow jockey to stay within the edges of the sidewalk.

The city will re-sod boulevards and front yards damaged by sidewalk snow plows, like this example, on Cumber Ave., if it is reported to 311.

When plow operators have to feel their way in the dark, it’s no surprise that they stray from the path and veer onto the boulevard or front yards of nearby homes, peeling up big chunks of turf.

It’s a common complaint at this time of year, with readers voicing frustration about damage to lawns and boulevards that they spend considerable time and effort to maintain and keep looking good.

We’ve gotten emails about it from readers, most recently from Keith Nash, who sent us a note and a photo about damaged grass along the edge of the sidewalk on Landfair Cr., near Markham Rd. and Lawrence Ave.

Nash expressed skepticism about the city’s ability to repair the peeled-up grass, noting that he reported similar damage to the city three years ago, which was not fixed.

For the most part, we have found that the city is pretty good about repairing turf damaged by sidewalk plows. If it’s reported to 311, they’ll usually fix it in late April, May or June.

It’s important to keep in mind that the damaged grass is in fact city property. Boulevards are part of the municipal road allowance, while a strip about two metres wide between the sidewalk and a homeowner’s property line is almost always within the road allowance.

So the city is in fact damaging its own property, even if homeowners tend to it and believe it’s their property. The city wants people to tend to boulevards and the strip of land next to the sidewalk, but it’s theirs to damage, even if it annoys residents.

Status: Eric Holmes, a spokesperson for transportation services, emailed to say “this was a particularly busy season for snow clearing. We had a year’s worth of snow in about six weeks and staff worked hard to clear it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there are occasions when damage is caused to public and private property. The best way to have (it) repaired is to contact 311 and log a service request. The (operator) will file the request and transportation services will be notified and investigate the extent of the damage.” The results are forwarded to contractors hired by the city to repair damage, he said, adding that damage will be re-sodded in spring and early summer. Holmes didn’t tell you this, but we will: The sod won’t catch unless it is watered regularly, which is up to residents. So everybody has a role to play in the repair process.