Markham winter road operations delivers

Markham scores high in customer satisfaction

Markhamstaffnews.com
Nov. 27, 2019

Today, the City of Markham announced results from a resident survey conducted by a third party (Ipsos) that showed 76% of Markham residents were satisfied with overall winter maintenance by the Operations Department.

“The survey also shows that the majority of our residents -- 79% reported by the Ipsos Survey -- are satisfied with our service levels, that we are plowing roads within a reasonable time and are meeting the needs of our growing community,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Our winter operations crew is armed with the knowledge, technology and equipment necessary to get you around safely this winter. We have one of the fastest response times in the GTA, and we are managing our winter operations in an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way.”

The Mayor also announced news about two infrastructure improvements that support winter maintenance: a new yard that will improve the time it takes to mobilize and plow roads in the east end of Markham, and the addition of new salt barns at the Central Yard to support the growth in the City over the past 10 years.

The City plows 2,100 kilometres of road and 1,100 kilometres of sidewalks when there is a snow storm. The service standards for when plows are dispatched were also outlined at the press conference. Staff and Mayor Frank Scarpitti identified some of the technical considerations that need to be understood when undertaking city-wide winter maintenance activities.

The City of Markham is proud to deliver winter maintenance services that exceed the standards set by Ontario provincial legislation. With the new investments in our winter operations facilities, you will notice a difference this winter and even more so when the new yard is operational within the next 18 months.

Weathering Winter Together
Winter can be a particularly difficult season, and we need to know what to expect and to be patient. The more we work together, the better we can help the plows clear the snow as soon as possible, making our streets and neighbourhoods safe and passable.

When are roads plowed? How are roads plowed?
Road plowing starts when snow reaches 7.5 centimetres (about 3 inches) deep, and is usually complete within 12 to 16 hours after the end of a snow storm. Sidewalk plowing begins when snow reaches 5 centimetres (about 2 inches) deep, and is completed within 24 hours after the end of a snow storm.

 Snow clearing starts with the largest, busiest roads -- known as arterial or primary roads -- that connect critical services such as hospitals, ambulance, fire stations, police and GO stations. Once clear, the equipment then uses these main roads to reach secondary roads that serve schools, libraries, community centres, industrial and commercial areas. Finally, the plows can reach local roads and lanes which are usually residential areas.

What should you expect after the plows have left?
After plowing, it is normal for some snow to be left on the surface of roads and lanes especially on local roads that have less traffic than our busier arterial/primary roads. The heavy volume of vehicles on primary or secondary roads do have the effect of melting the snow, creating a bare surface faster than roads with less traffic. Even with snow covered roads, the roads are safe to drive as long as drivers drive according to winter conditions. Slow down and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination safely.

 Staff use de-icers such as brine, salt and sand to prevent roads from becoming icy. The City has a salt management plan to ensure we use the right amount to do the job and at the right time to work effectively. We care about the environment and protecting our infrastructure from the effects of salt. Salting and plowing are done with the support of specialized weather monitoring technology and application of good science-based practices. All roads are monitored before, during, and after storms to adjust to conditions and to ensure public safety.

How to get more information
If you do not see plows immediately after a snow storm, please be patient and check our winter app at markham.ca/winter for information. The app will tell you where plows have been, to give you an idea of our progress. The plows are on their way, but they have to clear the main roads first before they can reach you.

If Environment Canada issues a severe storm warning, please check our city website at markham.ca or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@cityofmarkham) for updates.

What can you do to keep yourself and our community safe?
You can help protect your property and keep everyone safe. Please:

• Clear snow away from fire hydrants and catch basins if you able to safety do so.

• Pile snow from your driveway onto the right side (when facing the road) of your driveway. This will mean less snow piled on your driveway by the plow.

• Push snow away from the street. Pushing snow onto the street is unsafe for drivers and pedestrians in your neighbourhood - and it's illegal.

• Park on the odd numbered side of the street from November 15 to April 15.
• If there is a snow storm, you must remove your parked car from the road, even if you have a permit. Parked cars block the road. The plows will have to keep coming back to check if the cars are gone and this delays plowing for everyone.

Help for seniors and persons with a disability

If your household is made up entirely of seniors (60 years of age or older) or persons with a disability (12 to 60 years of age), you can apply for Markham's Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Program.