Snow problem: Markham digs out of tough situation

Residents band together to weather the storm that dumped 46 cm of snow

yorkregion.com
Jan. 26, 2022
Heidi Riedner

Last week’s massive snowstorm that dumped 46 centimetres of snow in Markham has left residents and city staff digging out of a tough situation.

“Like all municipalities affected by this significant storm, the City of Markham has received numerous information and service requests from residents,” said a city spokesperson on Friday, Jan. 21.

“Staff are focusing on post-storm cleanup and addressing service requests.”

While some residents questioned the city’s delayed response, many took matters into their own hands.

That included the Cornell neighbourhood, which took to social media and contacted their local councillor after streets and laneways remained barricaded by snowbanks with no plows in sight.

Some were still looking to have their sidewalks cleared a week after the storm, despite crews working 24-7 since Monday, Jan. 17.

Several residents called for better planning from the city, with many wondering how streets could have no way in or out days after the initial snowfall.

But the Cornell neighbourhood presents unique challenges for the city’s winter operations unit, exacerbated by several cars blocking streets and laneways, Coun. Andrew Keyes said in response to criticism.

“The equipment and approach used needs to be very different than roads,” he said. “The snow needs to be removed from the laneways; not just pushed to the sides. This takes longer.”

Last week’s snowstorm was also more severe than the city has typically dealt with, creating service delays.

Clearing the entire city can take up to 14 hours in a regular snowfall. That time is much longer with a massive 46 cm snowfall as main primary roads were cleared twice before local streets and laneways were tackled.

Many residents expressed appreciation of snow removal crews.

“My kids and I have been digging people out all week,” said Don A, who lives in Cornell Village. “Everyone has been very appreciative and frustrated but, so far, understanding that the city is doing the best it can with the situation. We all need to support each other.”

He added every time they see a loader or plow driver; they yell a thank you.

There were about 20 neighbours who shovelled snow in Hannah Hwang’s neighbourhood in the Hwy. 7 and Ninth Line area.

“I loved how many of us came together to clean up the laneway and clear the path in case of an emergency, to get groceries or for those who needed to get to work the next day,” said Hwang, whose family moved six months ago.

The group worked until about 11:30 p.m. to clear up the entire street, but Hwang said it was such fun, and she loved the community spirit everyone had to help each other out.

“I believe this is what it looks like to love our neighbours and to help in such unprecedented and challenging times. It was so nice to meet many new people and know we all have each other’s back.”

When plows finally did make it to laneways, massive windrows blocked driveways.

But neighbours of Glendennan and White’s Hill kept working for hours to get people mobile.

In addition, more than 5,800 residential properties receive the city’s Windrow Assistance Program, designed to help disabled and elderly residents maintain road access from their driveways during the winter season.

All of the properties on the list had been cleared as of early morning Jan. 19, confirmed a city spokesperson.