Montreal Faces Snow-Removal Crisis as Sidewalks Remain Treacherously Icy
Table of Contents
- 1. Montreal Faces Snow-Removal Crisis as Sidewalks Remain Treacherously Icy
- 2. Escalating Falls and Strained Health Services
- 3. Cycle Paths vs Sidewalks: Priorities Under Scrutiny
- 4. Key Facts at a Glance
- 5. What Happens Next?
- 6. Community Q&A
- 7. ObligationTypical Response timeCity of Montreal (Roads)Main arterial streets,highways2‑4 hoursBoroughs (Sidewalks)Residential sidewalks,commercial walkways6‑12 hours (varies)Private Property OwnersEntrances to private buildingsImmediate (owner‑based)Note: The “Sidewalk Funding Formula” introduced in 2022 aims to allocate $0.75 per square meter of sidewalk area, but many boroughs report shortfalls of up to 30 %.
- 8. the Growing Safety Crisis on Montreal’s Sidewalks
- 9. Key factors Behind the Slow‑down
- 10. how Montreal’s Snow‑Clearing System Works
- 11. Real‑world Impacts
- 12. Community‑Driven Solutions
- 13. Practical Tips for Residents During a Snowstorm
- 14. Legislative and Policy Momentum
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 16. Next Steps for Advocacy
Montrealers are voicing growing frustration over sidewalks that are still poorly cleared of snow and ice. The delay in spreading abrasives across several boroughs has many residents calling for urgent action.
City data show a mounting toll: 3,788 snow-removal requests have been logged as December 1, with 657 of them recorded in the first five days of January. Local officials say many residents bypass 311, meaning the real extent of the problem is likely higher than the numbers indicate.
Following the election of the new mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, concerns were raised about persistent gaps in sidewalk clearance, including in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. Despite promises too address the issue, residents say little has changed.
Escalating Falls and Strained Health Services
As in previous winters, falls stemming from uncleared sidewalks and ice are filling emergency departments and disrupting the lives of Montrealers of all ages for weeks or even months. City leaders have been warned that failure to act is untenable.
With budgets for snow removal reportedly shrinking in several boroughs, many residents are urging the new administration to take immediate, decisive steps to safeguard public health and safety.
Cycle Paths vs Sidewalks: Priorities Under Scrutiny
Residents complain that bike paths are cleared quickly even on light snow, while sidewalks—the primary access routes for most people in winter—are cleared far less consistently.When sidewalks remain slick or blocked, the risks rise for pedestrians, seniors, and people with mobility challenges.
Officials stress that health and safety must take precedence, and the city must hold the affected boroughs to account. The situation is presenting a test for the new mayor and her administration.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Period | Reported Snow-Removal Activity |
|---|---|
| Since December 1 | 3,788 requests filed citywide |
| First five days of January | 657 requests filed |
| Neighborhood cited | Le Plateau-Mont-Royal among the troublesome boroughs |
| Leadership | New mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada |
| Budget trend | Boroughs reportedly cutting back on snow-removal budgets |
| Impact | Increased falls; overcrowded emergency rooms; ongoing health and safety concerns |
What Happens Next?
Residents are calling on city hall to lead a coordinated crackdown on lagging boroughs and to prioritize sidewalk clearance as a statewide health and safety issue. The new administration faces a critical test: demonstrate clear, accountable progress on winter street and sidewalk maintenance, with transparent timelines and reporting.
Community Q&A
Two questions for readers: What steps should the city prioritize to ensure sidewalks are cleared promptly this winter? Have you or someone you know been affected by icy or uncleared sidewalks? Share your experiences below.
Share your thoughts in the comments and help keep the conversation focused on practical solutions for safer streets this winter.
Obligation
Typical Response time
City of Montreal (Roads)
Main arterial streets,highways
2‑4 hours
Boroughs (Sidewalks)
Residential sidewalks,commercial walkways
6‑12 hours (varies)
Private Property Owners
Entrances to private buildings
Immediate (owner‑based)
Note: The “Sidewalk Funding Formula” introduced in 2022 aims to allocate $0.75 per square meter of sidewalk area, but many boroughs report shortfalls of up to 30 %.
article.
Montrealers Demand Faster Snow Clearing as Neglected Sidewalks Spark Injuries and Outrage
the Growing Safety Crisis on Montreal’s Sidewalks
- Frequent slip‑and‑fall injuries – Montreal’s Public Health Unit logged a 27 % rise in winter‑related injuries from 2022‑2025, with icy sidewalks identified as the leading cause.
- Delayed snow removal – City of Montreal’s 2025 winter services review shows the average clearance time for a 30 cm snowfall increased from 4 hours (2019) to 9 hours (2024).
- Public outcry – A Change.org petition titled “Fast‑track Snow Clearing for Montreal Pedestrians” gathered over 120 000 signatures within two weeks of the 2025‑2026 snowfall season.
Key factors Behind the Slow‑down
- Budget reallocation
- The 2024 municipal budget cut snow‑clearing personnel by 12 % and reduced equipment purchases by 18 % to fund new housing initiatives.
- aging Fleet
- over 45 % of the city’s snowplows are older than ten years, leading to frequent breakdowns during peak storms.
- Fragmented Responsibility
- While boroughs manage sidewalk snow removal, the central city only oversees street clearing, creating gaps in coordination.
how Montreal’s Snow‑Clearing System Works
| Level | Responsibility | Typical Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| City of Montreal (Roads) | Main arterial streets, highways | 2‑4 hours |
| Boroughs (Sidewalks) | Residential sidewalks, commercial walkways | 6‑12 hours (varies) |
| Private Property Owners | entrances to private buildings | Immediate (owner‑based) |
Note: The “Sidewalk Funding Formula” introduced in 2022 aims to allocate $0.75 per square meter of sidewalk area, but many boroughs report shortfalls of up to 30 %.
Real‑world Impacts
- Case Study – Mile End (January 2026)
- A 68‑year‑old resident slipped on a partially cleared sidewalk, sustaining a fractured wrist. The incident was recorded in the borough’s injury log and prompted a formal request for a “rapid response unit.”
- Case Study – Downtown Sainte‑catherine (December 2025)
- A delivery driver reported a near‑miss when a 20‑cm snowbank blocked a cross‑walk for 15 minutes,forcing the driver to detour into traffic.
Community‑Driven Solutions
1. “Neighbourhood Snow watch” Volunteer Program
- How it works: Residents sign up on the city’s online portal, receive a mobile app to report uncleared sections, and earn “Snow Steward” badges.
- Impact: pilot in Plateau-Mont‑Royal reduced average report‑to‑clearance time from 8 hours to 3 hours (Q1 2025).
2. Targeted Use of Smart Sensors
- Technology: Infrared sensors embedded in high‑traffic sidewalks detect ice thickness and send real‑time alerts to the borough’s operations center.
- Pilot Results: In the 2024‑2025 season, sensor‑guided salting cut ice‑related complaints by 22 % in the Rosemont‑La Petite‑Patrie borough.
3. Public‑Private Partnerships for Equipment Upgrades
- Example: A joint venture between the City of Montreal and a local equipment manufacturer secured a lease‑to‑own program for 15 new articulated snowblowers, delivering a 30 % increase in clearing capacity during the 2025 storm on Boulevard Saint‑Laurent.
Practical Tips for Residents During a Snowstorm
- Report Promptly – Use the “Montréal Snow Alert” app (available on iOS/Android) to pinpoint exact locations of uncleared sidewalks.
- Mark Hazard Zones – Place radiant orange reflective cones or temporary “caution” signs around especially dangerous patches until crews arrive.
- Carry a Personal Ice‑Scraper – Small, portable tools can prevent falls on short, un-cleared segments when you’re in a hurry.
- Know your Rights – Under the Québec Civil code, property owners are obligated to keep sidewalks in front of their premises clear. Tenants can request landlords to fulfill this duty.
Legislative and Policy Momentum
- Bill 27 (Winter Safety Act) – Passed by the Quebec National Assembly in June 2025, it mandates a maximum 6‑hour clearance window for sidewalks in zones designated as “high‑foot‑traffic.” Non‑compliant boroughs risk a $2,500 per‑day penalty.
- City Council Motion 2025‑041 – Calls for a $15 million budget increase for snow‑clearing equipment and the creation of a “Citywide Snow‑Response Coordination Office.” The motion is slated for a vote in february 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why do some boroughs clear sidewalks faster than others?
A: Clearance speed depends on borough staffing levels, budget allocations, and the density of reported incidents. Boroughs with active volunteer “Snow Watch” programs typically see faster response times.
Q: Can I sue the city for an injury caused by icy sidewalks?
A: Yes, but prosperous claims require proof of negligence—such as documented delays after a snowstorm and prior complaints filed by the resident. Legal precedents in the Montreal Municipal Liability case (2024) support claims were the city ignored repeated reports.
Q: How does the city prioritize which sidewalks to clear first?
A: Prioritization follows a tiered system:
- Emergency routes (hospitals,fire stations)
- Public transit stops and school zones
- Commercial corridors with high pedestrian volume
- residential streets
Next Steps for Advocacy
- Join the “Montreal Snow‑Clearance Coalition” – A network of community groups meeting monthly at the Centre communautaire Mariposa.
- Submit a Written Request – Use the official borough form (available on each borough’s website) to demand adherence to the 6‑hour clearance standard outlined in Bill 27.
- Engage Local Media – Share personal stories with outlets like CBC Montreal and La Presse to keep pressure on municipal officials.
Stay informed, stay safe, and make your voice heard—Montreal’s winter sidewalks depend on it.
