Clearing snow from Windsor alleys would cost $1.6M

It would cost $1.6 million per year to provide snow removal services for paved alleys, according to a report going to council Monday night.

“Snow removal in alleys has the potential for an increase in property damage as the space in which to remove the snow is very tight and maneuverability for snow removal equipment is very limited,” said the report. “The annual cost of snow removal can vary significantly, depending on the number and magnitude of snow events in a given winter season. These fluctuations in cost represent a significant financial risk”

Windsor currently has 77.8 km of hard surface alleys for which snow removal can be considered.

The $1.6 million cost estimate is based on the 10-centimeter threshold for snow removal that applies to residential side streets. The cost would rise as more snow falls.

The report concluded parking would be affected on several city streets if snow made alleys inaccessible.

Administration prepared the report in response to a question asked by Councillor Hilary Payne at a council meeting on April 23rd.

A survey letter was circulated to Windsor residents seeking information about their winter parking needs.