Ottawa City Council has asked staff to look at involving private snowplow operators to supplement municipal services.
In a recent meeting, councillors approved a motion by Rideau-Jock Ward Coun. David Brown motion requesting staff look at other municipalities across Canada in search of similar partnerships and then explore the possibility in Ottawa.
Brown says there can be significant “dead time” between when a private contractor clears a driveway and when a city plow arrives to clear the road. This wait time can last several hours, particularly in rural areas. Brown suggests collaborating with private plowing operators could help reduce these wait times.
Brown said he tabled the motion in response to complaints.
“The intent of this motion is to ask staff to go away and do a bit of homework and report back to the committees and then Council on enhancing the service that’s already provided by the city to residents,” said Brown.
River Ward Coun. Riley Brockington, however, questioned the necessity of the motion and dedication of resources, council’s previously approved snow-clearing standards are being met city-wide.
The city’s standards, established in 2003, categorize roadways and sidewalks and set snow-clearing criteria.
“If we were not meeting standards then I would be open to other options on how we could partner with private contractors to meet those standards. … But we are meeting standards; we’ve just heard that confirmed in all quadrants of the city. So, do we want our staff to be investing this time?” Brockington asked.
Despite meeting city standards, heavy snowfalls leave residents in some regions of his West Carleton-March Ward “feeling very vulnerable,” said Coun. Clarke Kelly.
He mentioned that arterial roads get priority, creating snowbanks that block residents from accessing emergency services, food, gas and preventing emergency vehicles from reaching the neighbourhoods that connect to these roads.
I think Coun. Brown has identified a unique opportunity here. I think this motion is probably not all that unique. And that’s why I don’t think this motion should have caused much of a stir. It’s really just asking for information.
West Carleton-March Coun. Clarke Kelly
“I think Coun. Brown has identified a unique opportunity here. I think this motion is probably not all that unique. And that’s why I don’t think this motion should have caused much of a stir. It’s really just asking for information,” Kelly said.
“I hope we can all just take a deep breath here and realize that this particular motion is somewhat inconsequential. It’s in the greater scheme of things, and I think it would be appreciated by the rural residents of the city,” he added.
The motion to direct further research into potential partnerships with private contractors passed by a vote of 21 to two.
Staff findings and a report on quality standards for winter maintenance will be presented to a joint meeting with the Transportation Committee and Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committe between October and December.
