City asks residents to clear sidewalks
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/11/2024 (524 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The City of Brandon has tasked residents to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice to improve safety and community responsibility.
Corporate communications officer Merrilea Metcalf told the Sun the city is being proactive with the routine reminder rather than a response to a spike in complaints.
“Most people are already doing this,” she said. “They’re keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice and being good neighbours. The reminder is to ensure everyone’s safety during the winter season.”
The directive stems from the Community Standards By-law, updated in July 2023, which outlines property owners’ obligations to maintain clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties, she said.
Section 2.3.2 of the Community Standards By-law requires all property owners and occupants to “clear away and remove any snow or ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property to a condition that provides safe passage by pedestrians.”
Residents have 48 hours to comply once notified of an issue. For property owners outside of Brandon, additional time is allowed. If a sidewalk remains uncleared, the Brandon Police Service may issue a ticket and arrange for snow and ice removal, with costs billed to the property owner. Fees include a $200 ticket, reduced to $100 if paid within 15 days.
“If BPS receives a complaint or notices a treacherous sidewalk during patrols, they will reach out to the property owner to address the issue. However, ticketing is not the priority — educating residents is,” Metcalf said.
The city, she said, has also reminded residents not to pile snow in areas that could obstruct visibility or create hazards for pedestrians and motorists, such as on streets, bus stops, or street corners, “This is about ensuring safe passage for everyone in the community.”
Recognizing that not everyone can clear their sidewalks, the city has promoted its Snow Angels Program, a volunteer initiative matching seniors and individuals with physical disabilities to community volunteers willing to assist with snow removal, the city’s press release issued Wednesday said.
The release added volunteers clear municipally owned sidewalks around the residents’ property, contributing to safer and more accessible neighbourhoods, adding residents interested in volunteering or seeking assistance can visit snowangels.brandon.ca.
“The vast majority of residents are already doing exactly what we’re famous for — being good neighbours,” it added. “This bylaw simply formalizes what most of us are already doing.”
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