City Engages on Service Level for Sidewalk Snow Clearing

From now until June 19, the City of St. John’s invites feedback on the current and future level of service for sidewalk snow clearing.

The engagement page at engagestjohns.ca includes information on current sidewalk snow clearing practices and priorities, a mapping tool where residents can add comments, and surveys for the public and the business community. Virtual meetings will take place using Microsoft Teams, please register to participate:

• Wednesday, June 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. To register for this session click here.
• Wednesday, June 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register for this session click here. 

The city is also meeting with key stakeholders throughout the process such as the NL English School District, Metrobus and the business community.

“There has been much conversation on this topic and this engagement is a continuation of that discussion,” explained Councillor Ian Froude, Council lead for Public Works and Sustainability. “We have heard over the past few winters that walkability and the prioritization of clearing sidewalks are important topics for our residents and this engagement provides us with a formal process to gather feedback to assist in our decision-making.”

At the conclusion of the engagement process a ‘What We Heard’ document will be shared publicly to assist Council and staff as they make important decisions regarding sidewalk snow clearing levels in the future.

“While we will collect feedback, review information and make recommendations, changes may need to be phased in over time,” explained Councillor Froude. “We will have to consider each potential improvement or change to ensure we have the budget to make the change effectively. There may be changes possible for 2020-21 but it is also possible we will have to put a plan in place that is long term.”

Residents who have not already registered at engagestjohns.ca are encouraged to do so; during the pandemic, the City of St. John’s will be relying more heavily on online engagement to gather feedback from the public. All news related to this project will be shared electronically via e-mail with registered participants as well as through regular City communication channels.

Those unable to participate online may contact Access St. John’s at 311 or 754-CITY and ask to speak with someone from the sidewalk snow clearing engagement team, or email feedback to engage@stjohns.ca.