Winter Maintenance Review Report Update

The final report in the City’s Winter Maintenance Review is expected to be released to the public in March.
 
“When we presented the Interim report in October, we had hoped to share the final report in November,” explained Councillor Jonathan Galgay, Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Works. “However, the consultants and City staff require more time than originally estimated to complete the report.”
 
The review process began in June 2014 and included public consultation, national benchmarking and operational evaluation with goals of reviewing levels of service; finding low cost approaches to achieve an improved level of service reliability; and to identify mid- to long-term changes that may be required, due to growth and changing regulations. In October, the City accepted and began acting on ‘quick hit’ recommendations – actions that could be taken immediately to improve snow clearing for this winter season.
 
The final report includes more detailed analysis of services and longer-term strategies for improvements to the City’s winter maintenance program.
 
“Our intention is to ensure the most comprehensive and beneficial report is presented to Council and the public,” explained Deputy City Manager Paul Mackey. “This extra time for investigation, consultation and review ensures we can achieve that goal.”
 
In addition to the ongoing ‘quick hit’ recommendations such as the new sidewalk team pilot program, the City will also be acting on a recommendation to conduct a review of fleet services. A request for proposal (RFP) will be issued in the coming weeks.

Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca