Editorial: Toronto’s Snow Clearing Plan Isn’t Fair

Local officials do not have plans to clear snow on enough sidewalks in the old city of Toronto, writes the editorial board of The Star. "Back in February, when streets and sidewalks were clogged by one of the worst winters in memory, Mayor John Tory called on city staff to review their approach to clearing snow."

However, the plan for this year is woefully inadequate, argues the editorial board. Only about 18 percent of central city sidewalks will be cleared, and the most heavily used sidewalks will not be given priority status. "Where’s the urgency after last winter’s hand-wringing over the record number of complaints about icy sidewalks that made it treacherous for many people to leave their homes for weeks on end?"

The haphazard snow removal plan does not make sense, leaving some residents with access to safe, walkable sidewalks and others facing treacherous conditions. "If that all sounds a little like doing nothing, it’s because it is," adds the editorial board.