It seems that each winter the question of whether or not the municipality should extend snow clearing service to include windrow removal comes up in Markham. This year is no exception.
What is a “windrow”?
A windrow is the pile of snow left at the end off your driveway after the street snow plow passes by.
Markham is certainly not the only municipality dealing with this issue. Here’s an excerpt from a recent article in York Region:
The topic of whether town employees should be used to clear that heavy, slushy or sometimes frozen line of snow at the end of residential driveways left behind by snowplows has been discussed by council twice this month and still awaits a final decision.
“It seems unfair that those who wouldn’t be using the services, like those in condos or apartments, have to pay for the service,” Abas said. “Also, many of us are able to clean our own windrow.”
Service levels and timing also have to be considered, since most people would want the windrow removed by the time they go to work, so many would be clearing it themselves.
Read the full story here: www.yorkregion.com
The decision to add snow windrow removal to the standard service level for Markham is often discussed in terms of cost to the taxpayer. It’s estimated that adding windrow removal would increase property taxes significantly. However cost is not the only concern. Other jurisdictions that have added the service have experienced increased delays in having their roads cleared, as windrow service requires the use of slower moving machinery.
Markham staff have been asked by Council to once again prepare a report that will look at the costs and implications of windrow removal for all residents. This report is expected to be presented in the spring as part of a broader snow removal workshop for Council.
Did you know Markham DOES provide windrow removal service?
The City of Markham offers windrow removal service for residents with special needs (those who are either 60 years of age or older or have disability). If you or someone you know needs help there is an application available online at: Markham Snow Windrow Removal Application.
