Weeks of snowfalls and freezing temperatures have turned many sidewalks in the Tri-Cities into near skating rinks but, despite bylaws requiring walkways to be cleared quickly, few have received tickets for waiting on the elusive rainfall to do the job for them.
So far only Coquitlam has issued tickets — 13 as of Wednesday — for failing to remove snow and ice within 10 hours of a snowfall; the fine is $75, discounted to $50 if paid within two weeks. Tickets have gone to property owners who are among the 54 that have already been warned by bylaw staff, said the city's acting manager of bylaws.
When complaints are logged by public works staff a warning letter is delivered to the owner, which gives them a short time frame in which to get the sidewalk cleared.
"After the time frame… has elapsed, a bylaw officer attends and will issue a ticket to the property owner if the sidewalk has not been cleared of snow and ice," said Sarah Bull.
Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are sticking to warnings for now, which are also issued on a complaint basis.
"Education has been made available to residents via the website, Facebook, local newspaper and Twitter," said Paula Jones, PoCo's manager of bylaw services, in an email.
Jones said staff have logged 24 calls for service (including one parking lot and one school), but noted many complaints are for entire blocks and multiple streets and bylaw officers will be on hand delivering notices to these areas.
PoMo is also delivering warnings and chatting with residents in person to let property owners know that clearing sidewalks is their responsibility. More than 30 warnings have been issued in the past 30 days, said city manager Tim Savoie.
"We let people know what the bylaw requirement is and we give them 24 hours to clear to an acceptable level," he added. "Then if it's not cleared we would issue a ticket."
PoMo is also redirecting efforts to focus on sidewalks, with an "all hands on deck" approach that is drawing on parks, utilities, construction and public works staff — 17 in total — to help clear sidewalks and civic centre areas.
The city has hired an additional bobcat and mini-excavator to help clear sidewalks, additional sand has been ordered and where ice can't be easily broken, sand or crushed rock aggregate will be used to help provide grip.
As well, another 120 tonnes of salt is due to arrive from Saskatchewan later this month, adding to the 800 tonnes already used.
spayne@tricitynews.com
@spayneTC
