The City of Toronto says it's ready to take on winter weather

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As Toronto prepares for its first snowfall, the city says it has taken the measures needed to ensure it’s ready for what’s coming.

According to a release from the city, snow-clearing equipment is arriving, salt supplies have been replenished, mapping and communication technology is ready to be enabled and crews are prepared to respond to the effects of cold weather on water mains and water service pipes.

“Snow and cold temperatures may be around the corner but city crews are ready, ” said Mayor John Tory. “Through planning, technology and access to a robust fleet of snow-clearing vehicles, we are confident that residents and visitors will be able to get around safely and effectively all winter long.”

Toronto said its budget is more than $90 million annually to ensure that its roads and sidewalks are clear and safe during the winter season.

The city has the following staff and equipment in its winter operations fleet:
• More than 1,500 personnel (contracted and city staff) on standby 24/7
• 600 snow plows
• 300 sidewalk plows
• 200 salt trucks
• 200 pickup and dump trucks
• 200 smaller pickups

The city has also identified a priority network of bike lanes and cycle tracks in the downtown core that will continue to receive enhanced winter maintenance, including snow plowing and salting to improve safety for cyclists.

Residents can track salt-truck locations and identify which roads have been serviced using the online tracking map.

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