Winter sidewalk clearing pilot expands to more Toronto neighborhoods

Following a successful trial, the city will expand automated sidewalk snow removal to cover additional areas, reducing hazards for pedestrians during the winter months.

Published on: June 20, 2025 at 01:02 | By The Daily Boreal Editorial Team

Toronto is expanding its winter sidewalk clearing program following the success of a pilot project launched in select neighborhoods over the past two winters. The program, which utilizes specialized compact plows and salt spreaders, aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility during the city's harsh winter months.

City officials announced this week that the service will be extended to an additional 200 kilometers of sidewalks, covering more neighborhoods in Scarborough, North York, and parts of the downtown core. The expansion follows widespread community support and a city-wide review of sidewalk conditions and winter accessibility.

Historically, Toronto has placed responsibility for sidewalk snow clearing on residents, except in a few designated zones. However, critics have argued that this approach disproportionately impacts seniors, people with disabilities, and lower-income residents who may not be able to shovel snow promptly or effectively.

The pilot program demonstrated a marked decrease in slip-and-fall incidents and emergency room visits related to winter injuries. Local hospitals reported fewer weather-related injuries in zones where municipal sidewalk clearing was implemented, according to Toronto Public Health data.

The expanded service will prioritize high-pedestrian areas near schools, transit hubs, and community centers. New contracts with snow removal providers will ensure that sidewalks are cleared within 12 hours of snowfall, in alignment with city standards for roadway plowing.

Funding for the program comes from the city’s transportation budget, with an estimated cost of $6.2 million annually. City Council voted to approve the allocation, citing both the public safety benefits and improved equity for vulnerable residents.

Resident feedback from pilot areas has been overwhelmingly positive. In an online survey, 83% of respondents supported making the program permanent, and many called for it to become a standard citywide service.

City officials are encouraging residents to continue clearing their private walkways and driveways, but stress that the burden of maintaining public sidewalks in winter is increasingly being addressed as a municipal responsibility. The new service rollout will begin with the first snowfall of the upcoming winter season.