Icy, snowy sidewalks spark concern over city snow policy

At least two councillors in the Halifax Regional Municipality are calling for a fresh analysis of sidewalk snow clearing on the peninsula after pedestrians faced treacherous walking conditions in recent days.

This is the first season the municipality has been responsible for clearing sidewalks on the peninsula. But many walkways remained icy, even after crews contracted to do the work plowed them following Sunday's storm.

Jennifer Watts, the councillor for Peninsula North, says there should be a review. She said the new snow clearing policy was inserted in last year's budget, but there was little chance to consult residents.

"I've certainly gotten significant feedback from residents saying that they would prefer to do their own sidewalks," Watts said. "They feel they can do a better job of it."

Tim Outhit, the councillor for Bedford-Wentworth, says there should be a discussion in the new year once contractors have dealt with more storms.

"Let's see if we need to change the standards, let's see if we need to put some more money towards it or indeed did we make a mistake and let's back pedal," he said.

"My feeling is it needs to be fixed and we can fix it."

But others are urging patience. Linda Mosher, the councillor for Armdale-Peninsula West, said this storm was highly unusual.

The Halifax area was hit with snow, then freezing rain and rain, creating extremely icy conditions.

"To hold this storm up as a test is ridiculous," she said.

Mosher said she's received more calls about roads after this storm than she did for White Juan in 2004.

The city initially budgeted $2.3 million to clear sidewalks on the peninsula, she said. But tenders came in well under that amount and the contract was signed for $800,000.

Crews use small vehicles to clear sidewalks, but the work this week left many walkways with compacted ice.

The Capital District Health Authority said at least 85 people had gone to the emergency departments in the city after slipping and falling on icy spots this week.