Cambridge city staff recommend cancelling expanded sidewalk snow clearing service

City staff in Cambridge are recommending that a pilot project and study on increased snow clearing, specifically when it comes to sidewalks, be cancelled.

City staff say in report to council that the expansion of snow removal to sidewalks would cost $2.3 million a year. An increase of over 300 per cent from the $700,000 it already spends.

The city would also need to invest $10 to 15 million to get more equipment, would need to hire around 40 new staff and build a new facility to house them.

A study done in Kitchener cited by staff found concerns in that community about expansion including an increased use of road salt, street damage and limited space for extra staff and equipment.

“It is recommended that this study be cancelled as staff feel that Kitchener’s study is representative of what Cambridge would do resulting in the same or similar recommendations and constraints,” said the report.

Nearly 30 per cent of all sidewalks are already plowed by the city, and sidewalks not covered by the city are required to be cleared by property owners under the bylaw.

Council will be presented with the report on Tuesday.