Elmira sidewalk snow-clearing program ended
Posted Jun 25, 2026 04:52:36 AM.
Last Updated Jun 25, 2026 11:12:49 AM.
Significant challenges with a snow-clearing initiative on Elmira sidewalks have Woolwich Township Council axing the 21-year-old program altogether.
Starting this coming winter, those living and working in Elmira will be responsible for shovelling snow off their own sidewalks.
Plowing of all sidewalks in Elmira started back in 2005 through contracted services. Since then, the town has grown significantly, with a population of over 12,000.
“Council heard clear concerns from residents about service reliability, property damage, and cost, and has taken action to move toward a more consistent and sustainable approach to winter maintenance,” said Mayor Sandy Shantz. “This decision follows a comprehensive review of how the program performed during the most recent winter season.”
The most recent winter season came with over 400 formal complaints related to the service. In the previous year, that number was only 14. The hundreds of issues primarily revolved around inconsistent or delayed snow clearing and frustrations with contractor performance.
Of those frustrations, property damage. The Township said all outstanding damage-related concerns should be addressed within the next month.
Councillors heard on Tuesday that repairing those damages cost the Township just under $19,000.
“This program had become increasingly difficult to deliver consistently under the conditions experienced over the past winter season,” said Director of Infrastructure Services, Jared Puppe. “This decision allows the Township to focus on maintaining core municipal infrastructure while ensuring a more sustainable approach to winter maintenance moving forward.”
Snow clearing on municipal property, however, will continue, for example, through parks, city sidewalks and other public spaces.
To do that, council is looking to add $85,000 to the 2027 Operating Budget for snow clearing in Elmira.
The township also stressed that staff are working to determine how to move forward to help residents who need help in clearing their sidewalks of snow.
More information on those services, and potential community partnerships, are set to come ahead of the next winter season.
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