Torontonians frustrated with large snow mounds piled along their street may be stuck waiting before the city hauls away the accumulation from two consecutive winter storms.
On Monday, the City of Toronto said it expects snow removal to begin mid-week and take up to three weeks to complete.
Snow removal, different than simply snow plowing, will see city workers haul snow into dump trucks before being transported to designated storage sites.
Cold temperatures are expected in Toronto this week, making full snow melt unlikely.
"Crews and contractors are continuing to work 24/7 to clear snow from roads and sidewalks after 16 to 23 centimetres of snow fell across the city over the weekend, in addition to the 15 to 20 centimetres of snow accumulation from Wednesday's snowstorm," the city said.
Snow will be removed throughout the city on a priority basis, with locations such as main street sidewalks, transit stops, cycling infrastructure, hospitals and emergency services stations and school bus loading zones to be completed first. Roads with limited space for snow storage will also receive priority status.
"Prioritizing these locations will help ensure safety and accessibility for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, people with disabilities and school students, as well as maintaining access for first responders," the city said.
Throughout the week, the city's workers will continue to clear all road infrastructure, including TTC stops.
Parking, garbage collection and other city services
Parking restrictions on designated snow routes throughout the city, including streetcar routes, remain in effect.
Toronto's snow routes are designated with signage. A map of the routes is available online.
Drivers who have parked along a snow route could have their car towed and receive a fine up to $200.
As of Monday morning, the city said it has issued 2,393 tickets to vehicles parked on snow routes and 27 vehicles have been towed.
Garbage, recycling and organics collection is continuing across the city according to regular scheduling.
Locals have been asked to place garbage bins away from snowbanks and clear snow from around bins to ensure they are accessible from the road. Residents have also been asked to hold oversized and metal garbage items until the next scheduled collection.
Hazardous waste pickup will resume today, Tuesday, Feb. 18.
City officials have reminded residents and business owners they should not shovel snow onto roads, bikeways and sidewalks, as it is illegal.
The city's warming centres are open for those in need of emergency respite shelter during the cold winter weather. Temporary contingency spaces in the shelter system have also been opened to accommodate as many people as possible.
