'We gotta do better': Sohi blames budget, policy and climate change for bad Edmonton roads
Edmonton's new mayor says he has heard residents' complaints about snow and ice clearing, and Amarjeet Sohi promises the city will "do better" going forward.
"I am equally frustrated as all Edmontonians are," Sohi told reporters on Monday.
"This is about policy. This is about budget. Our staff is working really, really hard. My hats off to all of the people who are out there cleaning our roads and our neighbourhoods."
Sohi pointed out that Edmonton has been hit with snowstorms, extreme cold warnings, freezing rain and fast warmups this winter, which have all made things a mess on city streets.
The city was under a winter storm warning on Monday as freezing rain in the morning made roads and sidewalks icy. Snow and wind were expected to make the roads worse through Tuesday.
"There are things that are not in the city's control, particularly the amount of snow we had this year, and also the freeze thaws cycles and the number of them that we've had with freezing rain," he explained.
"This is no excuse. We gotta do better, and I am absolutely committed to asking these questions as we update our snow and ice policy this year."
Some residents have complained about how the city is plowing in neighbourhoods, creating large windrows which aren't always piled where they're supposed to be.
The city had to pause that program earlier this month, because of an unusually bad cold snap.
An audit released in February 2021 recommended 12 changes to the city's snow clearing policy.
The report said the city had 11,833 kilometres of paved roads to maintain in 2019, and it cost $54 million for plowing, sanding, and de-icing.
But Sohi said that's clearly not enough, and at least one council colleague agreed.
"Our policy and budget is not matching the realities that we are facing now with climate change and how climate change is causing more temperature fluctuations," Sohi said.
“I think the city does a good job with the resources that they have,” Coun. Andrew Knack said earlier this winter. “I think the issue is the resources that we have and how far out we’ve spread as a city."
Sohi promised a "rigorous debate" at council the next time snow and ice clearing is on the agenda.
Last August, a previous version of council ordered a report on "any equipment, staffing and budget changes" needed to improve snow and ice service. That report is due before council on Apr. 25.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.