Snow-covered sidewalks in Winnipeg can pose challenges for people with mobility issues, which has prompted calls for homeowners to take a more active role in clearing the sidewalks.
Larry Cochrane clears the snow in front of his Assiniboine Avenue building right down to the pavement, creating a clear path for pedestrians.
“A lot of them say it's too bad more people don't do this,” he said as he worked in front of the building on Boxing Day.
University of Winnipeg assistant professor Gina Sylvestre has spent six years studying sidewalk snow-clearing in Winnipeg.
She says it’s not realistic to expect well-maintained sidewalks unless homeowners contribute.
"I don't think we can continue to rely just on the city to do it. It is a difficult pill to swallow for citizens,” said Sylvestre. “We expect that in our property taxes, but it is going to become more and more difficult, I believe."
A 20-year Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy released in the spring caused controversy for suggesting the city explore the possibility of requiring homeowners to clear city sidewalks.
As it stands now, city crews and contractors clear sidewalks on the same priority system as roadways.
That means some residential sidewalks are cleared very rarely.
"People using walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs for example, it becomes really difficult in the winter to continue to be as mobile they are when it's not winter season,” said Sylvestre.
Saskatoon, Edmonton and Calgary all require residents to clear city sidewalks in front of their homes.
Ottawa and Montreal are among cities like Winnipeg that do not.
City snow clearing operations continue after last week’s snowfall and includes some sidewalks.
Follow Ben Miljure on Twitter: @CTVNewsBen
