Snow clearing costs already piling up at Winnipeg City Hall
Finance officials at Winnipeg City Hall are hoping mother nature is kind this winter, as the snow budget is already being pushed over its limit.
The public works department is requesting a $13.1 million over expenditure for costs up to June 30 this year.
The main culprit is a $9.8 million dollar overrun for snow and ice clearing . There is also $2.6 million earmarked for city beautification, and $1.4 million for pothole patching, which is offset by $819,000 in savings.
Public Works Committee Chair Janice Lukes said this is the price for living in a winter city.
"We're going to have to figure this out because we need to move in the city. We can't be sitting in snow banks,” she said.
“We need snow removal. I'm hoping the weather stays great."
She’s hoping the weather stays great because the department is also requesting an additional $9.9 million for snow clearing to the end of the year in case it is needed. The department said this is required to ensure contractors are paid in a timely manner.
‘It literally could go either way’
Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Natalie Hasell says forecasts show dry conditions in the short term for southern Manitoba, but the longer term forecast is a coin toss.
"Looking at the precipitation question, we don't have a dominant trend,” she said.
“So in a sense, I don’t have a forecast for you. It literally could go either way."
The city has increased the snow budget in an attempt to curb these types of over expenditures, including improving sidewalk clearing. Still, the report said snowfall amounts might not be the real issue. Instead, the average cost of retendering 10 private snow clearing contracts in 2023 increased by 52 per cent over two years.
Finance Committee Chair Jeff Browaty says contract costs have exploded.
"I mean, the equipment has gotten more expensive. Labour has gotten more expensive, so there's been definitely challenges in the costs and the realities of the cost of snow clearing.”
The over expenditure requests are set to voted on at the finance committee next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns'
A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole.
The Body Shop Canada to be sold to Serruya Private Equity
The Body Shop Canada is due to be sold to a company led by the co-founder of frozen yogurt chain Yogen Früz.
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC
Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade.
Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct
An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.