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“SnoWay!” campaign for accessible snow and ice removal

By: Gabriella Rabaa

In line with CNIB’s strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys, we launched the “SnoWay!” campaign this winter to educate municipalities and the public about environmental barriers caused by improper snow and ice clearing practices on sidewalks, crossings, and transit stops. CNIB and DBCS staff members Amanda Titman and Dallas Lynch use “SnoWay!” campaign-branded shovels to clear snow from an accessible parking space in front of CNIB’s Saskatoon office.

The campaign ran from January 15 to March 31 and included the following activities:

  • We held an online #SnoWay photo contest throughout the campaign for people to submit images and descriptions of snow and ice barriers they encountered in their community, with submissions automatically entered into a random prize draw for a $100 Visa gift card.
  • We asked community members to get involved by reminding friends, family, neighbours, and local businesses of their responsibility to clear snow and ice from public paths of travel and to submit complaints to their municipality when they encountered a public sidewalk, pathway, or transit stop that was not properly cleared of snow in a timely manner after a significant snowfall.
  • We engaged with municipalities and local stakeholders to raise awareness and discuss accessible snow clearing policies and practices. CNIB’s Vice President for Western Canada also appeared on the Evan Bray Show in Saskatchewan to highlight the campaign and discuss accessible snow clearing practices.

As the changing seasons bring warmer weather, you can email advocacy@cnib.ca to get involved in CNIB’s ongoing advocacy efforts and receive updates about our future “SnoWay!” campaign next winter.