By: Stephanie Pilon
While most Canadians are used to winter weather, the impacts of poor snow and ice removal create additional environmental barriers and safety risks for millions of pedestrians, especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
Even small accumulations of snow or ice on sidewalks, walkways, and at bus stops can make it difficult for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision to navigate their communities and access public transit, undermining their independence and ability to carry out daily activities.
Two years ago, CNIB launched the SnoWay campaign to educate municipalities and the public about environmental barriers caused by snow and ice-covered sidewalks and transit stops, and to remind them of their responsibility to clear snow and ice from paths of travel.
This winter, we’re excited to announce that the SnoWay campaign is back!
While we continue to advocate for municipalities to review their snow clearing policies and practices, including budgetary decisions, you can take action by participating in the SnoWay campaign.
Here's how to get involved:
- Speak out and file a complaint with your municipality. If you encounter a sidewalk, pathway or transit stop that hasn't been properly cleared of snow 48 hours after a significant snowfall (or sooner if mandated by your municipality), report it by submitting a complaint online or by phone. Many municipalities have a centralized 311 number or equivalent service, allowing residents to easily report issues and submit a service request.
- Share a photo on social media that highlights a sidewalk, crosswalk, or transit stop that hasn't been properly cleared of snow or ice. Tag CNIB and your municipality, use the hashtag #SnoWay, and include an image description that details the snow barrier and its location (e.g., the bus stop at the intersection of Bank Street and Queen Street).
- Shovel the snow! If it's your responsibility, clear snow and ice from your property or arrange for assistance if you’re unable to do it yourself.
- Talk to your friends, family, neighbours, and local businesses about their snow removal practices – remind them about the importance of clearing snow and ice from public paths of travel.
Your participation will contribute to important ongoing discussions about the impacts of poor snow removal for our community. We hope you'll get involved and share your experiences.