Mayor says he hears 'loud and clear' complaints about snow-clearing, but policy changes must wait

Mayor Brian Bowmansays he knows Winnipeggers are unhappy with the way the city cleared snow from sidewalks following the most recent snowstorm but he is not ready to commit to changes.

An average of 22 centimetres of snow fell on Winnipeg between March 3 and March 5. The city has received no fewer than 710 complaints about the cleanup effort, according to city spokesperson Lisa Fraser.

Of those complaints, 145 involved concerns about impassable, treacherous or blocked sidewalks.

• 'It's scary': Frustrated pedestrians say many Winnipeg sidewalks impassable, dangerous after huge snow dump

On Wednesday, Winnipeg's mayor acknowledged he is aware of the complaints.

"I have heard loud and clear from many Winnipeggers, especially with respect to sidewalk clearing, especially those that are looking at it from an accessibility standpoint," Bowman told reporters in the media room in the basement of city hall's council building.

"Many Winnipeggershave been complimenting the city for snow-clearing efforts. Many have been complaining about snow clearing."

Bowman said no changes will be made to the city's snow-clearing policy until council receives a report from the city's public works department.

• Snow-clearing policy review in Winnipeg due after the spring thaw

That review is expected to be completed in April, acting streets maintenance manager Cheryl Anderson said last week.

People who use wheelchairs would like to see action sooner.

"I don't think it should be a maybe. They should make changes," said Allen Mankewich, a downtown resident who found sidewalks impassable days after the March storm.

"Winnipegis a winter city. We'll see the mayor tweetpictures of him being engaged in various winter activities, but onthe other hand we need to make the city livable to its citizens."