Montreal's new snow-removal plan to be put to the test
Boroughs have 12 hours to start clearing streets or face penalty
Montreal's blue collar workers have exactly 12 hours starting Wednesday morning to begin snow removal operations after the city's first winter storm.
It is the first test of the city's new centralized snow-removal policy, which Mayor Denis Coderre unveiled in August.
- Snow removal cleanup to get more city oversight
- Montreal winter storm hampers drive, leads to flight cancellations
"People are happy to finally see snow but they'll be equally happy that we're removing it," said Anie Samson, the vice-president of the city's executive committee.
The snowstorm that continues to slam Quebec and Ontario is expected to bring a total of 15 to 40 centimetres of snow to Montreal by Tuesday's end.
Samson announced that boroughs will start clearing streets at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Under the new policy, they have a 12-hour grace period to begin snow removal operations or they will face a fine.
It is the first time since 2001 that the city will run snow removal operations instead of the individual boroughs.
Residents can check the Info-Neige mobile application for real-time information and updates on snow removal in their neighbourhoods.
There will be no snow removal operations during the holidays from the evening of Dec. 31 until Jan. 2.