Winter sidewalk maintenance review 2019/2020

Walking is one of the most common – and environmentally friendly – forms of travel amongst Kitchener residents. Whether you’re commuting to your daily activities, walking the family dog or exploring the city’s limits; safe, accessible and clear winter sidewalk conditions are an important factor to ensuring all members of our community can navigate around the city.

Recognizing the importance of safe, accessible and clear winter sidewalk conditions, the City of Kitchener is continuing the winter sidewalk maintenance review. The review began during the winter 2018/2019 season, implementing several pilot projects to determine age-friendly options, creative programs and services for winter sidewalk maintenance.

Through this review, we have heard concerns from some residents that the current bylaw standard for clearing sidewalks (outlined in section 687 of Kitchener’s bylaw) is unachievable and an un-realistic expectation.

Council has directed staff to further explore these concerns - unpacking the challenges and understanding the experiences of residents - to investigate whether an alternative standard is a viable solution.

Please provide your input through the following survey by Sept 30, 2019