What you need to know about Montreal's snow-clearing operation

CBC

18-02-2025

Montreal just got hit with two consecutive winter storms, which dumped a record-breaking 75 centimetres of snow on the city over four days.
As folks continue to dig out their cars and trudge down uncleared sidewalks, you might be wondering how the city's snow-clearing operation is going.
City spokesperson Philippe Sabourin answered some key questions to help you navigate the situation.
What progress has the city made so far?
Sabourin reported that the snow-clearing rate was around 10 per cent per day, and that around 50 per cent of Montreal's sidewalks were still covered with snow as of Tuesday.
Because of the intense amount of snow, the city has said the snow-clearing operation will take at least eight days — longer than usual.
He added that the city had carried out a "special operation" over the weekend in boroughs with narrow streets, and that as many as 1,000 kilometres of the city's network had been cleared of snow.
Why is the snow-clearing operation expected to take so long?
Sabourin said it usually takes four days to clear 20 centimetres of snow with a progression of 25 per cent clearance per day.
He says that due to the volume of snow that has fallen in the last few days, the snowblower needs to be used two to three times in the same area instead of just once.
Another reason for the delay, Sabourin says, is the amount of cars the city needs to tow during the operation.
"Every time we tow a car, we lose about five to 10 minutes," he said.
Sabourin urged Montrealers to obey the "no parking" signs to speed up the snow-clearing operations across the city.
How does the city prioritize which streets and sidewalks to clear?
According to the city's website, snow is cleared from streets based on three levels of priority:
Major thoroughfares, access to schools and health institutions, priority bus routes and reserved lanes, major shopping streets.
Collector streets, local shopping streets, other bus routes.
Industrial and residential areas.
When will my trash be picked up?
Sabourin said garbage and recycling collection would be suspended for the week.
He's asking Montrealers to keep their garbage bags on their balconies or in their homes. He's also encouraging them to bring any bags they see on snow banks near their homes to avoid obstructing the passage of snowplows.
"The garbage will turn into a block of ice in the coming hours and if we go with a blower, we will jam the blower. We will get some broken equipment and that's going to slow down the operation," he said.
How many snow disposal sites does the city have?
Sabourin said there are a total of 24 snow disposal sites across the city.
He said there are no concerns over Montreal's ability to get rid of all the snow or the associated costs, as the city has a budget of $200 million for snow removal.
One of the biggest snow dumps in the city is the Angrignon site in LaSalle, which has piles of snow reaching 30 metres.
"It's as high as a 10-storey building," he said.
The city is also using the sewers to get rid of snow by melting it into the wastewater.
What should you do if you can't park on the street?
Sabourin said there are more than 8,500 free overnight parking spots across the city in the event that you must move your car during street-clearing operations.
He advised people to visit the city's website where there is an interactive map indicating where you can park in your neighbourhood.